Pericardial Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure
Pericardial Mesothelioma is a condition that affects the pericardium, which is a tissue that surrounds the heart. This kind of mesothelioma could cause symptoms like fatigue or chest pain that may mimic other ailments.
These symptoms can take years to manifest following exposure to
asbestos attorney which makes a diagnosis difficult. The best way to make a correct diagnosis is to discuss their experience of exposure to asbestos with their physician.
What causes mesothelioma of the pericardium?
Pericardial mesothelioma occurs in the thin membrane that lines the heart, known as the pericardium. It is among the rarest mesothelioma types, making up about one-third to 2 percent of all mesothelioma cases. As with all types of mesothelioma, pericardial is associated with asbestos exposure.
Asbestos is a mineral that occurs naturally has been used for a long time in a variety of household and commercial products. The toxic fibers can be swallowed or inhaled and they can end up in the chest's lining and abdominal cavities. Mesothelioma forms when the fibrils become irritated and form tumors that eventually spread throughout the body.
Doctors have only discovered a link between exposure to asbestos and pericardial mesothelioma in a small number of instances. They still do not fully understand how asbestos leads to the development of this cancer in the pericardium, but they do know that it occurs in about a quarter of all patients diagnosed with mesothelioma. This is in part because it usually occurs years after asbestos exposure.
Most people who are exposed to asbestos develop pleural msothelioma. This cancer forms in the lung's lining and chest wall. They may also develop testicular or peritoneal msothelioma in male testes. It can be difficult to identify pericardial mesothelioma when the symptoms are similar to those of other heart problems.
The signs of pericardial asbestosis tend to develop gradually and can affect the ability to breathe. The symptoms include breathing difficulties, chest pain and a build-up of fluid around the heart known as pericardial effusion. The condition is diagnosed by a doctor with an echocardiogram (an ultrasound of the heart) or biopsy.
A mesothelioma specialist can determine if a patient suffers from this rare form of the disease and assist them in finding the best treatment. Other factors, including genetics, an weakened immune system, and exposure to radiation could increase the risk of mesothelioma of the pericardium. A family history of the disease also increases your risk.
Symptoms
As with other mesothelioma types, pericardial mesothelioma is a result of asbestos fibers reach the tissue that surrounds the heart. This rare type of cancer, which accounts for less than 1% of mesothelioma that is malignant is found most often in people who have been exposed to asbestos at work or in close proximity to someone who has been affected by asbestos. Pericardial Mesothelioma may present with various symptoms that are difficult to diagnose.
Pericardial mesothelioma may occur when
asbestos legal particles cling to the pericardial lining and begin to grow into tumors that enlarge the membrane. It is believed that this is what causes mesothelioma of the pericardium, but doctors know little about how it develops. Most doctors think that the cancer originated from an area of the body, such as the abdominal cavity or the lungs (the peritoneum) and then it spread to the lining of the heart.
The mesothelium is the lining of both the chest and abdomen. This is where the majority of mesothelioma tumors develop. The disease may also begin in the peritoneal lining or in the testicles, however this is much less common.
The symptoms of mesothelioma such as mesothelioma pericardial may take years to show up after exposure to asbestos. These symptoms are typically similar to other illnesses and can include chest pain, difficulties breathing and weight loss, fatigue, and a constant cough. In a few cases, pericardial mesothelioma may cause a swollen finger this is a condition that causes the fingers expand and appear more round than normal.
Doctors identify pericardial mesothelioma on the basis of the patient's medical history and symptoms. They will ask the patient about previous
asbestos settlement exposure and will perform imaging tests such as x rays, CT scans, and an echocardiogram in order to look at the pericardium. To make sure they are able to determine the cause they will also collect samples of fluid or tissue.
Pericardial Mesothelioma, a rare condition that is not acknowledged by a lot of doctors, can cause serious symptoms. Patients should report all symptoms to their doctor in order to be tested for mesothelioma and other ailments. Taking our Symptom Checklist with you to your appointment will ensure that your doctor is aware of all the symptoms you are experiencing and can correctly determine if you are suffering from mesothelioma or another condition.
Diagnosis
Diagnosing pericardial cancer can be difficult. The symptoms may be similar to other heart diseases and may not manifest until the disease has advanced. Asbestos exposure can take place years before pericardial msothelioma can be diagnosed which makes it difficult to detect the link. Anyone with a history of asbestos exposure should consult their doctor about any symptoms that may be related to asbestos.
The cause of mesothelioma of the pericardial region is not known however, doctors believe that it is caused by asbestos fibers that move from the lungs to the pericardium, and cause irritation to the tissue there. Over time the tissues that are irritated transform into cancerous cells that develop into tumors. As a result of tumors, fluid accumulates around the organ. This pressure causes symptoms.
Typically, doctors will first conduct imaging tests such as Xrays and CT scans to identify any abnormal fluids or tumors. Then, they conduct blood tests to confirm the presence of mesothelioma and determine the extent to which cancerous cells are growing.
Mesothelioma patients should also be prepared to discuss their occupational medical history with a doctor.
asbestos legal workers are at a higher risk of developing asbestos-related diseases such as mesothelioma and lung cancer. Patients with an asbestos-related history may qualify for compensation through a mesothelioma lawsuit.
If you or someone close to you has been exposed to asbestos and has recently developed pericardial mesothelioma, a lawyer who is experienced in
asbestos litigation can assist you to determine your legal options. Contact Madeksho Law Firm today for a free consultation. There is no charge unless we seek compensation on your behalf.
The pericardial mesothelioma lawyers at Madeksho Law Firm have helped hundreds of veterans and their families in asbestos-related cases. Our lawyers are well-versed in the laws that apply to asbestos victims, and can assist you in obtaining the benefits you deserve. Start your claim today by filling out our online form or calling us. We will walk you through the entire process from start to finish. Contact us at 1-888-654-7635. Or, download our free Veterans Packet to learn about the benefits you have available to you.
Treatment
Doctors must conduct physical examinations and ask patients questions about their
asbestos lawyer exposure in order to determine if pericardial mesothelioma is a cancer. They can then use different tests such as X-rays CT Scans, Echocardiograms and Biopsies to locate the symptoms.
Asbestos fibers can require up to 60 years to reach the lining of the heart, where they cause cancerous cells. It is vital that anyone who has mesothelioma-related symptoms seek out a physician immediately due to the lengthy time of latency. They should also be open about their previous exposure to asbestos so that they can ensure they receive the most effective treatment.
Pericardial mesothelioma is one of the mesothelioma forms that are rare and accounts for only about 1% of all mesothelioma cases diagnosed. This is due in part to the difficulty of identifying this condition because it can be a symptom of other heart diseases and symptoms.
The first step in the diagnosis process is a physical examination by an expert physician who listens to a patient's breathing and heartbeat. The doctor may also order a CT or MRI scan of the chest to check for tumors and areas of swelling. If they discover fluid in the pericardium they will require an echocardiogram. This is to assess the heart's function and determine if the lining has thickened.
Once the doctor has concluded there is a tumor or a fluid accumulation in the pericardium, they will perform a biopsy to confirm their diagnosis and determine whether it is malignant. When they conduct a biopsy, doctors remove small samples of fluid or tissue and send them to the laboratory for further testing.
Since pericardial mesothelioma is an enumeration of treatments than other types, many victims will not survive the disease. New treatment methods are being studied to offer better outcomes for patients. One such method involves gene therapy, which entails adding or removing genes from a body in order to fight certain diseases. Immunotherapy is another option which aims to build a patient's immunity to fight cancer.