Pericardial Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure
Pericardial Mesothelioma is a condition that affects the pericardium, which is a lining of the heart. This kind of mesothelioma usually results in symptoms such as chest discomfort or fatigue, which can be similar to other health conditions.
These symptoms may take years to develop following asbestos exposure which makes a diagnosis difficult. The best way to make an accurate diagnosis is for patients to share their experiences of exposure to asbestos with their doctor.
What causes mesothelioma of the pericardium?
Pericardial Mesothelioma, a form of cancer, that develops in the thin membrane lining the heart. It is among the rarest mesothelioma types that account for 1% to 2% of all mesothelioma cases. Similar to
mesothelioma lawsuit types, pericardial mesothelioma is connected to asbestos exposure.
Asbestos is a type of naturally occurring mineral that was utilized in a variety of commercial and household items for many years. Its toxic fibers are easily inhaled or swallowed, and can be caught in the chest's lining and abdominal cavities. Mesothelioma develops when the fibrils irritate and form tumors.
Doctors have only identified an association between asbestos exposure and pericardial mesothelioma only in a handful of cases. While they don't know what causes asbestos-related cancer of the pericardium to develop, they do know that around one quarter of mesothelioma patients are affected. This is due to the fact that it is usually diagnosed decades after exposure to asbestos.
The majority of people exposed to asbestos develop pleural msothelioma. This cancer is found in the lung's lining as well as the chest wall. However, they could also develop peritoneal mesothelioma, located in the abdomen, or testicular mesothelioma, which is found in the testes of males. If they are diagnosed with pericardial mesothelioma it may be difficult to diagnose because symptoms can be similar to those of other heart conditions.
The signs of pericardial asbestosis tend to be gradual and may affect your ability to breathe. These symptoms include chest pain, breathing difficulties and a build-up of fluid around the heart, referred to as pericardial effusion. This condition can be diagnosed by a physician using an echocardiogram (an ultrasound of the heart) or a biopsy.
A mesothelioma specialist can determine if a patient is suffering from the rare form of the disease and recommend the best treatment. In addition to asbestos exposure other factors that could increase the risk of developing pericardial mesothelioma include genetics as well as an impaired immune system, and radiation exposure. Those with mesothelioma in their family are at a higher risk as well.
Signs and symptoms
Pericardial
mesothelioma lawsuit can also be caused by asbestos fibers reaching the tissue surrounding the heart. This rare form of cancer, which accounts for less than 1% of mesothelioma that is malignant is typically found in people exposed to asbestos at work or in close proximity to someone who has been affected by asbestos. The symptoms of
mesothelioma lawsuit in the pericardium can be different and mimic other conditions, making diagnosis difficult.
Pericardial mesothelioma may occur when asbestos particles adhere to the lining of the pericardium and begin to develop tumors that thicken the membrane. Doctors do not know how pericardial cancer develops, but they believe that asbestos particles are the cause. Most doctors believe that the cancer spreads from another area of the body, such as the lungs, abdominal cavity (peritoneum), and then to the lining in the heart.
The lining of the abdomen and chest are called the mesothelium, which is the main site for the majority of mesothelioma tumors develop. The disease can also start in the lining of the peritoneum or in the testicles however this is much less common.
After asbestos exposure, mesothelioma symptoms may take years to manifest. The symptoms may be similar to those of other diseases such as chest pain, difficulty breathing fatigue, fatigue, and weight loss. In a few instances, pericardial mesothelioma may cause clubbing of the fingers, a condition in which the fingers expand and appear rounder than usual.
Doctors diagnose mesothelioma of pericardium by looking at the patient's medical history. They will inquire about previous exposure to asbestos and perform imaging tests, like x-rays, CT scans and an echocardiogram to examine the pericardium. To confirm the diagnosis they'll also take samples of fluid or tissue.
Pericardial Mesothelioma, a rare condition that isn't recognized by many doctors, can cause serious symptoms. Patients should report all symptoms to their doctor to be tested for mesothelioma or other diseases. Bring our Symptom Checklist with you to your appointment will help ensure that your doctor is aware of all the symptoms you are experiencing and can accurately diagnose you.
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 happen years before pericardial malignancies are diagnosed which makes it difficult to determine the connection. Anyone who has a history of asbestos exposure should speak to their physician about any signs that could be due to asbestos.
The reason for pericardial mesothelioma remains unknown, but doctors believe that it occurs when asbestos fibers migrate from the lungs to the pericardium and irritate the tissues there. As time passes the tissues that are irritated transform into cancerous cells which grow into tumors. Because of tumors, fluid forms around the organ. This pressure causes symptoms.
X-rays or CT scans are typically done by doctors first to detect any signs of tumors or excess fluids. Then they run blood tests to confirm the presence of mesothelioma, and determine the extent of any spread of the cancerous cells.
Patients with
mesothelioma lawyer must be ready to discuss their work history with their doctor. Asbestos workers have a high risk of developing asbestos-related diseases, including lung cancer and mesothelioma. Patients with an asbestos-related history may qualify for compensation through a
mesothelioma lawsuit.
If you or a loved one has been exposed to asbestos and has been diagnosed with pericardial cancer, a lawyer who is experienced in asbestos litigation can help you understand your legal options. Call Madeksho Law Firm for a free consultation today. There is no fee unless we recover compensation on your behalf.
Madeksho Law Firm has helped hundreds of veterans who have asbestos-related cases. Our lawyers are knowledgeable of the laws that affect asbestos victims and can assist you in obtaining the benefits you deserve. Get started on your claim now by filling out our online form or by calling us. We will walk you through the entire process from start to the point of completion. Our number is 1-888-654-7635. You can also download our free Veterans Packet to learn about the benefits available to you.
Treatment
To be able to accurately determine if pericardial mesothelioma is present, doctors need to conduct physical examinations and talk to patients about their asbestos exposure background. They can then use a variety of tests, including X-rays, CT Scans, echocardiograms and biopsies to identify the signs and determine if there's an accumulation of fluid in the pericardium.
It can take up to 60 years for asbestos fibers to penetrate the lining of the heart and cause cancerous cells to develop. Because of this lengthy latency period, it is essential for anyone suffering from mesothelioma-related symptoms to see a physician immediately. It is also essential to be upfront about their prior exposure to asbestos to ensure they receive the most effective treatment.
Pericardial mesothelioma is among the
mesothelioma lawyer forms that are rare and accounts for only about 1% of all mesothelioma cases diagnosed. This is partly due to the difficulty of diagnosing this condition since it can mimic other heart conditions or signs.
A doctor will first assess the patient and listen to their heartbeat and breathing. The doctor might also request a CT or MRI scan of the chest to look for tumors and to identify areas of swelling. If they detect fluid in the pericardium they will require an echocardiogram. This will be used to evaluate the heart's functioning and to determine whether the lining has become thicker.
If the doctor is able to determine that there is a buildup of fluid or a tumor in the pericardium they will conduct an examination to confirm the diagnosis and determine if it's malignant. During the biopsy, doctors will remove tiny pieces of tissue or fluid and send them to a lab to be tested further.
Many victims of pericardial sarcoidosis are not able to survive due to the fact that the treatment options are more limited than for other types. However, there are new treatment options being studied which could provide better results for patients. One of these is gene therapy, which entails the addition or removal of genes from a person's body in order to fight diseases. Immunotherapy is another option that aims to boost the body's immune system to fight cancer.