Pericardial Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure
Pericardial mesothelioma can be a rare type of mesothelioma, which is found in the lining of the heart (pericardium). This type of mesothelioma generally causes symptoms like chest pain or fatigue that may mimic other health conditions.
It can take a long time for symptoms to show up after exposure to asbestos. This makes it difficult to make a diagnosis. Patients should discuss their history of exposure to asbestos with their physician to make sure they get a proper diagnosis.
What is the cause of mesothelioma pericardial?
Pericardial Mesothelioma, a form of cancer, that is found in the thin membrane that lines the heart. This is one of the rarest mesothelioma types, making up about 1% to 2% of
mesothelioma lawyers cases. Similar to mesothelioma types, pericardial mesothelioma is connected to asbestos exposure.
Asbestos is a mineral that occurs naturally, was used for decades in a variety of commercial and household items. Its fibers can be easily inhaled, swallowed or caught in the tissues of the chest and abdominal cavities. Mesothelioma forms when the fibrils become irritated and form tumors that then spread throughout the body.
Doctors have only found a link between asbestos exposure and pericardial mesothelioma only in a small number of instances. Although they do not know what causes asbestos-related cancer of the pericardium to develop however, they do know that around one quarter of mesothelioma patients are affected. This is partly because it typically occurs years after exposure to asbestos.
In most instances, a person exposed to asbestos can develop pleural mesothelioma, which is found in the lungs and lining of the chest wall. However, they could also develop peritoneal melanoma, located in the abdomen, or testicular mesothelioma, in the male testes. It is sometimes difficult to identify pericardial mesothelioma if the symptoms are similar to other heart diseases.
The signs of pericardial asbestosis tend to progress slowly and may affect the ability of breathing. These symptoms include chest pain, breathing difficulties and a fluid accumulation around the heart known as pericardial effusion. The condition is diagnosed by a doctor using an echocardiogram (an ultrasound of the heart) or biopsy.
A mesothelioma specialist can help determine if a patient has 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 cancer include genetics, an impaired immune system and radiation exposure. People with mesothelioma in their family are at a higher risk of developing it as well.
Symptoms
Like other types of mesothelioma, pericardial mesothelioma is a result of asbestos fibers enter the tissue that surrounds the heart. This rare type of cancer, which accounts for less than one percent of mesothelioma that is malignant is found most often in those who have been exposed to asbestos in their work environment or in close proximity to someone who has been affected by asbestos. The symptoms of mesothelioma in the pericardium can be different and can mimic other conditions and make it difficult to determine the cause.
When asbestos particles stick to the pericardium's lining, they can cause tumors to expand and increase the thickness of the membrane. Doctors aren't sure how pericardial cancer develops, however, they believe asbestos particles are the cause. The majority of doctors believe that the cancer grew from a different part of the body, such as the abdominal cavity or the lungs (the peritoneum) and then it spread to the lining of the heart.
The lining of the chest and abdomen are known as the mesothelium. This is the primary location for the majority of mesothelioma tumors develop. The disease may also start in the lining of the peritoneum or in the testicles, though this is far less frequent.
After exposure to asbestos, symptoms of
mesothelioma lawsuits can take years to show up. The symptoms may be similar to those of other illnesses that cause chest pain, difficulty in breathing, fatigue, and weight loss. In some cases the pericardial tumor can cause clubbing, which is a condition where fingers become swollen and appear more rounded than normal.
Doctors diagnose
mesothelioma lawsuits of pericardium by looking at the patient's medical history. They will inquire with the patient about previous asbestos exposure and will perform imaging tests such as x-rays, CT scans, and an echocardiogram in order to evaluate the pericardium. To complete the diagnosis they'll also take samples of fluid or tissue.
Pericardial mesothelioma is a very rare condition, and a lot of doctors do not recognize the signs. It is crucial for patients to report all of their symptoms to their doctor so that they can be tested for mesothelioma and other ailments. The taking of our Symptom Checklist along to your appointment will help ensure that your doctor is aware of all the symptoms you are experiencing and will be able to correctly determine if you are suffering from mesothelioma or another condition.
Diagnosis
Pericardial mesothelioma can be difficult to diagnose. The symptoms can be similar to other heart conditions and may not be apparent until the disease has advanced. Asbestos exposure can take place years before pericardial malignancies are diagnosed and it is difficult to detect the link. Anyone who has a history of asbestos exposure should be able to share their asbestos exposure history with doctors and ask about asbestos-related symptoms.
Doctors don't know the specific cause of the pericardial msothelioma. They believe it is caused by asbestos fibers that move from the lung into the pericardium to cause irritation to tissue. As time passes the tissues that are irritated transform into cancerous cells which develop into tumors. Fluid builds up around the heart due to the tumors, and the resulting pressure puts stress on the organ, which leads to symptoms.
X-rays or CT scans are generally done by doctors first to detect any signs of tumors or excess fluids. Then they run tests of blood to confirm the presence of mesothelioma and determine the extent of any spread of cancerous cells.
Mesothelioma patients should also be prepared to discuss their employment history with a physician. Asbestos workers are at a higher risk of developing asbestos-related illnesses, including lung cancer and mesothelioma. Patients with an asbestos-related history could be eligible for compensation through a
Mesothelioma Lawsuit (
Squareblogs.Net).
A lawyer with experience in asbestos litigation can help you understand the legal options that are available to you if or someone you love has been exposed to asbestos and has developed pericardial Mesothelioma. Contact Madeksho Law Firm for a free consultation today. There is no cost unless we recover compensation on your behalf.
The pericardial
mesothelioma lawyers at Madeksho Law Firm have helped hundreds of veterans and their families with asbestos-related cases. Our lawyers are knowledgeable of the various laws that affect asbestos victims and can ensure that you receive all the benefits to which you are entitled. Get started on your claim today by filling out our online form or calling us. We'll guide you through the entire process from start to the end. Contact us at 1-888-654-7635. Download our free Veterans Packet for more information about your benefits.
Treatment
In order to properly diagnose pericardial mesothelioma, doctors need to conduct physical examinations and inquire with patients about their asbestos exposure background. They can then perform a variety of tests, such as Xrays, CT Scans, echocardiograms and biopsies, to pinpoint the symptoms and determine if there is fluid buildup in the pericardium.
It can take as long as 60 years for asbestos fibers to reach the lining of the heart and cause cancerous cells to develop. Because of this lengthy time between latency, it is important for anyone experiencing mesothelioma-related symptoms to consult an expert doctor right away. They should also be honest about their past exposure to asbestos so they can receive the most effective treatment possible.
Pericardial Mesothelioma, one of the rarest forms of mesothelioma is responsible for less than one percent of all cases of mesothelioma diagnosed. This is partly due to the difficulty of diagnosing this disease since it can mimic other heart diseases or signs.
The first step in the diagnosis process is a physical examination conducted by a physician who will listen to the patient's breathing pattern and heartbeat. The doctor may also order a CT or MRI scan of the chest in order to look for tumors and areas of swelling. If they find fluid accumulation in the pericardium, they'll likely request an echocardiogram to observe how well the heart is functioning and to see if there is any thickening of the lining.
If the doctor is able to determine there is a tumor or fluid accumulation in the pericardium, they will perform a biopsy to confirm their diagnosis and determine if it is malignant. During a biopsy, doctors remove small samples of fluid or tissue and send them to the laboratory for further testing.
A lot of patients with pericardial sarcoidosis will not survive because the treatment options are more limited than for other kinds. However, there are some new treatment options being studied which could provide better results for patients. Gene therapy is one such method. It involves adding or eliminating certain genes from the body of a patient in order to fight specific diseases. Immunotherapy is a different option, which aims to build an individual's immunity to fight cancer.