Pericardial Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure
Pericardial Mesothelioma occurs in the pericardium, a tissue that surrounds the heart. This type of mesothelioma can cause symptoms such as chest pain and fatigue that may be similar to other conditions.
The symptoms can take a long time to develop following asbestos exposure and can be difficult to diagnose. Patients should discuss their experience of exposure to asbestos with their doctor to ensure a reliable diagnosis.
What is the cause of pericardial mesothelioma?
Pericardial
mesothelioma lawsuits is a type of cancer that grows in the thin membrane that lines the heart. This is a rare type of mesothelioma which accounts for 1% to 2 % of all cases. Like all forms of mesothelioma, the pericardial type is also linked to asbestos exposure.
Asbestos, a naturally occurring mineral that was extensively used in a wide range of commercial and household items. Its harmful fibers can be inhaled or swallowed, and they can get caught in the chest's lining and abdominal cavities. Mesothelioma forms when the fibrils are irritated, and they form tumors that spread to other parts of the body.
Doctors have only found a link between asbestos exposure and pericardial mesothelioma in a handful of instances. Although they aren't sure the exact mechanism that causes asbestos-related cancer of the pericardium to grow but they do know that approximately 25% of mesothelioma sufferers are affected. This is partly because it is usually diagnosed decades after asbestos exposure.
Most people who are exposed to asbestos develop pleural msothelioma. The cancer develops in the lung's lining as well as the chest wall. They may also develop testicular or peritoneal mesothelioma within male testes. It is sometimes difficult to diagnose pericardial msothelioma when the symptoms are similar to other heart conditions.
The symptoms of pericardial asbestosis usually progress slowly and may affect the ability of breathing. The symptoms include chest pain, breathing difficulties and a fluid accumulation around the heart known as pericardial effusion. The condition can be diagnosed by a physician using an echocardiogram (an ultrasound of the heart) or biopsy.
A mesothelioma specialist can help determine if a patient has the rare form of this disease and determine the most effective treatment. Other factors, including genetics, an weakened immune system, and radiation exposure, can increase the risk for mesothelioma pericardial. A family history of the disease also increases the risk.
Signs and symptoms
As with other mesothelioma types, pericardial mesothelioma occurs when asbestos fibers reach the tissue that surrounds the heart. This rare type of cancer, which accounts for less than 1% of all malignant cases of mesothelioma, is most commonly found in those who have been exposed to asbestos in their work environment or within close proximity to someone who has been affected by asbestos. The symptoms of mesothelioma in the pericardium can be different and may be a sign of other diseases, making diagnosis difficult.
As asbestos particles attach to the pericardium lining, they can cause tumors to develop and make the membrane thicker. Doctors don't know how pericardial cancer develops, but they believe that asbestos particles are responsible for the development. The majority of doctors believe that the cancer grew from an area of the body, like the abdominal cavity or the lungs (the peritoneum) and then spread to the lining of the heart.
The abdomen and chest are known as the mesothelium. It is the main site for mesothelioma tumors to develop. The disease can also begin in the linings of the peritoneum and testicles. However, this is much less common.
The symptoms of mesothelioma, such as mesothelioma pericardial may take years to surface after exposure to asbestos. The symptoms may be similar to those of other illnesses such as chest pain, trouble breathing fatigue, fatigue, and weight loss. In some instances, pericardial msothelioma can cause clubbing, an illness where fingers get swollen and look more round than normal.
Doctors identify pericardial mesothelioma on the basis of the patient's medical history and symptoms. They will inquire with the patient about previous asbestos exposure and will perform imaging tests like x rays, CT scans, and an echocardiogram in order to evaluate the pericardium. To make sure they are able to determine the cause, they will also take samples of fluid or tissue.
Pericardial Mesothelioma is a rare condition that isn't acknowledged by a lot of doctors, can cause serious symptoms. Patients should report all symptoms to their doctor to be tested for mesothelioma and other diseases. Bring our Symptom Checklist to your appointment can ensure your doctor is aware of your symptoms and can accurately diagnose you.
Diagnosis
Pericardial mesothelioma is difficult to recognize. The symptoms may be similar to other heart diseases and may not be apparent until the disease has advanced. In addition, exposure to asbestos can occur years before the onset of pericardial mesothelioma, making the link hard to recognize. Anyone with a history involving asbestos exposure should speak to their physician about any signs that may be related to asbestos.
Doctors aren't sure of the exact cause of pericardial msothelioma, but they believe it is caused by asbestos fibers that move from the lung to the pericardium and irritate tissue. In time, the irritated tissue mutates into cancerous cells that develop into tumors and thicken the pericardium. The pericardium is filled with fluid around the heart due to the tumors and the resulting pressure causes pressure on the organ and results in symptoms.
X-rays or CT scans are usually performed first by doctors to look for any tumors or excessive fluids. Then, they conduct tests on blood to confirm the presence of mesothelioma, and determine the extent of any spread of the cancerous cells.
Mesothelioma patients should also be prepared to discuss their employment medical history with a doctor. Asbestos workers are at a greater chance of developing asbestos-related diseases, such as mesothelioma and lung cancer. Patients who have an asbestos-related history may be eligible for compensation via a
mesothelioma lawsuit.
A lawyer who has expertise in asbestos litigation can help you understand the legal options available to you if you or someone you love has been exposed asbestos and developed pericardial mesothelioma. Contact Madeksho Law Firm for a free consultation today. There is no charge unless we are able to obtain compensation for you.
The pericardial mesothelioma lawyers of Madeksho Law Firm have helped hundreds of veterans and their families in asbestos-related cases. Our lawyers are aware of the various laws that impact asbestos victims and can ensure that you receive all the benefits to which you are entitled. Start your claim now by filling out our online form or by calling us. We'll guide you through the entire process from beginning to the end. Our number is 1-888-654 7635. Or, download our free Veterans Packet to learn about the benefits available to you.
Treatment
To properly diagnose pericardial mesothelioma, doctors need to conduct physical examinations and inquire with patients about their asbestos exposure history. They can then employ different tests such as X-rays CT Scans, Echocardiograms and Biopsies to locate the symptoms.
Asbestos fibers can take as long as 60 years to reach the lining of the heart, where they trigger cancerous cells. It is crucial that anyone with mesothelioma symptoms see a doctor immediately because of the long latency period. They should also be open about their previous exposure to asbestos so that they can receive the most effective treatment.
Pericardial
mesothelioma lawsuits is among the
mesothelioma attorney forms that are rare and is the reason for only one percent of all mesothelioma cases that are diagnosed. This is due in part to the difficulty of diagnosing this condition since it may be similar to other heart diseases and signs.
The first step in the process of diagnosing is a physical examination conducted by an expert physician who listens to the patient's breathing pattern and heartbeat. The doctor can also request a CT or MRI scan of the chest in order to detect tumors and areas of swelling. If they find fluid in the pericardium they will order an echocardiogram. This is to assess the heart's functioning and to determine whether the lining has become thicker.
Once the doctor has concluded there is a tumor or fluid buildup in the pericardium they will conduct a biopsy to confirm their diagnosis and determine if it is malignant. During a biopsy doctors will take small amounts of tissue or fluid and send them to a lab for further testing.
Many victims of pericardial sarcoidosis will not survive because the treatment options are more limited than for other kinds. However, there are new treatment options being studied that could offer better outcomes for patients. One of these is gene therapy, which involves the addition or removal of genes from the body of a person to fight specific diseases. Another option is immunotherapy, which seeks to build a patient's immune system to fight the cancer.