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 usually causes symptoms like chest discomfort or fatigue, which can mimic other health conditions.
It can take a long time for symptoms to show up after asbestos exposure. This makes a diagnosis difficult. The best way to make a correct diagnosis is to discuss their experience of asbestos exposure with their physician.
What is the cause of pericardial mesothelioma?
Pericardial mesothelioma is a cancer that develops in thin membrane that lines the heart, known as the pericardium. This is a rare form of mesothelioma which accounts for 1% to 2 percent of all cases. Similar to mesothelioma types, pericardial mesothelioma is connected to asbestos exposure.
Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that was utilized in a variety of household and commercial products for decades. The fibers are easily swallowed, inhaled or trapped in the tissues of the chest and abdominal cavities. Mesothelioma develops when the fibrils become irritated and form tumors that eventually spread throughout the body.
Only a few doctors have discovered a connection between asbestos exposure and mesothelioma pericardia. While they don't know how asbestos causes this cancer of the pericardium, they do know that approximately a quarter all mesothelioma patients are affected. This is partly because it is usually diagnosed decades after exposure to asbestos.
In most instances, a person who is exposed to asbestos will develop pleural mesothelioma, which is found in the lungs and lining of the chest wall. There is also the possibility of developing testicular or peritoneal msothelioma that is found male testes. It is sometimes difficult to identify pericardial mesothelioma lawyers when the symptoms are similar to other heart conditions.
Symptoms of pericardial mesothelioma tend to appear gradually and affect the ability to breathe. The symptoms include chest pain, trouble breathing, and a buildup of fluid around the heart, which is known as pericardial effusion. A doctor can identify this condition by performing an echocardiogram which is an ultrasound scan of the heart or a pericardial biopsy.
A mesothelioma specialist will determine if a patient is suffering from this rare form of disease and help them find the best treatment. In addition to asbestos exposure, other factors that can increase the risk of pericardial mesothelioma include genetics as well as an impaired immune system, and radiation exposure. Patients with mesothelioma-related family history are at a higher risk as well.
Signs and symptoms
Pericardial mesothelioma can also be caused by asbestos fibers reaching the tissue surrounding the heart. This rare type of cancer, which makes up less than one percent of all malignant cases of mesothelioma, is most commonly found in those who have been exposed to asbestos in their work environment or in close proximity to someone who has been affected by asbestos. Pericardial mesothelioma lawyers symptoms can vary and may be a sign of other diseases and make it difficult to determine the cause.
Pericardial mesothelioma can occur when asbestos particles cling to the lining of the pericardium and begin to develop tumors which thicken the membrane. It is believed that this is what causes mesothelioma lawsuit of the pericardium, but doctors aren't sure how it develops. Most doctors believe that the cancer spreads from another area of the body like the abdomen, lungs (peritoneum), and then to the lining in the heart.
The mesothelium is the lining for both the chest and abdomen. This is where the majority of mesothelioma tumors develop. The disease can also start in the peritoneal lining or in the testicles but this is not as frequent.
After exposure to asbestos, symptoms of mesothelioma can take years to manifest. These symptoms can be similar to those of other illnesses that cause chest pain, difficulty breathing, fatigue, and weight loss. In some instances, pericardial mesothelioma could cause clubbing of the fingers, a condition in which the fingers swell and appear more round than normal.
Doctors determine if pericardial mesothelioma is a cancer the patient's medical history and symptoms. They will ask 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 will also collect an x-ray or a sample of tissue.
Pericardial mesothelioma is a very rare condition, and many doctors are not aware of the signs. Patients should report any symptoms to their physician to be tested for mesothelioma or other conditions. Taking our Symptom Checklist with you prior to your appointment will ensure that your doctor is aware of the symptoms you are experiencing and can correctly diagnose you.
Diagnosis
Pericardial mesothelioma is difficult to identify. Its symptoms are often akin to more common heart disorders and may not show up until the condition has advanced significantly. Moreover, asbestos exposure can happen decades before the onset of pericardial mesothelioma, making the connection difficult to recognize. Anyone with a history of asbestos should share their exposure history with their doctors and inquire about any asbestos-related symptoms.
Doctors aren't sure of the specific cause of the pericardial msothelioma. They believe it is caused by asbestos fibers that migrate from the lung to the pericardium and cause irritation to tissue. Over time the tissue that has been irritated transforms into cancerous cells that grow into tumors and enlarge the pericardium. The pericardium is filled with fluid around the heart due to the tumors and the pressure that results puts stress on the organ and leads to symptoms.
X-rays or CT scans are generally done by doctors first to detect any abnormal fluids or tumors. Then they run tests on blood to confirm the presence of mesothelioma and determine the extent of any spread of the cancerous cells.
Patients with mesothelioma should also be prepared to discuss their history of work with their doctor. Asbestos workers are at greater risk of developing asbestos related illnesses, like lung cancer and mesothelioma. Patients who have had an asbestos-related history could be eligible for compensation through a mesothelioma lawsuit.
If you or someone close to you has been exposed to asbestos and recently been diagnosed with pericardial cancer, a lawyer with experience in asbestos litigation can help you know your legal options. Contact Madeksho Law Firm for a free consultation today. There is no fee unless we collect compensation on your behalf.
The pericardial mesothelioma attorneys at Madeksho Law Firm have helped hundreds of veterans and their families with asbestos-related cases. Our lawyers are well-versed in the numerous laws that affect asbestos victims and will ensure that you get all the benefits to which you are entitled. Start your claim today by filling out our online form or by calling us. We will help you through the entire process. Our number is 1-888-654 7635. You can also download our free Veterans Packet to learn about the benefits you have available to you.
Treatment
Doctors must conduct physical exams and ask patients questions about their asbestos exposure in order to determine if pericardial mesothelioma is a cancer. They can then use a series of tests, including X-rays, CT Scans, echocardiograms and biopsies, to pinpoint the signs and determine if there's fluid accumulation in the pericardium.
Asbestos fibers can take up 60 years to reach the lining inside the heart, where they cause cancerous cells. It is vital that anyone with mesothelioma symptoms seek out a physician immediately because of the long latency period. It is also essential to be upfront about their past exposure to asbestos in order to receive the most effective treatment.
Pericardial Mesothelioma (PM), one of the rarest forms of mesothelioma is responsible for less than 1percent of all cases of mesothelioma diagnosed. This is due in part to the difficulty in diagnosing this disease since it can mimic other heart diseases and signs.
A doctor will first look over the patient and observe their heartbeat and breathing. The physician may also order an MRI or CT scan of the chest to identify any areas of swelling and check for any tumors. If they find fluid in the pericardium, they will request an echocardiogram. This is to check the heart's functioning and to determine if the lining has thickened.
If the doctor is able to determine there is a tumor or fluid buildup in the pericardium, they will conduct a biopsy to confirm their diagnosis and determine whether it is malignant. When they conduct a biopsy doctors take small pieces of tissue or fluid and send them to a lab for further testing.
Since pericardial mesothelioma offers an enumeration of treatments than other types, a majority of sufferers will not recover from the cancer. However, there are new treatment methods being explored that could offer better outcomes for patients. One of these is gene therapy, which is the process of adding or removing genes from the body of a person in order to fight certain diseases. Immunotherapy is another option, that aims to boost the body's immune system to fight cancer.