Pericardial mesothelioma attorneys and Asbestos Exposure
Pericardial mesothelioma is a rare form of mesothelioma that occurs in the lining of the heart (pericardium). This type of mesothelioma typically causes symptoms like chest pain or fatigue that can mimic other health conditions.
These symptoms may take years to manifest following exposure to asbestos and can be difficult to diagnose. The best method to obtain an accurate diagnosis is to share their experiences of exposure to asbestos with their doctor.
What Causes Pericardial Mesothelioma?
Pericardial Mesothelioma is a type of cancer that is found in the thin membrane lining the heart. It is among the rarest forms of mesothelioma, making up about 1 to 2% of mesothelioma cases. Like all mesothelioma other types, pericardial mesothelioma is connected to asbestos exposure.
Asbestos is a mineral that occurs naturally has been used for a long time in a myriad of household and commercial products. Its fibers can be easily inhaled, swallowed or caught in the tissues of the abdominal and chest cavities. Mesothelioma is a condition that occurs when fibrils cause irritation and then form tumors.
A few doctors have found 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 about 25% of mesothelioma sufferers are affected. This is due to the fact that it typically occurs years after exposure to asbestos.
In most instances, an individual exposed to asbestos can develop pleural mesothelioma that forms in the lungs and forms a lining of the chest wall. However, they could also develop peritoneal mesothelioma, located in the abdomen or testicular mesothelioma, which is found in the male testes. It can be difficult to diagnose pericardial msothelioma if the symptoms are similar to other heart conditions.
The symptoms of pericardial asbestosis usually be gradual and may impair the ability to breathe. These symptoms include chest pain, breathing difficulties and a fluid accumulation around the heart known as pericardial effusion. This condition can be diagnosed by a doctor using an echocardiogram (an ultrasound of the heart) or a biopsy.
A mesothelioma expert 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 may increase the risk of developing pericardial cancer include genetics, an impaired immune system, and radiation exposure. A family history of the disease increases your risk.
Symptoms
Pericardial mesothelioma can also be caused by asbestos fibers affecting the heart's tissue. This rare form of cancer, which accounts for less than 1percent of mesothelioma that is malignant, is most commonly found in people exposed to asbestos in their work environment or within close proximity to people who have been affected by asbestos. Pericardial mesothelioma lawsuit is characterized by various symptoms that are difficult to identify.
As asbestos particles attach to the pericardium's lining, they can cause tumors to develop and increase the thickness of the membrane. It is thought that this is the reason for pericardial mesothelioma, though doctors aren't aware of how it develops. Most doctors think that the cancer originated from another area of the body, such as the abdominal cavity or the lungs (the peritoneum) and then moved to the lining of the heart.
The mesothelium is the lining of the abdomen and chest. This is the area where the majority of mesothelioma tumors are found. The disease may also start in the peritoneal lining or in the testicles however this is much less common.
Symptoms of mesothelioma, including pericardial mesothelioma can take a long time to surface after exposure to asbestos. These symptoms are often similar to other diseases and can include chest pain, difficulty breathing, weight loss, fatigue and an ongoing cough. In certain cases the pericardial tumor can cause clubbing, a condition where fingers get swollen and appear more rounded than normal.
Doctors diagnose mesothelioma in the pericardium based on a 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 check the pericardium. To make sure they are able to determine the cause, they will also take a sample of fluid or tissue.
Pericardial Mesothelioma, a rare condition that isn't acknowledged by a lot of doctors, can cause serious symptoms. It is crucial for patients to disclose all their symptoms to their doctor in order to be examined for mesothelioma as well as other conditions. Bring our Symptom Checklist along to your appointment will ensure that your doctor is aware of the symptoms you are experiencing and is able to properly determine if you are suffering from mesothelioma or another condition.
Diagnosis
The diagnosis of pericardial mesothelioma is difficult. Its symptoms are often akin to other heart conditions that are more common and may not show up until the disease has progressed substantially. Asbestos exposure can happen years before pericardial msothelioma can be diagnosed and it is difficult to determine the connection. Anyone with a history of asbestos exposure should consult their doctor about any symptoms that could be related to asbestos.
Doctors aren't sure of the exact cause of the pericardial msothelioma. They believe it is caused by asbestos fibers which migrate from the lung to the pericardium and cause irritation to tissue. As time passes, the irritated tissue mutates into cancerous cells that develop into tumors and thicken the pericardium. As a result of tumors, fluid accumulates around the organ. This pressure causes symptoms.
X-rays or CT scans are usually done by doctors first to look for any abnormal fluids or tumors. Then, they conduct blood tests to confirm the presence of mesothelioma and determine the extent of cancerous cells expanding.
Patients with mesothelioma must be prepared to discuss their work history with their physician. asbestos workers are at a greater chance of developing asbestos-related diseases, such as mesothelioma and lung cancer. Patients who have a history of asbestos exposure may be eligible for compensation via mesothelioma lawsuits.
If you or someone close to you has been exposed to asbestos and has recently diagnosed pericardial mesothelioma lawyer experienced in asbestos litigation can help understand your legal options. Call Madeksho Law Firm for a free consultation today. There is no cost unless we collect compensation on your behalf.
Madeksho Law Firm has helped hundreds of veterans with asbestos-related cases. Our lawyers are well-versed in the numerous laws that impact asbestos victims and can ensure you receive all the benefits to which you are entitled. Complete our online claim form or call us to get started. We will guide you through the whole procedure. Contact us at 1-888-654-7635. Download our free Veterans Packet for more information about your benefits.
Treatment
To properly diagnose pericardial mesothelioma lawsuits doctors must conduct physical examinations and inquire with patients about their asbestos exposure history. They can then employ various tests like X-rays CT Scans, Echocardiograms and biopsies to identify the signs.
It can take as long as 60 years for asbestos fibers to penetrate the lining of the heart and cause cancerous cells to develop. It is crucial that anyone suffering from mesothelioma consult a doctor promptly because of the long time of latency. They should also be honest about their past exposure to asbestos in order to receive the best treatment.
Pericardial mesothelioma is one of the rarest types of mesothelioma and is the reason for only one percent of all mesothelioma cases diagnosed. This is partly due to the difficulty in diagnosing this condition since it can be a symptom of other heart conditions or signs.
A physician will first examine the patient and listen to their breathing and heartbeat. The doctor can also request a CT or MRI scan of the chest in order to detect tumors and find areas of swelling. If they discover fluid in the pericardium they will request an echocardiogram. This is to assess the heart's function and determine whether the lining of the heart has thickened.
If the doctor is able to determine there is a tumor or fluid buildup in the pericardium they will perform a biopsy to confirm the diagnosis and determine if it is malignant. In the course of the biopsy, doctors will take small samples of tissue or fluid and send them to a lab for further analysis.
Since pericardial mesothelioma is an enumeration of treatment options than other types of cancer, a large percentage of patients will not be able to recover from the disease. New treatment methods are being researched to improve the outcomes for patients. Gene therapy is one such method. It involves adding or eliminating certain genes from the body of a patient to fight specific diseases. Immunotherapy is another option which aims at training an individual's immunity to fight cancer.