Pericardial Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure
Pericardial mesothelioma is an uncommon form of mesothelioma, which is found in the lining of the heart (pericardium). This type of mesothelioma generally results in symptoms such as chest discomfort or fatigue, which can mimic other health conditions.
It can take a long time for these symptoms to appear after exposure to asbestos. This makes it difficult to make a diagnosis. Patients should discuss their history of exposure to asbestos with their doctor in order to make sure they get a proper diagnosis.
What causes mesothelioma pericardial?
Pericardial mesothelioma occurs in the thin membrane that surrounds the heart, also known as the pericardium. It is a rare type of mesothelioma which can be found in 1% to 2 % of all cases. Like all mesothelioma other types, pericardial mesothelioma lawyers is connected to asbestos exposure.
Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that was used in a wide range of commercial and household products for many years. Its fibers can be easily inhaled, swallowed or caught in the linings of the chest and abdominal cavities. Mesothelioma occurs when the fibrils cause irritation and create tumors.
Doctors have only discovered a link between exposure to asbestos and pericardial mesothelioma in just a handful of cases. Although they aren't sure the exact mechanism that causes asbestos-related cancer of the pericardium to develop however, they do know that around a quarter all mesothelioma patients are affected. This is partly because it is usually diagnosed decades after asbestos exposure.
In the majority of instances, a person who is exposed to asbestos will develop pleural mesothelioma that is found in the lungs and lining of the chest wall. However, they could also develop peritoneal melanoma, found in the abdomen, or testicular mesothelioma lawsuit in the testes of males. If they are also diagnosed with pericardial melanoma, it is difficult to identify because symptoms are often similar to those of other heart conditions.
The signs of pericardial asbestosis tend to develop gradually and can impact the ability to breathe. The symptoms include chest pain, difficulty breathing, and a buildup of fluid around the heart called pericardial effusion. The condition can be diagnosed by a physician using an echocardiogram (an ultrasound of the heart) or biopsy.
A mesothelioma specialist can determine if a patient suffers from this rare form of the disease and assist them in finding the best treatment. Other factors, such as genetics, an impaired immune system, and radiation exposure, can increase the risk of pericardial msothelioma. A family history of the disease increases your risk.
Signs and symptoms
As with other mesothelioma types, pericardial mesothelioma lawyers occurs when asbestos fibers enter the tissue that surrounds the heart. This uncommon form of cancer, which accounts for less than one percent of all malignant mesothelioma cases it is mostly seen in people who have been exposed to asbestos in the workplace or in the home of someone who was affected by asbestos. Pericardial Mesothelioma can have many symptoms that are difficult to diagnose.
Pericardial mesothelioma may occur when asbestos particles adhere to the lining of the pericardium and begin to develop tumors which thicken the membrane. It is believed that this is the reason for mesothelioma of the pericardium, but doctors aren't aware of how it develops. Most doctors think that the cancer originated from another area of the body, like the abdominal cavity or lungs (the peritoneum) and then moved to the lining of the heart.
The chest and abdomen are both called the mesothelium, which is the main site for mesothelioma tumors to develop. The disease can also start in the lining of the peritoneum or in the testicles though this is far less frequent.
The symptoms of mesothelioma, such as pericardial mesothelioma may take years to show up after exposure to asbestos. These symptoms are typically similar to other illnesses and can include chest pain, trouble breathing as well as weight loss, fatigue and an ongoing cough. In a few cases, pericardial mesothelioma could cause clubbing of the fingers the condition where the fingers swell and appear rounder than usual.
Doctors determine if pericardial mesothelioma is a cancer the patient's medical history and symptoms. They will inquire about previous exposure to asbestos and conduct imaging tests like x-rays, CT scans and an echocardiogram to look at the pericardium. To confirm the diagnosis they'll also take a sample of fluid or tissue.
Pericardial Mesothelioma, which is a rare condition that isn't acknowledged by a lot of doctors, can lead to serious symptoms. It is important for patients to disclose all symptoms to their doctor in order to be tested for mesothelioma and other diseases. Bring our Symptom Checklist along to your appointment will ensure that your doctor is aware of all symptoms you are experiencing and can correctly determine if you are suffering from mesothelioma or another condition.
Diagnosis
Pericardial mesothelioma attorneys can be difficult to identify. The symptoms may be similar to other heart ailments and may not manifest until the disease is advanced. Asbestos exposure can happen years before pericardial malignancies are diagnosed and it is difficult to detect the link. However, anyone with a history of asbestos should discuss their exposure history with their doctors and inquire about symptoms associated with asbestos.
Doctors don't know the specific cause of pericardial msothelioma, but they believe it is caused by asbestos fibers which migrate from the lungs into the pericardium to cause irritation to tissue. Over time the tissue that has been irritated transforms into cancerous cells that grow into tumors and enlarge the pericardium. Fluid builds up around the heart as a result of the tumors and the resulting pressure puts stress on the organ, which results in symptoms.
Typically, doctors first perform imaging tests such as X-rays and CT scans to identify any extra fluids or tumors. Then they run blood tests to confirm the presence of mesothelioma as well as determine the extent of any spreading of cancerous cells.
Mesothelioma patients must also be prepared to discuss their work medical history with a doctor. asbestos workers face a high chance of developing asbestos-related illnesses such as lung cancer and mesothelioma. Patients with a history of asbestos exposure may qualify for compensation through 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 you determine your legal options. Contact Madeksho Law Firm for a free consultation today. There is no charge unless we collect compensation on your behalf.
Madeksho Law Firm has helped hundreds of veterans who have asbestos-related cases. Our attorneys are familiar with the laws affecting asbestos victims and can help you receive the benefits you deserve. Start your claim now by filling out our online form or by calling us. We will guide you through the whole 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
To be able to accurately diagnose pericardial mesothelioma doctors must conduct physical examinations and inquire with patients about their asbestos exposure background. They can then employ various tests like X-rays CT Scans, Echocardiograms and Biopsies to determine the symptoms.
It could take up to 60 years for asbestos fibers to reach the tissue of the heart and cause cancerous cells to form. It is crucial that anyone who has mesothelioma-related symptoms consult a doctor immediately due to the long latency period. It is also essential to be upfront about their past exposure to asbestos to ensure they receive the best treatment.
Pericardial mesothelioma is among the mesothelioma forms that are rare and is responsible for less than one percent of all mesothelioma cases identified. This is partly due to the difficulty in diagnosing this condition since it may be similar to other heart diseases or symptoms.
A doctor will first assess the patient and listen to their breathing and heartbeat. The doctor can also request an CT or MRI scan of the chest in order to look for tumors and find areas of swelling. If they discover fluid buildup in the pericardium, they'll likely order an echocardiogram to check how well the heart is functioning and determine whether there is any lining that is thickening.
If the doctor is able to determine there is a tumor or a fluid accumulation in the pericardium, they will conduct a biopsy to confirm their 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 treatments than other types, a majority of sufferers will not recover from the cancer. New treatment options are being researched to improve the outcomes for patients. One of these is gene therapy, which entails adding or removing genes from the body of a person in order to fight diseases. Another option is immunotherapy, which aims to build the immune system of a patient to fight the cancer.