Pericardial Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure
Pericardial mesothelioma is a rare form of mesothelioma lawsuit which occurs in the heart's lining (pericardium). This kind of mesothelioma may cause symptoms such as chest pain or fatigue that may mimic other ailments.
It could take years for these symptoms to appear after exposure to asbestos. This makes it difficult to determine the cause. Patients should discuss their history of exposure to asbestos with their doctor in order to ensure a reliable diagnosis.
What Causes Pericardial Mesothelioma?
Pericardial mesothelioma occurs in the thin membrane that lines the heart, also known as the pericardium. It is among the rarest mesothelioma types which accounts for about 1 to 2% of mesothelioma cases. Like all types of mesothelioma, the pericardial type is also linked to asbestos exposure.
Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that was extensively used in a variety of commercial and household items. Its toxic fibers are easily inhaled or swallowed, and can be caught in the lining of the chest or abdominal cavities. Mesothelioma forms when the fibrils become irritated and form tumors that eventually spread throughout the body.
Doctors have only identified a link between exposure to asbestos and pericardial mesothelioma only in a few cases. While they don't know what causes asbestos-related cancer of the pericardium to develop however, they do know that about one quarter of mesothelioma patients are affected. This is due to the fact that it is usually diagnosed decades after exposure to asbestos.
Most people who are exposed to asbestos develop pleural mesothelioma. This cancer forms in the lung's lining as well as the chest wall. There is also the possibility of developing testicular or peritoneal msothelioma that is found male testes. It can be difficult to diagnose pericardial msothelioma when the symptoms are similar to other heart problems.
The symptoms of pericardial cancer tend to appear gradually and impact the ability to breathe. The symptoms include breathing difficulties, chest pain and a build-up of fluid around the heart known as pericardial effusion. This condition is diagnosed by a physician using an echocardiogram (an ultrasound of the heart) or biopsy.
A mesothelioma expert can help determine if a patient is suffering from the rare form of the disease and find the best treatment. In addition to asbestos exposure other factors that could increase the risk of pericardial mesothelioma lawsuits include genetics as well as an impaired immune system and radiation exposure. A family history of the disease increases your risk.
Symptoms
As with other mesothelioma types, pericardial mesothelioma develops when asbestos fibers reach the tissue that surrounds the heart. This uncommon form of cancer that accounts for less than 1 % of all malignant mesothelioma cases it is mostly discovered in those who were exposed to asbestos in the workplace or living with someone who was affected by asbestos. Pericardial mesothelioma attorney is characterized by many symptoms that are difficult to diagnose.
When asbestos particles stick to the pericardium's lining, they can cause tumors to grow and thicken the membrane. Doctors don't know how pericardial cancer develops, however, they believe asbestos particles are the cause. Most doctors believe that the cancer spreads from another area of the body such as the abdomen, lungs (peritoneum) and finally to the lining inside the heart.
The abdomen and chest are known as the mesothelium. This is the main site for mesothelioma tumors to develop. The disease may also start in the peritoneal lining and testicles. However this is less common.
Symptoms of mesothelioma, including mesothelioma pericardial may take years to surface after exposure to asbestos. These symptoms can be similar to those of other illnesses that cause chest pain, difficulty in breathing and fatigue, as well as weight loss. In some instances the pericardial tumor can cause clubbing, which is a condition where fingers become swollen and appear more rounded than normal.
Doctors identify pericardial mesothelioma on the basis of the patient's medical history and symptoms. They will ask the patient about their previous asbestos exposure and perform imaging tests like x-rays, CT scans, and an echocardiogram in order to evaluate the pericardium. They will also take an x-ray or a tissue sample to complete the diagnosis.
Pericardial Mesothelioma, a rare condition that is not recognized by many doctors, can cause serious symptoms. Patients should report all symptoms to their physician to be examined for mesothelioma or other diseases. The taking of our Symptom Checklist with you to your appointment will help ensure that your doctor is aware of the symptoms you are experiencing and can correctly diagnose you.
Diagnosis
The diagnosis of pericardial mesothelioma is difficult. The symptoms may be similar to other heart diseases and may not show up until the disease has advanced. Asbestos exposure can happen decades before pericardial msothelioma is diagnosed, making it difficult to detect the link. Nonetheless, 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.
The exact cause of mesothelioma of the pericardial region is not known however, doctors believe that it is caused by asbestos fibers that migrate from the lungs to the pericardium and cause irritation to the tissue there. In time the affected tissue transforms into cancerous cells that develop into tumors and thicken the pericardium. Fluid builds up around the heart due to the tumors, and the resulting pressure puts stress on the organ, which causes symptoms.
Typically, doctors perform imaging tests like X-rays and CT scans to detect extra fluids or tumors. Then, they run blood tests to confirm the presence of mesothelioma and determine the extent of any spread of cancerous cells.
Mesothelioma patients should be prepared to discuss their work history with a doctor. asbestos workers are at a higher risk of developing asbestos related diseases, such as mesothelioma and lung cancer. Patients who have had a history of asbestos exposure could be eligible for compensation through mesothelioma lawsuits.
If you or a loved one has been exposed to asbestos and has recently developed pericardial mesothelioma, a lawyer with experience in asbestos litigation can help you understand your legal options. Call Madeksho Law Firm for a free consultation today. There is no cost unless we collect compensation on your behalf.
The pericardial mesothelioma lawyers of Madeksho Law Firm have helped hundreds of veterans and their families with asbestos-related cases. Our lawyers are knowledgeable of the many laws that affect asbestos sufferers and can ensure you receive all the benefits to which you are entitled. Fill out our online claim form or call us to get started. We will guide you through the entire process. Our number is 1-888-654-7635. Download our free Veterans Packet to learn about the benefits you have available to you.
Treatment
Doctors should 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 variety of tests including X-rays CT Scans, Echocardiograms and biopsies to identify the signs.
Asbestos fibers can take as long as 60 years to reach the lining in the heart, where they trigger cancerous cells. Because of this long time period of latency, it's essential for anyone suffering from mesothelioma-related symptoms to talk to a doctor immediately. It is also essential to be upfront about their previous exposure to asbestos to ensure they get the best treatment.
Pericardial Mesothelioma, which is among the rarest mesothelioma types is responsible for less than 1percent of all cases of mesothelioma diagnosed. This is due to the difficulty of diagnosing this condition since it may be similar to other heart conditions and signs.
The first step in the diagnosis process is a physical examination conducted by an experienced physician who listens to the patient's breathing and heartbeat. The doctor may also request an MRI or CT scan of the chest in order to detect any areas of swelling and check for a tumor. If they discover fluid in the pericardium, they will order an echocardiogram. This is to assess the heart's function and see if the lining has thickened.
Once the doctor has concluded that there is fluid buildup or a tumor in the pericardium they will conduct an examination to confirm the diagnosis and determine if the tumor is malignant. During a biopsy, doctors remove small samples of tissue or fluid and send them to the laboratory for further testing.
Since pericardial mesothelioma is a more limited range of treatment options than other types of cancer, a large percentage of patients will not be able to recover from the cancer. New treatment options are being researched to improve the outcomes for patients. One such method involves gene therapy, which is the process of adding or removing genes from a body in order to fight certain diseases. Immunotherapy is another option that aims to boost a patient's immunity to fight cancer.