Pericardial Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure
Pericardial Mesothelioma is a condition that affects the pericardium, a lining of the heart. This kind of mesothelioma usually results in symptoms such as chest pain or fatigue that may be similar to other health conditions.
The symptoms can take a long time to manifest following exposure to asbestos and can be difficult to diagnose. Patients should discuss their experience of exposure to asbestos with their physician to make sure they get a proper diagnosis.
What is the reason for Pericardial Mesothelioma?
Pericardial Mesothelioma is a cancer that develops in the thin membrane that lines the heart. It is a rare type of mesothelioma that is responsible for 1 to 2 % of all cases. As with 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 myriad of household and commercial products. The toxic fibers can be swallowed or inhaled and they can end up in the lining of the chest or abdominal cavities. Mesothelioma occurs when the fibrils cause irritation and then form tumors.
Doctors have only found an association between asbestos exposure and pericardial mesothelioma in just a few instances. They do not yet know exactly how asbestos contributes to this cancer in the pericardium. However, they know that it occurs in about quarter of patients diagnosed with mesothelioma attorneys. This is due to the fact that it is usually diagnosed decades after exposure to asbestos.
In the majority of instances, an individual exposed to asbestos may develop pleural mesothelioma. It is found in the lungs and lining of the chest wall. It is also possible to develop testicular or peritoneal msothelioma in male testes. If they are diagnosed with pericardial mesothelioma, it is difficult to diagnose because symptoms often resemble those of other heart conditions.
The symptoms of pericardial mesothelioma tend to appear gradually and impact breathing. These symptoms include breathing difficulties, chest pain and a swell of fluid around the heart, referred to as pericardial effusion. A doctor can identify this condition by performing an echocardiogram which is an ultrasound scan of the heart or the pericardial biopsy.
A mesothelioma specialist can determine if a patient is suffering from this rare type of disease and assist them in finding the most effective treatment. In addition to asbestos exposure, other factors that can increase the risk of developing pericardial cancer include genetics and an impaired immune system, and radiation exposure. A family history of the disease also increases your risk.
Signs and symptoms
Pericardial mesothelioma also occurs by asbestos fibers affecting the tissue surrounding the heart. This rare form of cancer, which accounts for less than one percent of mesothelioma cases that are malignant is typically found in people who have been exposed to asbestos in their work environment or in close proximity to people who have been affected by asbestos. Pericardial Mesothelioma is characterized by a variety of symptoms that are difficult to identify.
As asbestos particles attach to the pericardium's lining they can cause tumors to develop and make the membrane thicker. It is believed that this is the reason for mesothelioma pericardial, although doctors aren't sure how it develops. The majority of doctors believe that the cancer originated from another area of the body, such as the lungs or abdominal cavity (the peritoneum) and then it spread to the lining of the heart.
The chest and abdomen are both called the mesothelium, which is the main site for the majority of mesothelioma tumors grow. The disease can also start in the peritoneal lining or in the testicles but this is not as common.
The symptoms of mesothelioma, such as pericardial mesothelioma may take years to surface after exposure to asbestos. The symptoms are usually similar to other diseases and can include chest pain, difficulty breathing, fatigue, weight loss and an ongoing cough. In some instances, pericardial mesothelioma can cause clubbing of the fingers this is a condition that causes the fingertips swell and appear larger than usual.
Doctors diagnose pericardial mesothelioma based on the patient's medical history and symptoms. They will inquire about previous exposure to asbestos, and then conduct imaging tests, like x-rays, CT scans and an echocardiogram to examine the pericardium. They may also take samples of tissue or fluid to confirm the diagnosis.
Pericardial mesothelioma is a rare condition and a large number of doctors are not aware of the signs. Patients should report all symptoms to their doctor to be examined for mesothelioma or other conditions. Bringing our Symptom Checklist to your appointment will help ensure that your doctor is aware of your symptoms and will be able to correctly determine if you are suffering from.
Diagnosis
Pericardial mesothelioma lawsuit can be difficult to diagnose. Its symptoms are often akin to other heart conditions that are more common and may not appear until the condition has advanced significantly. In addition, exposure to asbestos can occur years before the onset of pericardial cancer, making the connection difficult to identify. Anyone who has had a history of asbestos should discuss their exposure history with their doctors and inquire about symptoms associated with asbestos.
Doctors aren't sure of the exact cause of pericardial msothelioma, but they believe it is caused by asbestos fibers which migrate from the lung to the pericardium and cause irritation to tissue. In time the tissues that are irritated transform into cancerous cells which develop into tumors. Because of tumors, fluid forms around the organ. This pressure causes symptoms.
Typically, doctors perform imaging tests such as X-rays and CT scans to detect abnormal fluids or tumors. Then, they run blood tests to confirm the presence of mesothelioma as well as determine the extent of any spread of cancerous cells.
Patients with mesothelioma must be ready to discuss their work history with their physician. Asbestos workers are at a greater risk of developing asbestos-related diseases, such as mesothelioma and lung cancer. Patients with an asbestos-related history could be eligible for compensation through mesothelioma lawsuits (More Information and facts).
A lawyer with experience in asbestos litigation will help you understand the legal options that are available to you if or someone you love has been exposed asbestos and has developed pericardial Mesothelioma. Contact Madeksho Law Firm today for a free consultation. There is no charge unless we recover compensation on your behalf.
The pericardial mesothelioma lawyers at Madeksho Law Firm have helped hundreds of veterans and their families with asbestos-related cases. Our lawyers are knowledgeable of the laws affecting asbestos victims and can help you receive the benefits you deserve. Fill out our claim online form or call us to begin. We will walk you through the entire process from beginning to the end. Our number is 1-888-654-7635. Download our free Veterans Packet for more information about your benefits.
Treatment
Doctors must conduct physical exams and ask patients questions regarding their asbestos exposure to determine if pericardial mesothelioma is a cancer. They can then use various tests, including X-rays, CT Scans, echocardiograms and biopsies, to pinpoint the signs and determine if there's an accumulation of fluid in the pericardium.
Asbestos fibers can take up 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 see a physician immediately. It is also essential to be upfront about their past exposure to asbestos to ensure they receive the most effective treatment.
Pericardial Mesothelioma, which is among the rarest types of mesothelioma, accounts for less than 1% of all cases of mesothelioma diagnosed. This is due in part to the difficulty in identifying this condition because it can mimic other heart conditions and signs.
A physician will first examine the patient and listen to their heartbeat and breathing. The doctor can also request an CT or MRI scan of the chest in order to check for tumors and find areas of swelling. If they detect fluid in the pericardium, they will request 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 a fluid buildup in the pericardium, they will perform a biopsy to confirm the diagnosis and determine if it is malignant. In a biopsy procedure doctors take small pieces of fluid or tissue and send them to the lab for further testing.
Many victims of pericardial sarcoidosis will not survive because the treatment options are less than for other types. However, there are some new treatment options being studied that could offer better outcomes for patients. Gene therapy is one such method. It involves introducing or eliminating certain genes from the body of a patient in order to fight certain diseases. Immunotherapy is a different option, which aims to build a patient's immunity to fight cancer.