Pericardial Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure
Pericardial mesothelioma lawyer is a condition that affects the pericardium, a lining of the heart. This type of mesothelioma typically causes symptoms like chest pain or fatigue that can be similar to other health conditions.
The symptoms can take a long time to develop following asbestos exposure which makes a diagnosis difficult. Patients should discuss their experience of exposure to asbestos with their doctor to make sure they get a proper diagnosis.
What Causes Pericardial Mesothelioma?
Pericardial mesothelioma is a cancer that develops in thin membrane that surrounds the heart, also known as the pericardium. It is among the rarest types of mesothelioma attorneys that account for 1% to 2% of mesothelioma cases. Similar to mesothelioma other types, pericardial mesothelioma is linked to asbestos exposure.
Asbestos, a naturally occurring mineral has been used for a long time in a variety of commercial and household products. Its fibers can be easily inhaled, swallowed or trapped in the tissues of the abdominal and chest cavities. Mesothelioma occurs when the fibrils irritate and form tumors.
Doctors have only discovered a link between exposure to asbestos and pericardial mesothelioma only in a small number of cases. They still do not know exactly how asbestos contributes to this type of cancer in the pericardium, but they know that it occurs in a quarter of all patients diagnosed with mesothelioma. This is due to the fact that it usually occurs decades after exposure to asbestos.
The majority of people exposed to asbestos develop pleural mesothelioma. The cancer develops in the lining of the lungs and chest wall. However, they may also develop peritoneal mesothelioma located in the abdomen or testicular mesothelioma attorneys in the testes of males. It is sometimes difficult to determine if pericardial msothelioma is if the symptoms are similar to other heart problems.
The symptoms of pericardial asbestosis usually be gradual and may affect the ability of breathing. These symptoms include breathing difficulties, chest pain and a fluid accumulation around the heart, referred to as pericardial effusion. A doctor can diagnose this condition by running an echocardiogram, which is an ultrasound scan of the heart, or the pericardial biopsy.
A mesothelioma specialist 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 can increase the risk of pericardial mesothelioma include genetics and an impaired immune system and radiation exposure. A family history of the disease increases the risk.
Symptoms
Like other types of mesothelioma, pericardial mesothelioma is a result of asbestos fibers get into the tissue that surrounds the heart. This rare form of cancer, which accounts for less than one percent of all malignant mesothelioma cases, is primarily found in people who were exposed to asbestos in the workplace or by living with someone who was affected by asbestos. Pericardial mesothelioma symptoms may vary and may be a sign of other diseases which makes it difficult to diagnose.
Pericardial mesothelioma is a condition that occurs when asbestos particles stick 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 pericardial, although doctors aren't aware of how it develops. The majority of doctors believe that the cancer originated from a different part of the body, such as the lungs or abdominal cavity (the peritoneum) and then spread to the lining of the heart.
The mesothelium is a lining that covers both the abdomen and chest. This is where most mesothelioma tumours develop. The disease can also start in the peritoneal lining or in the testicles but this is not as common.
After exposure to asbestos, mesothelioma symptoms may take years to show up. These symptoms are typically similar to other conditions and may include chest pain, difficulties breathing and weight loss, fatigue and an ongoing cough. In some instances, pericardial msothelioma can cause clubbing, an illness where fingers become swollen and look more round than normal.
Doctors diagnose mesothelioma of pericardium by looking at the patient's medical background. They will inquire with the patient about their previous asbestos exposure and perform imaging tests like x rays, CT scans, and an echocardiogram to evaluate the pericardium. They may also take an x-ray or a tissue sample to complete the diagnosis.
Pericardial mesothelioma is a very rare condition and a large number of doctors are unable to recognize the signs. It is essential for patients to disclose all of their symptoms to their doctor so that they can be examined for mesothelioma as well as other ailments. The taking of our Symptom Checklist along prior to your appointment will ensure that your doctor is aware of the symptoms you are experiencing and will be able to correctly diagnose you.
Diagnosis
Pericardial mesothelioma can be difficult to recognize. The symptoms may be similar to other heart diseases and may not be apparent until the disease is advanced. Asbestos exposure can occur years before pericardial msothelioma can be diagnosed and it is difficult to identify the connection. Anyone who has a history of asbestos exposure should share their exposure history with doctors and inquire about symptoms associated with asbestos.
The exact cause of pericardial mesothelioma remains unknown however, doctors believe that it occurs when asbestos fibers move from the lungs to the pericardium and cause irritation to the tissue that is there. In time the tissue that has been irritated transforms into cancerous cells that grow into tumors and enlarge the pericardium. Because of tumors, fluid forms around the organ. This pressure causes symptoms.
Typically, doctors will first conduct imaging tests such as Xrays and CT scans to spot any abnormal fluids or tumors. Then, they conduct blood tests to confirm mesothelioma's presence and determine the extent to which cancerous cells are growing.
Mesothelioma patients should also be prepared to discuss their work history with a physician. Asbestos workers are at a higher risk of developing asbestos related illnesses, including mesothelioma attorney and lung cancer. Patients with an asbestos-related history may be eligible for compensation via mesothelioma lawsuits.
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. Call Madeksho Law Firm for a free consultation today. There is no charge unless we are able to get compensation for you.
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 numerous laws that affect asbestos sufferers and will ensure that you get all the benefits to which you are entitled. Fill out our claim online form or contact us for assistance. We will guide you through the entire process from start to the end. Contact us at 1-888-654-7635. Download our free Veterans Packet to learn about the benefits available to you.
Treatment
To be able to accurately identify pericardial mesothelioma, doctors need to conduct physical examinations and inquire with patients about their asbestos exposure history. They can then use various tests, such as Xrays, CT Scans, echocardiograms and biopsies, to locate the signs and determine if there's an accumulation of fluid in the pericardium.
Asbestos fibers can require up to 60 years to reach the lining of the heart, causing cancerous cells. It is essential that anyone with mesothelioma symptoms consult a doctor as soon as possible due to the lengthy delay. They should also be honest about their past exposure to asbestos so they are able to receive the most effective treatment possible.
Pericardial mesothelioma is one of the mesothelioma forms that are rare and is the reason for only 1percent of mesothelioma cases identified. This is due in part to the difficulty in diagnosing this condition since it can be a symptom of other heart conditions or symptoms.
A doctor will first look over the patient and observe their breathing and heartbeat. The doctor can also request a CT or MRI scan of the chest to look for tumors and to identify areas of swelling. If they find fluid accumulation in the pericardium, they will likely order an echocardiogram to observe how well the heart is working and to see if 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. During a biopsy doctors take small pieces of tissue or fluid and send them to the laboratory for further testing.
Because pericardial mesothelioma has a more limited range of treatment options than other types, a majority of sufferers will not recover from the cancer. New treatment options are being researched to provide better outcomes for patients. One of these is gene therapy, which involves the addition or removal of genes from the body of a person in order to fight diseases. Another option is immunotherapy, which aims to train the immune system of the patient to fight the cancer.