Pericardial Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure
Pericardial Mesothelioma can be found in the pericardium, which is a tissue that surrounds the heart. This type of mesothelioma can cause symptoms like chest pain or fatigue that can mimic other conditions.
The symptoms can take a long time to develop after exposure to asbestos, making a diagnosis challenging. Patients should discuss their history of exposure to asbestos with their doctor in order to make sure they get a proper diagnosis.
What is the cause of mesothelioma of the pericardium?
Pericardial mesothelioma occurs in the thin membrane that surrounds the heart, referred to as the pericardium. This is one of the rarest types of mesothelioma that account for one-third to 2 percent of all mesothelioma cases. Like all mesothelioma types, pericardial mesothelioma lawyer is linked to asbestos exposure.
Asbestos is a type of naturally found 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 is a result of fibrils that become irritated and form tumors that spread to other parts of the body.
Doctors have only identified a link between exposure to asbestos and pericardial mesothelioma in just a few instances. Although they do not know how asbestos causes this cancer of the pericardium to develop but they do know that approximately a quarter all mesothelioma patients are affected. This is due to the fact that it usually occurs decades after asbestos exposure.
In most instances, an individual who is exposed to asbestos can develop pleural mesothelioma. It develops in the lungs and forms a lining of the chest wall. However, they may also develop peritoneal melanoma, found in the abdomen, or testicular mesothelioma, which is found in the male testes. If they are also diagnosed with pericardial mesothelioma it is difficult to determine because the symptoms often resemble those of other heart conditions.
The symptoms of pericardial cancer tend to develop gradually and can affect 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 doctor with an echocardiogram (an ultrasound of the heart) or biopsy.
A mesothelioma specialist can determine whether a patient has this rare form of disease and guide them to the most effective treatment. In addition to asbestos exposure other factors that may increase the risk of pericardial mesothelioma include genetics as well as an impaired immune system and radiation exposure. A family history of the disease increases the risk.
Symptoms
As with other mesothelioma types, pericardial mesothelioma is a result of asbestos fibers get into the tissue that surrounds the heart. This rare form of the cancer that accounts for less than one percent of mesothelioma cases that are malignant it is mostly discovered in those who were exposed to asbestos in their workplace or in the home of those who were affected by asbestos. Pericardial Mesothelioma can have a variety of symptoms that are difficult to identify.
Pericardial mesothelioma is a condition that occurs when asbestos particles adhere to the pericardial lining and begin to grow into tumors that thicken the membrane. It is believed that this is what causes mesothelioma lawsuits of the pericardium, but doctors know little about how it develops. The majority of doctors believe that the cancer originated from an area of the body, like the lungs or abdominal cavity (the peritoneum) and then spread to the lining of the heart.
The lining of the chest and abdomen are both known as the mesothelium. It is the primary site for most mesothelioma tumors to grow. The disease can also start in the peritoneal lining or in the testicles however this is much less frequent.
Symptoms of mesothelioma, including mesothelioma of the pericardial region may take years to manifest after exposure to asbestos. The symptoms are usually similar to other illnesses and can include chest pain, trouble breathing and weight loss, fatigue and a persistent cough. In some cases the pericardial msothelioma tumor can cause clubbing. This is an illness where fingers become swollen and look rounder than normal.
Doctors identify pericardial mesothelioma on the basis of the patient's medical history and symptoms. They will ask about past exposure to asbestos and conduct imaging tests, such as x-rays, CT scans and an echocardiogram to look at the pericardium. To complete the diagnosis they'll also take samples of fluid or tissue.
Pericardial mesothelioma is a rare condition, and many doctors are unable to recognize the symptoms. Patients should report any symptoms to their doctor to be examined for mesothelioma or other diseases. Bring our Symptom Checklist to your appointment can ensure your doctor is aware of your symptoms and can accurately diagnose you.
Diagnosis
The diagnosis of pericardial mesothelioma lawyer is difficult. The symptoms may be similar to other heart diseases and may not show up until the disease has advanced. In addition, exposure to asbestos can occur decades before the onset of pericardial cancer, making the link hard to recognize. Anyone who has a history of asbestos exposure should discuss their exposure with their doctor and ask about asbestos-related symptoms.
Doctors do not know the exact cause of pericardial msothelioma. However, they believe it is caused by asbestos fibers which migrate from the lung into the pericardium to cause irritation to tissue. Over time, the irritated tissue mutates into cancerous cells that grow into tumors and enlarge the pericardium. Because of tumors, fluid builds up around the organ. This pressure causes symptoms.
Typically, doctors first perform imaging tests such as X-rays and CT scans to spot any abnormal fluids or tumors. Then, they run blood tests to confirm the presence of mesothelioma and determine the extent of cancerous cells expanding.
Patients with mesothelioma lawsuits must be ready to discuss their work history with their physician. Asbestos workers are at greater risk of developing asbestos-related illnesses, like mesothelioma lawsuits and lung cancer. Patients with an asbestos-related history may qualify for compensation through mesothelioma lawsuits.
If you or a loved one has been exposed to asbestos and has recently developed pericardial mesothelioma, a lawyer who is experienced in asbestos litigation can help you know your legal options. Contact Madeksho Law Firm today for a no-cost consultation. There is no charge unless we are able to get compensation for you.
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 laws that affect asbestos victims and can assist you in obtaining the benefits you deserve. Start your claim now by filling out our online form or calling us. We'll guide you through the entire process from beginning to the point of completion. Contact us at 1-888-654-7635. Download our free Veterans Packet for more information about your benefits.
Treatment
To properly determine if pericardial mesothelioma is present doctors must conduct physical examinations and talk to 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 could take up to 60 years for asbestos fibers to reach the lining of the heart and cause cancerous cells to form. It is vital that anyone who has mesothelioma-related symptoms see a doctor promptly because of the long delay. It is also essential to be upfront about their previous exposure to asbestos to ensure they receive the best treatment.
Pericardial mesothelioma is one of the rarest forms of mesothelioma and is the reason for only 1percent of mesothelioma cases that are diagnosed. This is due to the difficulty in diagnosing this disease since it may be similar to other heart diseases and signs.
A doctor will first assess the patient and listen to their breathing and heartbeat. The physician may also order an MRI or CT scan of the chest to find any areas of swelling and check for a tumor. If they spot fluid buildup in the pericardium, they'll likely order an echocardiogram to observe how well the heart is functioning and to determine if there is any lining that is thickening.
Once the doctor has concluded there is a tumor or fluid buildup in the pericardium, they will perform a biopsy in order 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 samples to a laboratory for further testing.
Since pericardial mesothelioma is a smaller range of treatment options than other types, many patients will not be able to recover from the disease. New treatment options are being studied to offer better outcomes for patients. Gene therapy is one such method. It involves introducing or removing certain genes from the body of a patient in order to fight specific diseases. Another option is immunotherapy, which aims to train the immune system of a patient to fight the cancer.