Pericardial Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure
Pericardial Mesothelioma can be found in the pericardium, a lining of the heart. This kind of mesothelioma may cause symptoms such as chest pain or fatigue that can mimic other conditions.
The symptoms can take a long time to manifest following exposure to asbestos, making a diagnosis challenging. Patients should share their history of exposure to asbestos with their doctor to ensure a correct diagnosis.
What is the cause of mesothelioma pericardial?
Pericardial mesothelioma occurs in the thin membrane that surrounds the heart, also known as the pericardium. This is one of the rarest mesothelioma types which accounts for about 1 to 2% of mesothelioma cases. Similar to mesothelioma types, pericardial mesothelioma is linked to asbestos exposure.
Asbestos is a mineral that occurs naturally, was used for decades in a wide range of commercial and household items. The fibers are easily inhaled, swallowed or trapped in the tissues of the abdominal and chest cavities. Mesothelioma occurs when the fibrils irritate and form tumors.
Only a few doctors have discovered a link between asbestos exposure and mesothelioma attorney pericardia. Although they do not know what causes asbestos-related cancer of the pericardium to develop but they do know that about one quarter of mesothelioma patients are affected. This is due to the fact that it usually occurs decades after exposure to asbestos.
In the majority of instances, an individual exposed to asbestos may develop pleural mesothelioma. It develops in the lungs and forms a lining of the chest wall. However, they may also develop peritoneal melanoma, located in the abdomen or testicular mesothelioma in the testes of males. It is sometimes difficult to identify pericardial mesothelioma in the event that the symptoms are similar to other heart diseases.
The symptoms of pericardial mesothelioma tend to come on slowly and can affect the ability to breathe. The symptoms include chest pain, difficulty breathing and a fluid buildup around the heart, referred to as pericardial effusion. A doctor can diagnose this condition through an echocardiogram which is an ultrasound of the heart or the pericardial biopsy.
A mesothelioma lawyers specialist can help determine if a patient has the rare form of the disease and recommend the best treatment. Other factors, such as genetics, an weakened immune system, and radiation exposure, can increase the risk for pericardial msothelioma. A family history of the disease also increases the risk.
Symptoms
Pericardial mesothelioma attorneys also occurs by asbestos fibers that penetrate the heart's tissue. This uncommon form of cancer, which accounts for less than one percent of all malignant mesothelioma cases it is mostly found in people who were exposed to asbestos in their workplace or in the home of someone who was impacted by asbestos. Pericardial mesothelioma symptoms may vary and mimic other conditions which makes it difficult to diagnose.
When asbestos particles adhere to the pericardium lining, they can cause tumors to expand and increase the thickness of the membrane. Doctors don't know the causes of pericardial cancer, but they believe that asbestos particles are the cause. The majority of doctors believe that cancer spreads from another area of the body like the lungs, abdominal cavity (peritoneum), and then 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 develop. The disease can also develop in the linings of the peritoneum and testicles. However, this is much less common.
After exposure to asbestos, symptoms of mesothelioma can take years to show up. The symptoms may be similar to those of other illnesses, and include chest pain, difficulty in breathing fatigue, fatigue, and weight loss. In some instances the pericardial tumor can cause clubbing, a condition where the fingers swell up and look more round than normal.
Doctors diagnose pericardial mesothelioma based on the patient's medical history and symptoms. They will inquire about any previous exposure to asbestos and perform imaging tests like x-rays, CT scans and an echocardiogram to look at the pericardium. They may also take a fluid or tissue sample to complete the diagnosis.
Pericardial mesothelioma can be a rare condition and a large number of doctors are not aware of the signs. It is crucial for patients to disclose all symptoms to their doctor so that they can be tested for mesothelioma and other ailments. Bringing our Symptom Checklist to your appointment can ensure your doctor is aware all of your symptoms and will be able to correctly diagnose you.
Diagnosis
Pericardial mesothelioma is a difficult cancer to diagnose. Its symptoms are often akin to other heart conditions that are more common and may not show up until the disease has progressed substantially. In addition, exposure to asbestos can occur decades before the onset of pericardial cancer, making the connection difficult to detect. Anyone with a history of asbestos should discuss their exposure history with doctors and ask about asbestos-related symptoms.
The cause of pericardial mesothelioma remains unknown However, doctors believe it occurs when asbestos fibers move from the lungs to the pericardium and cause irritation to the tissue that is there. Over time the tissues that are irritated transform into cancerous cells, which then transform into tumors. Fluid builds up around the heart due to the tumors and the resulting pressure puts pressure on the organ and 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 tests in the blood to confirm mesothelioma's presence and determine the extent to which cancerous cells are expanding.
Mesothelioma patients should be prepared to discuss their work medical history with a doctor. asbestos workers are at a greater risk of developing asbestos related illnesses, like lung cancer and mesothelioma. Patients who have an asbestos-related past may qualify for compensation through mesothelioma lawsuits.
If you or a loved one has been exposed to asbestos and recently developed pericardial mesothelioma, a lawyer with experience in asbestos litigation can help know your legal options. Contact Madeksho Law Firm for a free consultation today. There is no fee unless we seek compensation on your behalf.
The pericardial mesothelioma lawyers at Madeksho Law Firm have helped hundreds of veterans and their families in asbestos-related cases. Our lawyers are aware of the numerous laws that affect asbestos victims and will ensure that you get all the benefits to which you are entitled. Complete 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. Or, 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 diagnose pericardial a mesothelioma lawsuits. They can then employ various tests like X-rays CT Scans, Echocardiograms and biopsies to identify the signs.
Asbestos fibers can take up 60 years to reach the lining in the heart, where they cause cancerous cells. Due to 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 important to be candid about any previous exposure to asbestos so that they are able to receive the most effective treatment.
Pericardial mesothelioma is among the rarest forms of mesothelioma and is responsible for less than 1% of all mesothelioma cases diagnosed. This is mainly due to the difficulty of identifying this condition as it can mimic other heart conditions or symptoms.
A physician will first examine the patient and observe their heartbeat and breathing. The physician may also order 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 check the heart's function and determine whether the lining of the heart has thickened.
If the doctor is able to determine that there is a fluid buildup or a tumor in the pericardium, they will conduct an examination to confirm the diagnosis and determine if it's malignant. In the course of the biopsy, doctors will remove small amounts of fluid or tissue and send them to a lab for further analysis.
Many victims of pericardial sarcoidosis will not survive because the treatments are more limited than for other types. New treatment options are being investigated that could offer better outcomes for patients. One such method involves gene therapy, which entails the addition or removal of genes from a person's body in order to fight certain diseases. Another option is immunotherapy, which seeks to train a patient's immune system to fight the cancer.