Pericardial Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure
Pericardial Mesothelioma is a condition that affects the pericardium, which is a lining of the heart. This type of mesothelioma generally results in symptoms such as chest pain or fatigue that may mimic other health conditions.
It could take years for these symptoms to appear after asbestos exposure. This makes it difficult to determine the cause. Patients should discuss their experience of exposure to asbestos with their doctor in order to make sure they get a proper diagnosis.
What Causes Pericardial Mesothelioma?
Pericardial mesothelioma is a cancer that develops in thin membrane that lines the heart, known as the pericardium. It is a rare type of mesothelioma, which can be found in 1% to 2 % of all cases. As with all types of mesothelioma, pericardial is connected to asbestos exposure.
Asbestos is a mineral that occurs naturally, was used for decades in a variety of commercial and household items. The fibers are easily inhaled, swallowed, or caught in the tissues of the abdominal and chest cavities. Mesothelioma is a result of fibrils that are irritated, and they form tumors that eventually spread throughout the body.
Only a handful of doctors have discovered a link between asbestos exposure and mesothelioma pericardia. They are still unable to fully understand how asbestos leads to this type of cancer in the pericardium, however they do know that it occurs in about a quarter of all patients diagnosed with mesothelioma. This is in part because it usually occurs years after exposure to asbestos.
The majority of people exposed to asbestos develop pleural msothelioma. This cancer forms in the lung's lining and chest wall. They may also develop testicular or peritoneal mesothelioma within 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 cancer tend to develop gradually and impact the ability to breathe. The symptoms include breathing difficulties, chest pain and a fluid accumulation around the heart, referred to as pericardial effusion. The condition can be diagnosed by a physician using an echocardiogram (an ultrasound of the heart) or biopsy.
A mesothelioma attorney specialist can determine whether a patient has this rare form of disease and guide them to the most effective treatment. Other factors, like genetics, an impaired immune system, and radiation exposure could increase the risk of mesothelioma pericardial. Patients with mesothelioma in their family are at a higher risk of developing it as well.
Symptoms
As with other mesothelioma types, pericardial mesothelioma develops when asbestos fibers get into the tissue that surrounds the heart. This uncommon form of cancer, which accounts for less than one percent of mesothelioma cases that are malignant, is primarily found in people who were exposed to asbestos in their workplace or living with someone who was affected by asbestos. Pericardial Mesothelioma is characterized by various symptoms that can be difficult to diagnose.
Pericardial mesothelioma may occur when asbestos particles cling to the pericardial lining and begin to form tumors which thicken the membrane. It is believed that this is what causes pericardial mesothelioma, though doctors know little about how it develops. Most doctors think that the cancer originated from another area of the body, such as the abdominal cavity or the lungs (the peritoneum) and then it spread to the lining of the heart.
The chest and abdomen are both called the mesothelium, which is the primary site for the majority of mesothelioma attorneys tumors grow. The disease can also begin in the linings of the peritoneum and testicles. However, this is much less common.
After exposure to asbestos, the mesothelioma symptoms can take years to manifest. The symptoms may be similar to those of other illnesses that cause chest pain, trouble breathing and fatigue, as well as weight loss. In some cases the pericardial tumor can cause clubbing, an illness where fingers get swollen and look rounder than normal.
Doctors determine if pericardial mesothelioma is a cancer the patient's medical history and symptoms. They will ask about past exposure to asbestos and perform imaging tests, such as x-rays, CT scans and an echocardiogram to look at the pericardium. To confirm the diagnosis, they will also take an x-ray or a sample of tissue.
Pericardial mesothelioma can be a rare condition, and a lot of doctors are unable to recognize the signs. Patients should report any symptoms to their doctor to be tested for mesothelioma attorney or other diseases. Bringing our Symptom Checklist to your appointment will help ensure that your doctor is aware all of your symptoms and can accurately diagnose you.
Diagnosis
The diagnosis of pericardial mesothelioma is difficult. The symptoms may be similar to other heart ailments and may not manifest until the disease is advanced. Asbestos exposure can take place decades before pericardial msothelioma is diagnosed which makes it difficult to detect the link. Anyone with a history involving asbestos exposure should talk to their doctor about any symptoms that may be related to asbestos.
Doctors do not know the specific cause of pericardial msothelioma. However, they believe it is caused by asbestos fibers which migrate from the lungs into the pericardium to irritate tissue. In time the tissue that has been irritated transforms into cancerous cells that develop into tumors and expand the pericardium. Because of tumors, fluid builds up around the organ. This pressure causes symptoms.
X-rays or CT scans are generally carried out by doctors first to look for any signs of tumors or excess fluids. Then, they run tests on blood to confirm mesothelioma's presence and determine the extent to which cancerous cells are expanding.
Mesothelioma patients should also be prepared to discuss their work history with a physician. Asbestos workers are at a greater chance of developing asbestos-related diseases, such as lung cancer and mesothelioma. Patients who have an asbestos-related past may be eligible for compensation via a Mesothelioma Lawsuit - Click4R.Com -.
A lawyer with experience in asbestos litigation will assist you in understanding the legal options that are available to you if or someone you love has been exposed to asbestos and developed pericardial mesothelioma. Contact Madeksho Law Firm today for an initial consultation for free. There is no fee unless we collect compensation on your behalf.
The pericardial mesothelioma lawyers of Madeksho Law Firm have helped hundreds of veterans and their families in asbestos-related cases. Our lawyers are well-versed in the laws that apply to asbestos victims and can assist you in receiving the benefits you are entitled to. Start your claim now by filling out our online form or by calling us. We will guide you through the entire process from beginning to the point of completion. Our number is 1-888-654 7635. Or, download our free Veterans Packet to learn about the benefits available to you.
Treatment
Doctors should 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, such as X-rays, CT Scans, echocardiograms and biopsies, to pinpoint the signs and determine if there's fluid buildup in the pericardium.
Asbestos fibers can take as long as 60 years to reach the lining of the heart, where they trigger cancerous cells. It is vital that anyone who has mesothelioma-related symptoms consult a doctor promptly because of the long delay. They must also be honest about their prior exposure to asbestos to ensure they get the best treatment.
Pericardial Mesothelioma, one of the rarest mesothelioma types is responsible for less than 1percent of all mesothelioma cases diagnosed. This is due in part to the difficulty in identifying this condition because it can be a symptom of other heart diseases and symptoms.
A doctor will first look over the patient and observe their heartbeat and breathing. The doctor can also order an MRI or CT scan of the chest to find any areas of swelling, and also check for a tumor. If they discover fluid in the pericardium, they will require 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 accumulation in the pericardium, they will perform a biopsy in order to confirm their diagnosis and determine whether it is malignant. In a biopsy procedure doctors will take small amounts of tissue or fluid and send them to a lab for further analysis.
A lot of patients with pericardial sarcoidosis will not be able to recover because the treatment options are less than for other types. New treatment options are being researched to 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 combat certain diseases. Immunotherapy is a different option, which aims at training an individual's immunity to fight cancer.