Pericardial Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure
Pericardial mesothelioma is a rare form of mesothelioma that occurs in the heart's lining (pericardium). This type of mesothelioma lawsuits generally results in symptoms such as chest discomfort or fatigue, which can mimic other health conditions.
It can take a long time for these symptoms to appear after exposure to asbestos. This makes it difficult to make a diagnosis. Patients should share their history of exposure to asbestos with their doctor in order to make sure they get a proper diagnosis.
What Causes Pericardial Mesothelioma?
Pericardial Mesothelioma, a form of cancer, that grows in the thin membrane lining the heart. This is a rare type of mesothelioma that can be found in 1% to 2 percent of all cases. Like all mesothelioma types, pericardial mesothelioma lawyers is linked to asbestos exposure.
Asbestos is a naturally found mineral that was used in many common household and commercial products for a long time. Its fibers can be easily inhaled, swallowed, or caught in the tissues of the abdominal and chest cavities. Mesothelioma occurs when the fibrils cause irritation and then form tumors.
Only a handful of doctors have found a connection between asbestos exposure and mesothelioma pericardia. Although they do not know what causes asbestos-related cancer of the pericardium to develop however, they do know that approximately a quarter all mesothelioma patients are affected. This is partly because it typically occurs years after asbestos exposure.
The majority of people exposed to asbestos develop pleural mesothelioma. This cancer is found in the lung's lining and chest wall. There is also the possibility of developing testicular or peritoneal mesothelioma within male testes. If they are diagnosed with pericardial mesothelioma it can be difficult to diagnose because symptoms often resemble those of other heart conditions.
The symptoms of pericardial cancer tend to come on gradually and impact breathing. The symptoms may include chest pain, difficulty breathing and a fluid buildup around the heart, referred to as pericardial effusion. The condition is diagnosed by a doctor using an echocardiogram (an ultrasound of the heart) or biopsy.
A mesothelioma specialist will determine if a patient suffers from this rare form of the disease and guide them to the most effective treatment. Other factors, including genetics, an weakened immune system, and radiation exposure, can increase the risk for mesothelioma of the pericardium. Patients with mesothelioma-related family history are at a higher risk of developing it as well.
Signs and symptoms
As with other mesothelioma types, pericardial mesothelioma is a result of asbestos fibers enter the tissue that surrounds the heart. This rare type of cancer, which accounts for less than one percent of mesothelioma that is malignant is typically found in those who have been exposed to asbestos at work or within close proximity to those who have been affected by asbestos. Pericardial Mesothelioma may present with many symptoms that can be difficult to recognize.
Pericardial mesothelioma may occur when asbestos particles adhere to the lining of the pericardium and begin to form tumors that enlarge the membrane. It is thought that this is the reason for pericardial mesothelioma, though doctors aren't sure how it develops. Most doctors believe that the cancer spread from a different part of the body like the abdominal cavity, the lungs (peritoneum), and then to the lining of the heart.
The mesothelium is the lining for both the abdomen and chest. This is where the majority of mesothelioma tumors develop. The disease may also start in the lining of the peritoneum or in the testicles though this is far less common.
Symptoms of mesothelioma, including mesothelioma of the pericardial region, can take decades to surface after exposure to asbestos. These symptoms are often similar to other conditions and may include chest pain, trouble breathing and weight loss, fatigue, and a constant cough. In a few instances, pericardial mesothelioma may cause a swollen finger, a condition in which the fingers expand and appear more round than normal.
Doctors diagnose mesothelioma in the pericardium based on the patient's medical history. They will ask the patient about previous asbestos exposure and will perform imaging tests like x-rays, CT scans, and an echocardiogram in order to look at the pericardium. To make sure they are able to determine the cause they'll also take an x-ray or a sample of tissue.
Pericardial mesothelioma is a very rare condition and a large number of doctors are not aware of the symptoms. It is essential for patients to report all symptoms to their doctor so that they can be tested for mesothelioma and other ailments. Bring our Symptom Checklist along prior to your appointment will ensure that your doctor is aware of all symptoms you are experiencing and is able to properly determine if you are suffering from mesothelioma or another condition.
Diagnosis
Pericardial mesothelioma attorneys is difficult to diagnose. The symptoms often mirror more common heart disorders and may not appear until the condition has advanced significantly. Asbestos exposure can take place decades before pericardial msothelioma is diagnosed which makes it difficult to detect the link. Anyone who has a history of asbestos exposure should consult their doctor about any symptoms that could be related to asbestos.
The exact cause of mesothelioma of the pericardial region is not known However, doctors believe it occurs when asbestos fibers travel from the lungs into the pericardium and cause irritation to the tissue that is there. Over time the affected tissue transforms into cancerous cells, which then grow into tumors and enlarge the pericardium. Fluid builds up around the heart as a result of the tumors and the pressure that results causes stress on the organ, which results in symptoms.
Typically, doctors perform imaging tests such as Xrays and CT scans to identify any abnormal fluids or tumors. Then, they conduct blood tests to confirm the presence of mesothelioma and determine the extent of any spreading of cancerous cells.
Patients with mesothelioma must be ready to discuss their history of work with their doctor. asbestos workers are at a higher risk of developing asbestos related illnesses, including mesothelioma and lung cancer. Patients who have a history of asbestos exposure may be eligible for compensation via Mesothelioma Lawsuits (Click4R.Com).
A lawyer with experience in asbestos litigation can assist you in understanding the legal options that are available to you if or someone loved ones has been exposed asbestos and developed pericardial mesothelioma. Contact Madeksho Law Firm today for an initial consultation for free. There is no cost unless we recover compensation on your behalf.
Madeksho Law Firm has helped hundreds of veterans in asbestos-related cases. Our lawyers are knowledgeable of the laws that apply to asbestos victims and will assist you in receiving the benefits you deserve. Get started on your claim now by filling out our online form or by calling us. We will help you through the entire procedure. Our number is 1-888-654-7635. You can also download our free Veterans Packet to learn about the benefits you have available to you.
Treatment
In order to properly diagnose pericardial mesothelioma doctors must conduct physical examinations and ask patients about their asbestos exposure history. They can then perform various tests, such as Xrays, CT Scans, echocardiograms and biopsies, to pinpoint the symptoms 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, where they cause cancerous cells. Because of this lengthy time between latency, it is important for anyone experiencing mesothelioma-related symptoms to see a doctor immediately. They should also be open about their past exposure to asbestos so that they can ensure they receive the most effective treatment possible.
Pericardial mesothelioma is among the rarest types of mesothelioma lawyers and is responsible for less than one percent of all mesothelioma cases diagnosed. This is due in part to the difficulty in identifying this condition because it can mimic other heart diseases and symptoms.
A physician will first examine the patient and listen to their breathing and heartbeat. The doctor may also request an MRI or CT scan of the chest to find any areas of swelling, and also check for tumors. If they spot fluid buildup in the pericardium, they'll likely request an echocardiogram to observe how well the heart is working and determine if there is any thickening of the lining.
If the doctor is able to determine that there is fluid buildup or a tumor in the pericardium they will conduct an examination to confirm the diagnosis and determine if the tumor is malignant. When they conduct a biopsy doctors will take small amounts of fluid or tissue and send them to a laboratory for further testing.
Since pericardial mesothelioma is an enumeration of treatments than other types, many sufferers will not recover from the disease. New treatment methods are being researched to provide better outcomes for patients. One of these is gene therapy, which entails the addition or removal of genes from a body to fight specific diseases. Immunotherapy is another option which aims at training the body's immune system to fight cancer.