Pericardial Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure
external pagePericardial mesothelioma is an uncommon form of mesothelioma which occurs in the heart's lining (pericardium). This type of mesothelioma lawsuit can cause symptoms like chest pain or fatigue that may mimic other ailments.
These symptoms can take years to develop following asbestos attorney exposure and can be difficult to diagnose. The best way to make a correct diagnosis is to discuss their experience of exposure to asbestos with their physician.
What is the cause of mesothelioma of the pericardium?
Pericardial Mesothelioma, a form of cancer, that develops in the thin membrane that lines the heart. This is one of the rarest types of mesothelioma, making up about 1 to 2% of mesothelioma cases. Like all types of mesothelioma, pericardial is connected to asbestos exposure.
Asbestos is a mineral that occurs naturally that was extensively used in a variety of commercial and household products. The fibers are easily inhaled, swallowed, or trapped in the tissues of the abdominal and chest cavities. Mesothelioma is a result of fibrils that get irritated and develop into tumors that spread to other parts of the body.
Only a few doctors have found a connection between asbestos exposure and mesothelioma pericardia. Although they aren't sure how asbestos causes this cancer of the pericardium to develop, they do know that around 25% of mesothelioma sufferers are affected. This is due to the fact that it typically occurs decades after exposure to asbestos.
Most people who are exposed to asbestos develop pleural mesothelioma. This cancer is found in the lung's lining as well as the chest wall. However, they could also develop peritoneal mesothelioma, found in the abdomen, or testicular mesothelioma, in the male testes. It can be difficult to identify pericardial mesothelioma when the symptoms are similar to other heart diseases.
Symptoms of pericardial mesothelioma tend to appear gradually and affect the ability to breathe. The symptoms may include chest pain, difficulty breathing, and a buildup of fluid around the heart, referred to as pericardial effusion. A doctor can identify this condition through an echocardiogram, which is an ultrasound of the heart, or the pericardial biopsy.
A mesothelioma expert can determine whether a patient has this rare form of disease and help them find the most effective treatment. Other factors, including genetics, an impaired immune system, and exposure to radiation, can increase the risk of mesothelioma pericardial. A family history of the disease increases your risk.
Signs and symptoms
Pericardial mesothelioma can also be caused by asbestos fibers affecting the heart's tissues. This rare form of cancer, which makes up less than 1% of mesothelioma cases that are malignant, is most commonly found in those who have been exposed to asbestos at work or in close proximity to those who have been affected by asbestos. Pericardial mesothelioma symptoms may vary and can mimic other conditions which makes it difficult to diagnose.
Pericardial mesothelioma can occur when asbestos particles cling to the pericardial lining and begin to develop tumors that 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 cancer spread from another part of the body like the abdominal cavity, the lungs (peritoneum) and finally to the lining of the heart.
The lining of the chest and abdomen are both known as the mesothelium. It is the main site for the majority of mesothelioma tumors develop. The disease may also start in the linings of the peritoneum and testicles. However this is less common.
The symptoms of mesothelioma such as mesothelioma pericardial, can take decades to show up after exposure to asbestos. The symptoms may be similar to those of other illnesses that cause chest pain, difficulty breathing and fatigue, as well as weight loss. In a few cases, pericardial mesothelioma may cause clubbing of the fingers, a condition in which the fingertips swell and appear more round than normal.
Doctors diagnose pericardial mesothelioma attorneys based on the patient's medical history and symptoms. They will ask the patient about previous asbestos exposure and will perform imaging tests such as radiographs, CT scans, and an echocardiogram to evaluate the pericardium. To make sure they are able to determine the cause they will also collect an x-ray or a sample of tissue.
Pericardial mesothelioma is a rare condition, and many doctors do not recognize the symptoms. It is important for patients to disclose all of their symptoms to their doctor to be tested for mesothelioma and other ailments. Bringing our Symptom Checklist to your appointment will help ensure that your doctor is aware of your symptoms and accurately diagnose you.
Diagnosis
Diagnosing pericardial cancer can be difficult. The symptoms often mirror more common heart disorders and may not be apparent until the condition has advanced substantially. asbestos attorney exposure can occur years before pericardial malignancies are diagnosed which makes it difficult to determine the connection. Anyone with a history of asbestos exposure should talk to their physician about any symptoms that could be related to asbestos.
The reason for mesothelioma pericardial remains unclear However, doctors believe it is caused by asbestos fibers that move from the lungs to the pericardium, and cause irritation to the tissue there. Over time, the irritated tissues mutate into cancerous cells, which then transform into tumors. The pericardium is filled with fluid around the heart due to the tumors, and the resulting pressure puts stress on the organ and leads to symptoms.
X-rays or CT scans are typically done by doctors first to look for any tumors or excessive fluids. Then they run tests on blood to confirm the presence of mesothelioma and determine the extent of any spreading of the cancerous cells.
Mesothelioma patients should be prepared to discuss their occupational medical history with a doctor. asbestos workers are at greater risk of developing asbestos-related diseases, such as lung cancer and mesothelioma. Patients who have an asbestos-related history could be eligible for compensation through mesothelioma lawsuits.
If you or someone close to you has been exposed to asbestos and recently been diagnosed with pericardial cancer, a lawyer experienced in asbestos litigation can assist you to understand your legal options. Contact Madeksho Law Firm for a free consultation today. There is no fee unless we seek compensation on your behalf.
Madeksho Law Firm has helped hundreds of veterans in asbestos-related cases. Our lawyers are knowledgeable of the many laws that affect asbestos victims and can ensure that you receive all the benefits to which you are entitled. Start your claim now by filling out our online form or by calling us. We will walk you through the entire process from beginning to the point of completion. Our number is 1-888-654-7635. Download our free Veterans Packet for more information about your benefits.
Treatment
To be able to accurately diagnose pericardial mesothelioma, doctors need to conduct physical examinations and talk to patients about their asbestos exposure history. They can then perform a series of tests, including X-rays, CT Scans, echocardiograms and biopsies to identify the symptoms and determine if there's fluid buildup in the pericardium.
It can take as long as 60 years for asbestos fibers to reach the heart's lining and cause cancerous cells to form. Because of this lengthy time period of latency, it's important for anyone experiencing mesothelioma-related symptoms to see a physician immediately. It is also essential to be upfront about their past exposure to asbestos in order to receive the best treatment.
Pericardial Mesothelioma, one of the rarest types of mesothelioma, accounts for less than one percent of all cases of mesothelioma diagnosed. This is due to the difficulty of diagnosing this condition since it can mimic other heart conditions and signs.
The first step in the diagnosis process is a physical exam conducted by a physician who will listen to the patient's breathing and heartbeat. The doctor may also request an MRI or CT scan of the chest to find any areas of swelling and to check for tumors. If they discover fluid in the pericardium, they will request an echocardiogram. This will be used to evaluate the heart's functioning and to determine whether the lining of the heart has thickened.
Once the doctor has concluded that there is a fluid buildup or a tumor in the pericardium they will conduct an examination to confirm the diagnosis and determine if the tumor is malignant. During a biopsy doctors will take small amounts of fluid or tissue and send them to the laboratory for further testing.
Since pericardial mesothelioma offers an enumeration of treatments than other types of cancer, a large percentage of victims will not survive the disease. However, there are new treatment methods being explored that could offer better outcomes for patients. One of these is gene therapy, which involves adding or removing genes from a person's body to fight specific diseases. Another option is immunotherapy, which seeks to build the immune system of the patient to fight the cancer.