Pericardial Mesothelioma and asbestos claim Exposure
Pericardial mesothelioma is an uncommon form of mesothelioma that occurs in the heart's lining (pericardium). This type of mesothelioma can cause symptoms such as chest pain and fatigue that may mimic other ailments.
These symptoms may take years to develop following asbestos exposure, making a diagnosis challenging. The best method to obtain an accurate diagnosis is to share their history of asbestos exposure with their doctor.
What Causes Pericardial Mesothelioma?
Pericardial Mesothelioma is a cancer that is found in the thin membrane lining the heart. It is a rare type of mesothelioma that is responsible for 1 to 2 percent of all cases. Like mesothelioma other types, pericardial mesothelioma can be linked to asbestos exposure.
Asbestos is a type of naturally occurring mineral that was used in a variety of household and commercial products for many years. Its fibers can be easily inhaled, swallowed or trapped in the tissues of the abdominal and chest cavities. Mesothelioma forms when the fibrils become irritated and form tumors that spread to other parts of the body.
Doctors have only discovered a link between asbestos exposure and pericardial mesothelioma in just a few instances. They do not yet fully understand how asbestos leads to this type of cancer in the pericardium, however they know that it happens in 25% of patients diagnosed with mesothelioma. This is in part because it is usually diagnosed decades after a patient's asbestos exposure.
In most instances, a person exposed to asbestos will develop pleural mesothelioma. It develops in the lungs and forms a lining of the chest wall. However, they could also develop peritoneal mesothelioma, located in the abdomen or testicular mesothelioma, in the male testes. It can be difficult to determine if pericardial msothelioma is when the symptoms are similar to other heart conditions.
The signs of pericardial asbestosis tend to be gradual and may impact the ability to breathe. The symptoms include chest pain, breathing difficulties and a swell of fluid around the heart, referred to as pericardial effusion. This condition is diagnosed by a doctor using an echocardiogram (an ultrasound of the heart) or biopsy.
A mesothelioma specialist can determine whether a patient has this rare form of the disease and guide them to the most effective treatment. In addition to asbestos exposure, other factors that can increase the risk of developing pericardial mesothelioma include genetics as well as an impaired immune system and radiation exposure. A family history of the disease also increases the risk.
Symptoms
Like other types of mesothelioma, pericardial mesothelioma occurs when asbestos fibers reach the tissue that surrounds the heart. This uncommon form of cancer that accounts for less than 1 percent of mesothelioma that is malignant is most often found in people who were exposed to asbestos in their workplace or by living with someone who was affected by asbestos. Pericardial mesothelioma symptoms may vary and may be a sign of other diseases, making diagnosis difficult.
Pericardial mesothelioma can occur when asbestos particles cling to the lining of the pericardium and begin to develop tumors which thicken the membrane. Doctors aren't sure the process by which pericardial cancer develops however, they believe asbestos particles are responsible for the development. Most doctors believe that the cancer spread from another part of the body such as the abdominal cavity, the lungs (peritoneum), and then to the lining of the heart.
The chest and abdomen are known as the mesothelium. This is the primary location for mesothelioma tumors to grow. The disease may also begin in the lining of the peritoneum or in the testicles though this is far less frequent.
The symptoms of mesothelioma such as pericardial mesothelioma can take a long time to show up after exposure to asbestos. The symptoms are usually similar to other conditions and may include chest pain, trouble breathing and fatigue, weight loss and an ongoing cough. In some instances the pericardial tumor can cause clubbing, an illness 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 conduct imaging tests like x-rays, CT scans and an echocardiogram to look at 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 a large number of doctors do not recognize the symptoms. Patients should report any symptoms to their physician to be examined for mesothelioma or other conditions. Bring our Symptom Checklist to your appointment can ensure your doctor is aware of your symptoms and can correctly diagnose you.
Diagnosis
Diagnosing pericardial mesothelioma can be difficult. The symptoms may be similar to other heart ailments and may not manifest until the disease is advanced. Moreover, asbestos exposure can occur years before the onset of pericardial cancer and makes the connection difficult to detect. However, anyone with a history of asbestos should be able to share their asbestos exposure with their doctor and ask about asbestos-related symptoms.
The exact cause of mesothelioma pericardial remains unclear however, doctors believe that it occurs when asbestos fibers migrate from the lungs to the pericardium, and cause irritation to the tissue there. In time the tissues that are irritated transform into cancerous cells, which then develop into tumors. The heart is flooded with fluid. heart as a result of the tumors and the resulting pressure causes stress on the organ, which causes symptoms.
Typically, doctors perform imaging tests such as Xrays and CT scans to spot any extra fluids or tumors. Then, they conduct tests on blood to confirm the presence of mesothelioma, and determine the extent of any spread of the cancerous cells.
Mesothelioma patients should also be prepared to discuss their occupational history with a physician. Asbestos workers have a high risk of developing asbestos compensation-related diseases such as mesothelioma and lung cancer. Patients with a history of asbestos exposure may be eligible for compensation via a mesothelioma lawsuit.
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 you know your legal options. Contact Madeksho Law Firm today for a no-cost consultation. There is no cost unless we seek 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 knowledgeable of the various laws that affect asbestos victims and can ensure you receive all the benefits to which you are entitled. Complete our online claim form or contact us for assistance. We will guide you through the entire process from start to the end. Our number is 1-888-654-7635. Download our free Veterans Packet for more information about your benefits.
Treatment
To be able to accurately identify pericardial mesothelioma, doctors need to conduct physical examinations and ask patients about their asbestos exposure background. They can then employ a variety of tests including X-rays CT Scans, Echocardiograms and Biopsies to determine the symptoms.
It can take as long as 60 years for asbestos law fibers to reach the lining of the heart and cause cancerous cells to grow. Because of this long time period of latency, it's important for anyone experiencing mesothelioma-related symptoms to talk to a doctor immediately. They should also be open about any previous exposure to asbestos so that they are able to receive the most effective treatment possible.
Pericardial mesothelioma, or pericardial mes the mesothelioma forms that are rare and accounts for only about 1% of all mesothelioma cases that are diagnosed. This is mainly due to the difficulty in diagnosing this condition since it can mimic other heart diseases or signs.
The first step in the diagnosis process is a physical exam conducted by a physician who will listen to a patient's breathing and heartbeat. The doctor might also request a CT or MRI scan of the chest to check for tumors and to identify areas of swelling. If they discover fluid in the pericardium they will require 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 fluid buildup or a tumor in the pericardium they will conduct a biopsy to confirm the diagnosis and determine if it's malignant. During the biopsy, doctors will remove small amounts of fluid or tissue and send them to a lab for further analysis.
Since pericardial mesothelioma offers a more limited range of treatments than other types, many victims will not survive the disease. New treatment options are being investigated that could offer better outcomes for patients. One of these is gene therapy, which entails adding or removing genes from the body of a person in order to fight certain diseases. Another option is immunotherapy, which seeks to train the immune system of the patient to fight the cancer.