Pericardial Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure
Pericardial Mesothelioma can be found in the pericardium, a part of the lining of the heart. This type of mesothelioma generally results in symptoms such as chest pain or fatigue that can mimic other health conditions.
These symptoms can take years to develop following asbestos exposure which makes a diagnosis difficult. The best way to get a correct diagnosis is for patients to discuss their experience of exposure to asbestos with their doctor.
What is the reason for Pericardial Mesothelioma?
Pericardial Mesothelioma is a cancer that develops in the thin membrane lining the heart. It is a rare type of mesothelioma which is responsible for 1 to 2 % of all cases. Like all other types of mesothelioma, pericardial mesothelioma is connected to asbestos compensation exposure.
Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that was utilized in a variety of household and commercial products for a long time. Its toxic fibers are easily swallowed or inhaled and they can end up in the lining of the chest or abdominal cavities. Mesothelioma is a condition that occurs when fibrils cause irritation and then form tumors.
Doctors have only found a link between exposure to asbestos legal and pericardial mesothelioma only in a few instances. They do not yet know exactly how asbestos contributes to this cancer in the pericardium. However, they know that it occurs in about 25% of patients diagnosed with mesothelioma. This is partly because it is usually diagnosed decades after exposure to asbestos.
In the majority of cases, a person who is exposed to asbestos may develop pleural mesothelioma. It forms in the lungs and forms a lining of the chest wall. However, they can also develop peritoneal mesothelioma located in the abdomen, or testicular mesothelioma, in the testes of males. If they are also diagnosed with pericardial mesothelioma it may be difficult to diagnose because symptoms are often similar to those of other heart conditions.
Symptoms of pericardial mesothelioma tend to develop gradually and impact breathing. The symptoms include chest pain, difficulty breathing, and a buildup of fluid around the heart called pericardial effusion. The condition is diagnosed by a doctor with an echocardiogram (an ultrasound of the heart) or biopsy.
A mesothelioma specialist can help determine if a patient has the rare form of the disease and determine the most effective treatment. In addition to asbestos exposure, other factors that can increase the risk of developing pericardial mesothelioma include genetics, an impaired immune system and radiation exposure. Patients with mesothelioma-related family history have an increased risk as well.
Symptoms
Pericardial mesothelioma also occurs by asbestos attorney fibers reaching the heart’s tissues. This rare form of cancer, which accounts for less than 1% of mesothelioma that is malignant, is most commonly found in those who have been exposed to asbestos at work or within close proximity to someone who has been affected by asbestos. Pericardial mesothelioma symptoms can vary and can mimic other conditions which makes it difficult to diagnose.
Pericardial mesothelioma can occur when asbestos particles adhere to the pericardial lining and begin to develop tumors which thicken the membrane. It is thought that this is what causes mesothelioma of the pericardium, but doctors know little about how it develops. Most doctors think that the cancer originated from a different part of the body, like the abdominal cavity or the lungs (the peritoneum) and then moved to the lining of the heart.
The mesothelium is the lining for both the chest and abdomen. This is where most mesothelioma tumours develop. 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 mesothelioma pericardial, can take decades to show up after exposure to asbestos legal. The symptoms are usually similar to other illnesses and may include chest pain, trouble breathing as well as weight loss, fatigue, and an ongoing cough. In some instances the pericardial tumor can cause clubbing, an illness where fingers get swollen and appear more rounded than normal.
Doctors diagnose mesothelioma in the pericardium based on the patient’s medical background. 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 will also take a fluid or tissue sample to complete the diagnosis.
Pericardial mesothelioma is a very rare condition, and a lot of doctors do not recognize the signs. It is important for patients to disclose all of their symptoms to their doctor to be examined for mesothelioma as well as other ailments. Bring our Symptom Checklist along to your appointment will help ensure that your doctor is aware of all symptoms you are experiencing and will be able to accurately determine if you are suffering from mesothelioma or another condition.
Diagnosis
Pericardial mesothelioma is difficult to recognize. The symptoms often mirror more common heart diseases and may not be apparent until the condition has advanced substantially. Asbestos exposure can occur years before pericardial malignancies are diagnosed, making it difficult to detect the link. Anyone with a history of asbestos should discuss their exposure history with their doctors and inquire about symptoms associated with asbestos.
The cause of pericardial mesothelioma remains unknown, but doctors believe that it occurs when asbestos fibers move from the lungs to the pericardium and cause irritation to the tissues there. As time passes the tissues that are irritated transform into cancerous cells that develop into tumors. Due to tumors, fluid accumulates around the organ. This pressure can cause symptoms.
Typically, doctors first perform imaging tests such as Xrays and CT scans to identify any tumors or excess fluids. Then, they conduct tests on blood to confirm the presence of mesothelioma and determine the extent of cancerous cells expanding.
Patients with mesothelioma should also be prepared to discuss their history of work with their physician. Asbestos workers have a high risk of developing asbestos-related diseases such as mesothelioma and lung cancer. Patients who have had a history of exposure to asbestos may be qualified for compensation in a mesothelioma lawsuit.
If you or someone close to you has been exposed to asbestos compensation and has been diagnosed with pericardial cancer, a lawyer who is experienced in asbestos litigation; just click the up coming page, can help determine your legal options. Call Madeksho Law Firm for a free consultation today. There is no charge unless we are able to get compensation for you.
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 impact asbestos victims and can ensure that you receive all the benefits to which you are entitled. Complete our online claim form or contact us for assistance. We’ll 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 you can enjoy.
Treatment
Doctors must conduct physical examinations and ask patients questions regarding their asbestos exposure to determine if pericardial mesothelioma is a cancer. They can then perform various tests, including X-rays, CT Scans, echocardiograms and biopsies, to locate the signs and determine if there’s an accumulation of fluid in the pericardium.
It could take up to 60 years for asbestos fibers to reach the lining of the heart and cause cancerous cells to form. Because of this long time between latency, it is essential for anyone suffering from mesothelioma-related symptoms to talk to an expert doctor right away. They should also be open about their previous exposure to asbestos so they can receive the most effective treatment possible.
Pericardial mesothelioma is one of the rarest forms of mesothelioma and is responsible for less than 1% of all mesothelioma cases that are diagnosed. This is due in part to the difficulty in diagnosing this condition since it can be a symptom of other heart conditions or symptoms.
The first step in the process of diagnosing is a physical exam conducted by an expert physician who listens to the patient’s breathing and heartbeat. The doctor might also request a CT or MRI scan of the chest in order to check for tumors and areas of swelling. If they detect fluid in the pericardium they will require an echocardiogram. This is to assess the heart’s function and see if the lining has thickened.
Once the doctor has concluded that there is a buildup of fluid or a tumor in the pericardium they will conduct an examination to confirm the diagnosis and determine if it’s malignant. During a biopsy doctors will take small amounts of fluid or tissue and send them to a lab for further analysis.
Many patients suffering from pericardial Sarcoidosis will not be able to recover because the treatment options are more limited than for other types. New treatment options are being researched to provide better outcomes for patients. Gene therapy is one such method. It involves adding or removing certain genes from the body of a patient to combat certain diseases. Immunotherapy is a different option, which aims to build a patient’s immunity to fight cancer.