Pericardial Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure
Pericardial Mesothelioma is a condition that affects the pericardium, a lining of the heart. This type of mesothelioma can cause symptoms like chest pain or fatigue that may be similar to other conditions.
It could take years for these symptoms to appear after exposure to asbestos. This makes a diagnosis difficult. The best method to obtain a correct diagnosis is to discuss their experience of asbestos exposure with their physician.
What is the cause of pericardial mesothelioma?
Pericardial Mesothelioma is a type of cancer that grows in the thin membrane lining the heart. It is among the rarest mesothelioma types that account for 1% to 2% of mesothelioma cases. Like mesothelioma lawyers other types, pericardial mesothelioma is linked to asbestos exposure.
Asbestos is a type of naturally occurring mineral that was utilized in many common commercial and household products for decades. Its harmful fibers can be inhaled or swallowed, and can be caught in the lining of the chest or abdominal cavities. Mesothelioma occurs when the fibrils cause irritation and then form tumors.
A few doctors have discovered a link between asbestos exposure and mesothelioma pericardia. They still do not fully understand how asbestos leads to the development of this cancer in the pericardium, however they know that it occurs in about 25% of patients diagnosed with mesothelioma. This is partly due to the fact that it is usually diagnosed decades after a patient’s asbestos exposure.
Most people who are exposed to asbestos develop pleural mesothelioma. The cancer develops in the lung’s lining as well as the chest wall. They may also develop testicular or peritoneal msothelioma that is found male testes. It can be difficult to diagnose pericardial msothelioma in the event that the symptoms are similar to other heart problems.
The symptoms of pericardial cancer tend to develop gradually and can impact the ability of breathing. The symptoms include chest pain, difficulty breathing, and a buildup of fluid around the heart, which is known as pericardial effusion. The condition can be diagnosed by a doctor with an echocardiogram (an ultrasound of the heart) or a biopsy.
A mesothelioma expert can determine if a patient suffers from this rare form of disease and guide them to the best treatment. Other factors, like genetics, a weak immune system, and exposure to radiation, can increase the risk of pericardial msothelioma. A family history of the disease also increases your risk.
Symptoms
Like other types of mesothelioma, pericardial mesothelioma occurs when asbestos fibers reach the tissue that surrounds the heart. This rare form of the cancer which is responsible for less than 1 percent of all malignant mesothelioma cases it is mostly found in people who were exposed to asbestos in the workplace or in the home of someone who was impacted by asbestos. Pericardial mesothelioma symptoms may vary and may be a sign of other diseases which makes it difficult to diagnose.
When asbestos particles adhere to the pericardium lining, they can cause tumors to develop and thicken the membrane. It is believed that this is what causes mesothelioma pericardial, although 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 lining of the abdomen and chest are known as the mesothelium. It is the main site for mesothelioma tumors to develop. The disease may also begin in the lining of the peritoneum or in the testicles, but this is not as frequent.
After asbestos exposure, symptoms of mesothelioma can take years to manifest. The symptoms are usually similar to other conditions and may include chest pain, difficulties breathing and weight loss, fatigue, and a persistent cough. In a few instances, pericardial mesothelioma can cause clubbing of the fingers, a condition in which the fingertips swell and appear larger than usual.
Doctors determine if pericardial mesothelioma lawyers is a cancer the patient’s medical history and symptoms. They will inquire about any previous exposure to asbestos, and then conduct imaging tests, like x-rays, CT scans and an echocardiogram to check the pericardium. They will also take an x-ray or a tissue sample to confirm the diagnosis.
Pericardial mesothelioma lawyer, which is a rare condition that isn’t acknowledged by a lot of doctors, can lead to serious symptoms. It is important for patients to disclose all symptoms to their doctor in order to be examined for mesothelioma as well as other diseases. Taking our Symptom Checklist along to your appointment will help ensure that your doctor is aware of all the symptoms you are experiencing and will be able to accurately determine if you are suffering from mesothelioma or another condition.
Diagnosis
The diagnosis of pericardial mesothelioma is difficult. The symptoms may be similar to other heart ailments and may not manifest until the disease has advanced. In addition, exposure to asbestos can occur years before pericardial mesothelioma appears and makes the connection difficult to identify. Anyone with a history involving asbestos exposure should talk to their doctor about any symptoms that could be due to asbestos.
Doctors don’t know the exact cause of pericardial msothelioma, but they believe it is caused by asbestos fibers which migrate from the lung to the pericardium and cause irritation to the tissue. As time passes the affected tissue transforms into cancerous cells, which then grow into tumors and expand the pericardium. Because of tumors, fluid forms 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. They then run tests on blood to confirm mesothelioma’s presence and determine the extent to which cancerous cells are growing.
Mesothelioma patients must also be prepared to discuss their work medical history with a doctor. Asbestos workers have a high chance of developing asbestos-related illnesses, including mesothelioma and lung cancer. Patients with a history of asbestos exposure may be eligible for compensation via mesothelioma lawsuits.
A lawyer with experience in asbestos litigation can help you understand the legal options available to you in the event that you or someone loved ones has been exposed asbestos and developed pericardial mesothelioma. Call Madeksho Law Firm for a free consultation today. No fee is charged unless we can get compensation for you.
The pericardial mesothelioma attorneys at Madeksho Law Firm have helped hundreds of veterans and their families with asbestos-related cases. Our lawyers are knowledgeable of the laws that apply to asbestos victims, and can assist you in obtaining the benefits you are entitled to. Fill out our online claim form or call us to get started. We will guide you through the entire procedure. Our number is 1-888-654 7635. Or, download our free Veterans Packet to learn about the benefits you can enjoy.
Treatment
Doctors should conduct physical exams and ask patients questions about their asbestos exposure in order to determine if pericardial mesothelioma is a cancer. They can then employ various tests like X-rays CT Scans, Echocardiograms and biopsies to identify the signs.
It can take as long as 60 years for asbestos fibers to reach the heart’s lining and cause cancerous cells to develop. It is vital that anyone with mesothelioma symptoms seek out a physician as soon as possible because of the long time of latency. They should also be open about their previous exposure to asbestos so that they can receive the most effective treatment.
Pericardial mesothelioma is among the rarest forms of mesothelioma and is responsible for less than 1percent of mesothelioma cases identified. This is due in part to the difficulty of diagnosing this condition since it may be similar to other heart conditions or symptoms.
The first step in the process of diagnosing is a physical examination by an expert physician who listens to a patient’s breathing and heartbeat. The doctor can also order an MRI or CT scan of the chest to identify any areas of swelling and to check for tumors. If they discover fluid in the pericardium, they will require an echocardiogram. This is to assess the heart’s functioning and to determine if the lining has thickened.
If the doctor is able to determine that there is fluid buildup or a tumor in the pericardium, they will perform a biopsy to confirm the diagnosis and determine if it is malignant. During the biopsy, doctors will remove tiny pieces of fluid or tissue and send them to a lab for further analysis.
Many patients suffering from pericardial Sarcoidosis will not survive because the treatments are more limited than for other types. New treatment options are being studied 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 to combat certain diseases. Another option is immunotherapy, which seeks to strengthen a patient’s immune system to fight the cancer.