Pericardial Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure
Pericardial Mesothelioma occurs in the pericardium, which is a lining of the heart. This type of mesothelioma typically produces symptoms such as chest pain or fatigue that can mimic other health conditions.
It can take a long time for symptoms to show up after asbestos exposure. This makes it difficult to determine the cause. Patients should discuss their history of exposure to asbestos with their doctor to make sure they get a proper diagnosis.
What is the reason for Pericardial Mesothelioma?
Pericardial mesothelioma develops in the thin membrane that lines the heart, referred to as the pericardium. This is a rare form of mesothelioma that is responsible for 1 to 2 percent of all cases. Like all mesothelioma other types, pericardial mesothelioma is connected to asbestos exposure.
Asbestos, a naturally occurring mineral, was used for decades in a variety of commercial and household items. Its fibers can be easily inhaled, swallowed or trapped in the linings of the abdominal and chest cavities. Mesothelioma is a condition that occurs when fibrils cause irritation and create tumors.
A few doctors have discovered a connection between asbestos exposure and mesothelioma pericardia. Although they aren’t sure how asbestos causes this cancer of the pericardium to grow however, they do know that approximately one quarter of mesothelioma patients are affected. This is due to the fact that it usually occurs decades 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. However, they may also develop peritoneal mesothelioma found in the abdomen, or testicular mesothelioma in the male testes. It is sometimes difficult to diagnose pericardial msothelioma in the event that the symptoms are similar to those of other heart conditions.
Symptoms of pericardial mesothelioma lawsuits tend to appear slowly and can affect the ability to breathe. These symptoms include breathing difficulties, chest pain and a build-up of fluid around the heart known as pericardial effusion. This condition can be diagnosed by a doctor with an echocardiogram (an ultrasound of the heart) or a biopsy.
A mesothelioma attorney specialist can help determine if a patient is suffering from the rare form of the disease and recommend the best treatment. In addition to asbestos exposure, other factors that can increase the risk of developing pericardial cancer include genetics and an impaired immune system, and radiation exposure. A family history of the disease also increases the risk.
Signs and symptoms
As with other mesothelioma types, pericardial mesothelioma is a result of asbestos fibers reach the tissue that surrounds the heart. This rare form of cancer, which accounts for less than 1% of mesothelioma cases that are malignant is typically found in those who have been exposed to asbestos in their work environment or within close proximity to people who have been affected by asbestos. Pericardial Mesothelioma is characterized by various symptoms that can be difficult to diagnose.
Pericardial mesothelioma attorney can occur when asbestos particles adhere to the lining of the pericardium and begin to grow into tumors which thicken the membrane. Doctors aren’t sure the causes of pericardial cancer, however, they believe asbestos particles are responsible for the development. The majority of doctors believe that the cancer spreads from another area of the body like the lungs, abdominal cavity (peritoneum), and then to the lining of the heart.
The abdomen and chest are known as the mesothelium. It is the primary location for mesothelioma tumors to grow. The disease can also develop in the linings of the peritoneum and testicles. However, this is much less common.
Symptoms of mesothelioma, including mesothelioma of the pericardial region may take years to manifest after exposure to asbestos. The symptoms may be similar to those of other illnesses, and include chest pain, trouble breathing, fatigue, and weight loss. In some instances, pericardial msothelioma can cause clubbing. This is an illness where the fingers swell up and look rounder than normal.
Doctors diagnose mesothelioma of the pericardium by looking at the patient’s medical background. They will inquire with the patient about any asbestos exposure and will perform imaging tests such as 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 will also take a sample of fluid or tissue.
Pericardial mesothelioma can be a rare condition, and many doctors are not aware of the signs. It is crucial that patients report all of their symptoms to their doctor to be tested for mesothelioma and other diseases. Bring our Symptom Checklist to your appointment will help ensure that your doctor is aware of your symptoms and can accurately diagnose you.
Diagnosis
Diagnosing pericardial mesothelioma can be difficult. The symptoms can be similar to other heart ailments and may not manifest until the disease has advanced. In addition, exposure to asbestos can occur years before the onset of pericardial mesothelioma and makes the connection difficult to recognize. Anyone with a history involving asbestos exposure should talk to their physician about any symptoms that could be related to asbestos.
The exact cause of mesothelioma pericardial remains unclear however, doctors believe that it occurs when asbestos fibers move from the lungs to the pericardium, and cause irritation to the tissue there. In time, the irritated tissues mutate into cancerous cells that develop into tumors. Fluid builds up around the heart due to the tumors, and the resulting pressure causes stress on the organ, which causes symptoms.
Typically, doctors first perform imaging tests such as Xrays and CT scans to detect tumors or excess fluids. Then, they run tests on blood to confirm the presence of mesothelioma attorneys and determine the extent of any spread of cancerous cells.
Mesothelioma patients must also be prepared to discuss their work history with a doctor. Asbestos workers have a high risk of developing asbestos-related diseases which include mesothelioma and lung cancer. Patients with an asbestos-related past could be eligible for compensation through mesothelioma lawsuits.
A lawyer who has experience in asbestos litigation can help you understand the legal options available to you if you or someone you love has been exposed asbestos and developed pericardial Mesothelioma. Call Madeksho Law Firm for a free consultation today. There is no charge unless we collect compensation on your behalf.
Madeksho Law Firm has helped hundreds of veterans in asbestos-related cases. Our lawyers are well-versed in the many laws that affect asbestos sufferers and can ensure that you receive all the benefits to which you are entitled. Get started on your claim today by filling out our online form or calling us. We will guide you through the entire process from beginning 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 determine if pericardial mesothelioma is present, doctors need to conduct physical examinations and inquire with patients about their asbestos exposure history. They can then use a series of tests, including X-rays, CT Scans, echocardiograms and biopsies to identify the signs and determine if there’s an accumulation of fluid in the pericardium.
It can take as long as 60 years for asbestos fibers reach the tissue of the heart and cause cancerous cells to form. It is essential that anyone who has mesothelioma attorneys-related symptoms see a doctor as soon as possible because of the long time of latency. They should also be open about any previous exposure to asbestos so they are able to receive the most effective treatment possible.
Pericardial mesothelioma is one of the rarest forms of mesothelioma and is the reason for only 1% of all mesothelioma cases identified. This is mainly due to the difficulty of diagnosing this disease since it may be similar to other heart conditions or symptoms.
A physician will first examine the patient and listen to their heartbeat and breathing. The physician may also order an MRI or CT scan of the chest to identify any areas of swelling and check for tumors. If they find fluid in the pericardium, they will request an echocardiogram. This will be used to evaluate the heart’s function and determine if the lining has thickened.
If the doctor is able to determine that there is a fluid buildup or a tumor in the pericardium, they will perform an examination to confirm the diagnosis and determine if it’s malignant. When they conduct a biopsy doctors will take small amounts of tissue or fluid and send them to the lab for further testing.
Since pericardial mesothelioma offers a smaller range of treatment options than other types of cancer, a large percentage of patients will not be able to recover from the disease. However, there are some new treatment methods being explored that could offer better outcomes for patients. One such method involves gene therapy, which involves adding or removing genes from the body of a person in order to fight diseases. Immunotherapy is another option which aims at training a patient’s immunity to fight cancer.