Pericardial Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure
Pericardial Mesothelioma can be found in the pericardium, which is a lining of the heart. This kind of mesothelioma could cause symptoms such as chest pain or fatigue that may mimic other ailments.
These symptoms may take years to manifest following exposure to asbestos which makes a diagnosis difficult. Patients should discuss their history of exposure to asbestos with their doctor to ensure a reliable diagnosis.
What is the cause of pericardial mesothelioma lawsuit?
Pericardial mesothelioma occurs in the thin membrane that surrounds the heart, known as the pericardium. This is a rare type of mesothelioma that accounts for 1% to 2 percent of all cases. As with all types of mesothelioma pericardial is also linked to asbestos exposure.
Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that was extensively used in a wide range of commercial and household items. The fibers are easily inhaled, swallowed or caught in the tissues of the abdominal and chest cavities. Mesothelioma develops when the fibrils get irritated and develop into tumors that spread to other parts of the body.
Doctors have only found an association between asbestos exposure and pericardial mesothelioma only in a few cases. They still do not know exactly how asbestos contributes to this type of cancer in the pericardium, but they do know that it occurs in around a quarter of all patients diagnosed with mesothelioma. This is in part because it usually occurs years after exposure to asbestos.
In most instances, a person exposed to asbestos may develop pleural mesothelioma that is found in the lungs and forms a lining of the chest wall. However, they can also develop peritoneal melanoma, found in the abdomen, or testicular mesothelioma in the male testes. If they are also diagnosed with pericardial mesothelioma it can be difficult to determine because the symptoms can be similar to the symptoms of other heart diseases.
The signs of pericardial asbestosis usually progress slowly and may affect your ability to breathe. The symptoms include chest pain, difficulty breathing, and a buildup of fluid around the heart called pericardial effusion. A doctor can identify this condition by performing an echocardiogram, which is an ultrasound of the heart or a pericardial biopsy.
A mesothelioma specialist can determine whether a patient has this rare form of the disease and assist them in finding the best treatment. Other factors, such as genetics, an impaired immune system, and exposure to radiation can increase the risk for pericardial msothelioma. Those who have mesothelioma in their family have an increased risk as well.
Signs and symptoms
As with other mesothelioma types, pericardial mesothelioma occurs when asbestos fibers get into the tissue that surrounds the heart. This rare type of cancer, which makes up less than one percent of mesothelioma that is malignant, is most commonly found in people who have been exposed to asbestos at work or in close proximity to someone who has been affected by asbestos. Pericardial mesothelioma symptoms can vary and can mimic other conditions, making diagnosis difficult.
When asbestos particles adhere to the pericardium’s lining, they can cause tumors to expand and make the membrane thicker. Doctors don’t know the causes of pericardial cancer, however, they believe asbestos particles are the reason. The majority of doctors believe that the cancer grew from another area of the body, like the abdominal cavity or lungs (the peritoneum) and then moved to the lining of the heart.
The mesothelium is the lining of the abdomen and chest. This is where most mesothelioma tumors are found. The disease may also start in the peritoneal lining and testicles. However, this is much less common.
The symptoms of mesothelioma, such as pericardial mesothelioma may take years to manifest after exposure to asbestos. These symptoms are typically similar to other conditions and can include chest pain, trouble breathing and weight loss, fatigue, and a persistent cough. In some instances, pericardial mesothelioma can cause a swollen finger the condition where the fingertips swell and appear larger than usual.
Doctors diagnose mesothelioma in the pericardium based on a patient’s medical background. They will inquire with the patient about any asbestos exposure, and then perform imaging tests like x-rays, CT scans, and an echocardiogram to look at the pericardium. They may also take a fluid or tissue sample to confirm the diagnosis.
Pericardial mesothelioma is a rare condition, and many doctors do not recognize the symptoms. Patients should report any symptoms to their physician to be examined for mesothelioma or other ailments. Taking our Symptom Checklist with you to your appointment will ensure that your doctor is aware of the symptoms you are experiencing and will be able to correctly diagnose you.
Diagnosis
Pericardial mesothelioma can be difficult to identify. The symptoms may be similar to other heart diseases and may not manifest until the disease has advanced. In addition, exposure to asbestos can happen decades before pericardial mesothelioma appears, making the connection difficult to recognize. However, anyone who has a history of asbestos exposure should share their exposure history with doctors and inquire about any asbestos-related symptoms.
Doctors do not know the reason for pericardial msothelioma. However, they believe it is caused by asbestos fibers which migrate from the lung to the pericardium and cause irritation to tissue. In time the tissues affected by irritation transform into cancerous cells which grow into tumors. Due to tumors, fluid forms around the organ. This pressure causes symptoms.
X-rays or CT scans are generally carried out by doctors first to identify any tumors or excessive fluids. Then, they conduct tests of blood to confirm the presence of mesothelioma and determine the extent of any spreading of cancerous cells.
Mesothelioma patients should be prepared to discuss their employment medical history with a doctor. Asbestos workers are at a greater risk of developing asbestos related diseases, such as mesothelioma and lung cancer. Patients who have a history of asbestos exposure may be eligible for compensation via a mesothelioma lawsuit.
A lawyer who has experience in asbestos litigation can assist you in understanding the legal options available to you in the event that you or someone you love has been exposed asbestos and has developed pericardial Mesothelioma. Contact Madeksho Law Firm today for a no-cost consultation. No fee is charged unless we are able to obtain 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 knowledgeable of the laws that apply to asbestos victims and can assist you in receiving the benefits you deserve. Get started on your claim now by filling out our online form or by calling us. We’ll guide you through the entire process from start to finish. 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 utilize various tests like X-rays CT Scans, Echocardiograms and Biopsies to locate the symptoms.
Asbestos fibers can take up 60 years to reach the lining of the heart, causing cancerous cells. It is vital that anyone who has mesothelioma-related symptoms seek out a physician as soon as possible because of the long delay. It is also essential to be upfront about their previous exposure to asbestos in order to receive the most effective treatment.
Pericardial mesothelioma lawsuits, one of the rarest mesothelioma types is responsible for less than 1percent of all cases of mesothelioma diagnosed. This is partly due to the difficulty in diagnosing this disease since it can mimic other heart conditions or signs.
A doctor will first assess the patient and listen to their heartbeat and breathing. The doctor can also order an MRI or CT scan of the chest to identify any areas of swelling and to check for any tumors. If they discover fluid in the pericardium they will require an echocardiogram. This will be used to evaluate the heart’s functioning and to determine if the lining has thickened.
Once the doctor has determined 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 take small pieces of fluid or tissue and send them to the lab for further testing.
A lot of patients with pericardial sarcoidosis will not survive because the treatment options are less than for other kinds. However, there are some new treatment options being studied which could provide better results 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 train the immune system of the patient to fight cancer.