Pericardial Mesothelioma and asbestos legal Exposure
Pericardial Mesothelioma can be found in the pericardium, a lining of the heart. This kind of mesothelioma usually produces symptoms such as chest pain or fatigue that may mimic other health conditions.
It can take years for symptoms to manifest after exposure to asbestos. This makes it difficult to determine the cause. The best method to obtain a correct diagnosis is for patients to discuss their experience of exposure to asbestos with their doctor.
What is the cause of Pericardial Mesothelioma?
Pericardial mesothelioma occurs in the thin membrane that lines the heart, referred to as the pericardium. It is among the rarest mesothelioma types that account for one-third to 2 percent of all mesothelioma cases. Like all mesothelioma other types, pericardial mesothelioma is connected to asbestos exposure.
Asbestos is a mineral that occurs naturally, was used for decades in a wide range of commercial and household items. The fibers are easily swallowed, inhaled or caught in the tissues of the chest and abdominal cavities. Mesothelioma develops when the fibrils get irritated and develop into tumors that eventually spread throughout the body.
Doctors have only identified a link between asbestos exposure and pericardial mesothelioma in a small number of cases. Although they aren’t sure how asbestos causes this cancer of the pericardium 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.
Most people who are exposed to asbestos develop pleural msothelioma. The cancer develops in the lung’s lining and chest wall. However, they could also develop peritoneal mesothelioma located in the abdomen or testicular mesothelioma in the male testes. If they are diagnosed with pericardial mesothelioma it may be difficult to diagnose because symptoms often resemble the symptoms of other heart diseases.
The symptoms of pericardial cancer tend to come on slowly and can affect the ability to breathe. The symptoms include chest pain, breathing difficulties and a fluid accumulation around the heart known as pericardial effusion. A doctor can identify this condition through an echocardiogram, which is an ultrasound scan of the heart, or the pericardial biopsy.
A mesothelioma expert can determine if a patient is suffering from this rare form of disease and help them find the most effective treatment. In addition to asbestos exposure, other factors that can increase the risk of pericardial mesothelioma include genetics, an impaired immune system, and radiation exposure. Patients who have mesothelioma-related family history have a higher risk as well.
Signs and symptoms
Like other types of mesothelioma, pericardial mesothelioma occurs when asbestos fibers reach the tissue that surrounds the heart. This rare type of cancer, which accounts for less than one percent of mesothelioma cases that are malignant, is most commonly found in people exposed to asbestos at work or within close proximity to people who have been affected by asbestos. Pericardial Mesothelioma may present with a variety of symptoms that can be difficult to recognize.
Pericardial mesothelioma is a condition that occurs when asbestos particles stick to the lining of the pericardium and begin to form tumors that thicken the membrane. Doctors aren’t sure the causes of pericardial cancer, but they believe that asbestos particles are the reason. Most doctors believe that the cancer spreads from another area of the body, such as the abdominal cavity, the lungs (peritoneum), and then to the lining inside the heart.
The mesothelium is the lining for both the abdomen and chest. This is where most mesothelioma tumors are found. The disease can also develop in the linings of the peritoneum and testicles. However, this is much less common.
After asbestos lawsuit exposure, symptoms of mesothelioma can take years to manifest. The symptoms are usually similar to other diseases and can include chest pain, difficulty breathing, weight loss, fatigue, and a constant cough. In a few instances, pericardial mesothelioma may cause clubbing of the fingers, a condition in which the fingertips swell and appear more round than normal.
Doctors diagnose mesothelioma of pericardium based on the patient’s medical background. They will inquire about previous exposure to asbestos and perform imaging tests, such as x-rays, CT scans and an echocardiogram to look at the pericardium. They will also take samples of tissue or fluid to complete the diagnosis.
Pericardial Mesothelioma is a rare condition that is not acknowledged by a lot of doctors, can lead to serious symptoms. It is essential for patients to report all symptoms to their doctor in order to be tested for mesothelioma and other ailments. Taking our Symptom Checklist along to your appointment will help ensure that your doctor is aware of all symptoms you are experiencing and is able to accurately diagnose you.
Diagnosis
Diagnosing pericardial mesothelioma can be difficult. The symptoms may be similar to other heart diseases and may not show up until the disease is advanced. asbestos claim exposure can happen years before pericardial msothelioma can be diagnosed and it is difficult to determine the connection. Anyone with a history involving asbestos exposure should consult their doctor about any symptoms that may be related to asbestos.
The 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 that is there. As time passes the tissues affected by irritation transform into cancerous cells, which then develop into tumors. Due to tumors, fluid forms around the organ. This pressure causes symptoms.
Typically, doctors perform imaging tests such as X-rays and CT scans to identify any tumors or excess fluids. Then, they run tests in the blood to confirm the presence of mesothelioma and determine the extent to which cancerous cells are growing.
Mesothelioma patients should 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 a mesothelioma lawsuit.
If you or a loved one has been exposed to asbestos and has developed pericardial mesothelioma, a lawyer who is experienced in asbestos litigation can help understand your legal options. Contact Madeksho Law Firm for a free consultation today. 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 litigation-related cases. Our lawyers are well-versed in the various laws that affect asbestos sufferers and can ensure you receive all the benefits to which you are entitled. Get started on your claim today by filling out our online form or by calling us. We will walk you through the entire process from start to finish. Contact us at 1-888-654-7635. You can also download our free Veterans Packet to learn about the benefits you can enjoy.
Treatment
To properly determine if pericardial mesothelioma is present, doctors need to conduct physical examinations and inquire with patients about their asbestos exposure history. They can then utilize various tests like X-rays CT Scans, Echocardiograms and Biopsies to locate the symptoms.
Asbestos fibers can require up to 60 years to reach the lining of the heart, causing cancerous cells. Because of this long time period of latency, it’s essential for anyone suffering from mesothelioma-related symptoms to talk to an expert doctor right away. They must also be honest about their past exposure to asbestos to ensure they get the best treatment.
Pericardial Mesothelioma (PM), one of the rarest forms of mesothelioma, accounts for less than 1% of all cases of mesothelioma diagnosed. This is partly due to the difficulty in identifying this condition as it may be similar to other heart conditions or symptoms.
A doctor will first assess the patient and observe their heartbeat and breathing. The doctor may also order an CT or MRI scan of the chest in order to look for tumors and to identify areas of swelling. If they detect fluid in the pericardium they will request an echocardiogram. This will be used to evaluate the heart’s functioning and to determine whether the lining of the heart has thickened.
If the doctor is able to determine there is a tumor or fluid buildup in the pericardium, they will perform a biopsy in order to confirm their diagnosis and determine whether it is malignant. When they conduct a biopsy doctors will take small amounts of fluid or tissue and send them to a lab for further testing.
Since pericardial mesothelioma is a more limited range of treatments than other types, a majority of victims will not survive the disease. New treatment methods are being investigated that could provide better outcomes for patients. Gene therapy is one such method. It involves introducing or taking certain genes out of the body of a patient in order to combat certain diseases. Another option is immunotherapy, which aims to train the immune system of a patient to fight the cancer.