Pericardial mesothelioma lawsuits and Asbestos Exposure
Pericardial mesothelioma can be a rare type of mesothelioma which occurs in the heart’s lining (pericardium). This type of mesothelioma generally produces symptoms such as chest discomfort or fatigue, which can be similar to other health conditions.
It can take years for these symptoms to appear after asbestos exposure. This makes a diagnosis difficult. Patients should share their history of exposure to asbestos with their physician to make sure they get a proper diagnosis.
What is the cause of mesothelioma of the pericardium?
Pericardial Mesothelioma is a cancer that grows in the thin membrane lining the heart. It is a rare type of mesothelioma which can be found in 1% to 2 % of all cases. Similar to mesothelioma types, pericardial mesothelioma is connected to asbestos exposure.
Asbestos is a type of naturally occurring mineral that was used in many common commercial and household products for many years. The toxic fibers can be swallowed or inhaled, and they can end up in the chest’s lining or abdominal cavities. Mesothelioma is a condition that occurs when fibrils cause irritation and create tumors.
Doctors have only discovered a link between exposure to asbestos and pericardial mesothelioma in just a few cases. They still do not know exactly how asbestos contributes to this type of cancer in the pericardium, however they know that it occurs in about quarter of patients diagnosed with mesothelioma. This is in part because it is usually diagnosed decades after a patient’s asbestos exposure.
In most instances, a person exposed to asbestos may develop pleural mesothelioma. It is found in the lungs and forms a lining of the chest wall. However, they may also develop peritoneal mesothelioma, located in the abdomen, or testicular mesothelioma, in the testes of males. If they are diagnosed with pericardial mesothelioma it may be difficult to identify because symptoms are often similar to those of other heart ailments.
The symptoms of pericardial cancer tend to progress slowly and may impact the ability to breathe. These symptoms can include chest pain, trouble breathing, and a buildup of fluid around the heart, which is known as pericardial effusion. A doctor can diagnose this condition by performing an echocardiogram, which is an ultrasound scan of the heart or a pericardial biopsy.
A mesothelioma specialist can help determine if a patient is suffering from the rare form of this disease and recommend the best treatment. Other factors, such as genetics, an impaired immune system, and exposure to radiation could increase the risk of pericardial msothelioma. Those with mesothelioma in their family have an increased risk of developing it as well.
Symptoms
As with other mesothelioma lawsuits types, pericardial mesothelioma lawsuits occurs when asbestos fibers get into the tissue that surrounds the heart. This rare type of cancer, which accounts for less than 1percent of all malignant cases of mesothelioma is found most often in people who have been exposed to asbestos in their work environment or in close proximity to people who have been affected by asbestos. Pericardial Mesothelioma is characterized by a variety of symptoms that are difficult to recognize.
When asbestos particles adhere to the pericardium’s lining they can cause tumors to expand and thicken the membrane. It is thought that this is the reason for mesothelioma pericardial, although doctors know little about how it develops. Most doctors think that the cancer originated from an area of the body, like the lungs or abdominal cavity (the peritoneum) and then moved to the lining of the heart.
The mesothelium is the lining of the abdomen and chest. This is the area where the majority of mesothelioma tumors are found. The disease can also start in the peritoneal lining or in the testicles, though this is far less frequent.
After exposure to asbestos, the mesothelioma lawyers symptoms can take years to manifest. These symptoms are often similar to other diseases and may include chest pain, trouble breathing as well as weight loss, fatigue, and a persistent cough. In some instances the pericardial msothelioma tumor can cause clubbing, an illness where fingers become swollen and look more round than normal.
Doctors diagnose mesothelioma of pericardium based on the patient’s medical history. They will inquire with the patient about previous asbestos exposure and perform imaging tests such as x rays, CT scans, and an echocardiogram in order to examine the pericardium. To confirm the diagnosis, they will also take an x-ray or a sample of tissue.
Pericardial mesothelioma can be a rare condition, and a lot of doctors do not recognize the symptoms. Patients should report any symptoms to their doctor in order to be tested for mesothelioma or other conditions. Bring our Symptom Checklist to your appointment will help ensure that your doctor is aware all of your symptoms and will be able to correctly diagnose you.
Diagnosis
Pericardial mesothelioma is difficult to recognize. Its symptoms are often akin to other heart conditions that are more common and may not appear until the condition has advanced significantly. Additionally, exposure to asbestos can happen decades before the onset of pericardial mesothelioma and makes the connection difficult to identify. Anyone with a history of asbestos should be able to share their asbestos exposure history with doctors and ask about asbestos-related symptoms.
The exact cause of mesothelioma of the pericardial region is not known, but doctors believe that it occurs when asbestos fibers migrate from the lungs to the pericardium and cause irritation to the tissues there. In time the tissues that are irritated transform into cancerous cells which develop into tumors. The heart is flooded with fluid. heart as a result of the tumors and the pressure that results puts stress on the organ and leads to symptoms.
X-rays or CT scans are usually done by doctors first to identify any tumors or excessive fluids. Then they run blood tests to confirm the presence of mesothelioma as well as determine the extent of any spread of cancerous cells.
Mesothelioma patients should also be prepared to discuss their occupational medical history with a doctor. Asbestos workers are at a higher chance of developing asbestos-related illnesses, including lung cancer and mesothelioma. Patients who have a history of asbestos exposure could be eligible for compensation through a mesothelioma lawsuit.
If you or someone close to you has been exposed to asbestos and has diagnosed pericardial mesothelioma lawyer with experience in asbestos litigation can help you know your legal options. Contact Madeksho Law Firm today for a free consultation. There is no charge unless we can recover 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 well-versed in the laws that apply to asbestos victims, and can help you receive the benefits you deserve. Get started on your claim now by filling out our online form or calling us. We will guide you through the whole procedure. Contact us at 1-888-654-7635. Or, download our free Veterans Packet to learn about the benefits you can enjoy.
Treatment
Doctors must conduct physical exams and ask patients questions about their asbestos exposure to diagnose pericardial a mesothelioma. They can then employ a variety of tests including X-rays CT Scans, Echocardiograms and Biopsies to determine the symptoms.
Asbestos fibers can take up 60 years to reach the lining in the heart, causing cancerous cells. It is essential that anyone with mesothelioma symptoms seek out a physician immediately due to the lengthy delay. They should also be open about their past exposure to asbestos so they are able to receive the most effective treatment possible.
Pericardial Mesothelioma, which is among the rarest types of mesothelioma is responsible for less than 1% of all cases of mesothelioma diagnosed. This is due to the difficulty in diagnosing this condition since it may be similar to other heart diseases and signs.
The first stage in the diagnosis process is a physical examination conducted by a physician who will listen to the 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 any tumors. If they find fluid in the pericardium they will order an echocardiogram. This will be used to evaluate the heart’s function and see whether the lining has become thicker.
If the doctor is able to determine there is a tumor or a fluid buildup in the pericardium they will conduct a biopsy to confirm their diagnosis and determine whether it is malignant. In a biopsy procedure doctors take small pieces of fluid or tissue and send them to a lab for further testing.
A lot of patients with pericardial sarcoidosis are not able to survive due to the fact that the treatment options are less than for other types. New treatment methods are being studied to improve the outcomes for patients. One such approach is gene therapy, which entails adding or removing genes from a person’s body in order to fight certain diseases. Another option is immunotherapy, which aims to train the immune system of the patient to fight the cancer.