Pericardial Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure
Pericardial mesothelioma is a rare form of mesothelioma that occurs in the lining of the heart (pericardium). This type of mesothelioma can cause symptoms like fatigue or chest pain that may mimic other ailments.
It can take years for symptoms to manifest after asbestos exposure. This makes it difficult to determine the cause. Patients should share their history of exposure to asbestos with their doctor to ensure a correct diagnosis.
What is the cause of Pericardial Mesothelioma?
Pericardial mesothelioma is a cancer that develops in thin membrane that lines the heart, referred to as the pericardium. It is a rare type of mesothelioma which is responsible for 1 to 2 percent of all cases. Similar to mesothelioma types, pericardial mesothelioma is linked to asbestos exposure.
Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral has been used for a long time in a myriad of commercial and household products. Its toxic fibers are easily swallowed or inhaled and they can get caught in the lining of the chest or abdominal cavities. Mesothelioma is a condition that occurs when fibrils cause irritation and then form tumors.
Only a handful of doctors have found a connection between asbestos exposure and mesothelioma pericardia. While they don’t know the exact mechanism that causes asbestos-related cancer of the pericardium to grow however, they do know that about a quarter all mesothelioma patients are affected. This is due to the fact that it usually occurs years 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. There is also the possibility of developing testicular or peritoneal msothelioma in male testes. It is sometimes difficult to diagnose pericardial msothelioma when the symptoms are similar to those of other heart problems.
The symptoms of pericardial asbestosis tend to progress slowly and may 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 a pericardial biopsy.
A mesothelioma lawsuits specialist can determine if a patient suffers from this rare form of disease and help them find the most effective treatment. In addition to asbestos exposure other factors that may increase the risk of developing pericardial mesothelioma include genetics as well as an impaired immune system and radiation exposure. A family history of the disease increases your risk.
Signs and symptoms
As with other mesothelioma types, pericardial mesothelioma develops when asbestos fibers enter the tissue that surrounds the heart. This uncommon form of cancer, which accounts for less than one percent of all malignant mesothelioma cases it is mostly found in people who were exposed to asbestos in the workplace or by living with someone who was impacted by asbestos. The symptoms of mesothelioma in the pericardium can be different and mimic other conditions which makes it difficult to diagnose.
Pericardial mesothelioma lawsuit is a condition that occurs when asbestos particles cling to the lining of the pericardium and begin to grow into tumors that thicken the membrane. It is thought that this is the reason for mesothelioma of the pericardium, but doctors know little about how it develops. The majority of doctors believe that cancer spreads from another area of the body such as the abdominal cavity, the lungs (peritoneum), and then to the lining of the heart.
The mesothelium is the lining of the abdomen and chest. This is where most mesothelioma tumors develop. The disease can also start in the peritoneal lining or in the testicles however this is much less frequent.
Symptoms of mesothelioma, including mesothelioma of the pericardial region, can take decades to manifest after exposure to asbestos. These symptoms are typically similar to other illnesses and can include chest pain, difficulties breathing and weight loss, fatigue and a constant cough. In a few cases, pericardial mesothelioma could cause clubbing of the fingers the condition where the fingertips swell and appear more round than normal.
Doctors diagnose mesothelioma in the pericardium based on the patient’s medical history. They will inquire about previous exposure to asbestos, and then conduct imaging tests, such as x-rays, CT scans and an echocardiogram to check the pericardium. They will also take a fluid or tissue sample to confirm the diagnosis.
Pericardial mesothelioma can be a rare condition, and a lot of doctors are unable to recognize the symptoms. It is crucial that patients report all their symptoms to their doctor to be examined for mesothelioma as well as other conditions. Bring our Symptom Checklist to your appointment can ensure your doctor is aware of your symptoms and can correctly diagnose you.
Diagnosis
Pericardial mesothelioma is a difficult cancer to identify. Symptoms often mimic more common heart disorders and may not appear until the condition has advanced substantially. Moreover, asbestos exposure can occur decades before pericardial mesothelioma appears and makes the connection difficult to identify. Anyone who has a history of asbestos exposure should talk to their doctor about any symptoms that could be due to asbestos.
Doctors don’t know the exact cause of the pericardial msothelioma. They believe it is caused by asbestos fibers that migrate from the lungs into the pericardium to cause irritation to the tissue. Over time the affected tissue transforms into cancerous cells that develop into tumors and enlarge the pericardium. The heart is flooded with fluid. heart as a result of the tumors, and the resulting pressure causes stress on the organ and leads to symptoms.
X-rays or CT scans are usually performed first by doctors to identify any abnormal fluids or tumors. They then run tests on blood to confirm the presence of mesothelioma, and determine the extent of cancerous cells spreading.
Mesothelioma patients should also be prepared to discuss their work history with a doctor. Asbestos workers are at a higher chance of developing asbestos-related illnesses which include lung cancer and mesothelioma. Patients who have had a history of asbestos exposure may qualify for compensation through mesothelioma lawsuits.
A lawyer who has experience in asbestos litigation will help you understand the legal options that are available to you if or someone loved ones has been exposed asbestos and has developed pericardial Mesothelioma. Contact Madeksho Law Firm today for a free consultation. There is no fee unless we collect compensation on your behalf.
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 affect asbestos victims and can assist you in receiving the benefits you are entitled to. Start your claim now by filling out our online form or calling us. We will help you through the entire process. Contact us at 1-888-654-7635. Download our free Veterans Packet for more information about your benefits.
Treatment
To be able to accurately diagnose pericardial mesothelioma, doctors need to conduct physical examinations and talk to patients about their asbestos exposure history. They can then use a variety of tests, such as X-rays, CT Scans, echocardiograms and biopsies, to locate the symptoms and determine if there is fluid accumulation in the pericardium.
It can take up to 60 years for asbestos fibers reach the heart’s lining and cause cancerous cells to grow. It is crucial that anyone with mesothelioma symptoms consult a doctor as soon as possible due to the lengthy time of latency. They must also be honest about their previous exposure to asbestos to ensure they get the best treatment.
Pericardial Mesothelioma, which is among the rarest forms of mesothelioma lawyer that accounts for less than one percent of all cases of mesothelioma diagnosed. This is partly due to the difficulty in diagnosing this condition since it can be a symptom of other heart diseases or symptoms.
A physician will first examine the patient and observe their breathing and heartbeat. The doctor can also order an MRI or CT scan of the chest to identify any areas of swelling, and also check for a tumor. If they discover fluid buildup in the pericardium, they will likely order an echocardiogram to observe how well the heart is functioning and to determine whether there is any lining that is thickening.
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. During the biopsy, doctors will remove tiny pieces of fluid or tissue and send samples to a laboratory for further analysis.
A lot of patients with pericardial sarcoidosis will not survive because the treatment options are more limited than for other types. New treatment options are being studied to provide 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 certain diseases. Immunotherapy is another option which aims to build the body’s immune system to fight cancer.