Pericardial Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure
Pericardial mesothelioma is an uncommon form of mesothelioma that occurs in the lining of the heart (pericardium). This type of mesothelioma typically produces symptoms such as chest pain or fatigue that may be similar to other health conditions.
It can take years for these symptoms to appear after exposure to asbestos. This makes it difficult to determine the cause. The best method to obtain an accurate diagnosis is for patients to share their history of exposure to asbestos with their physician.
What is the cause of Pericardial Mesothelioma?
Pericardial mesothelioma occurs in the thin membrane that lines the heart, also known as the pericardium. This is a rare type of mesothelioma which is responsible for 1 to 2 percent of all cases. Like all types of mesothelioma, the pericardial type is also linked to asbestos exposure.
Asbestos, a naturally occurring mineral has been used for a long time in a wide range of commercial and household items. The fibers are easily inhaled, swallowed, or trapped in the tissues of the abdominal and chest cavities. Mesothelioma develops when the fibrils are irritated, and they form tumors that spread to other parts of the body.
A few doctors have discovered a connection between
asbestos claim exposure and mesothelioma pericardia. They do not yet fully comprehend how asbestos contributes to this cancer in the pericardium, but they know that it happens in a quarter of all patients diagnosed with mesothelioma. This is due to the fact that it typically occurs years after asbestos exposure.
In most instances, an individual exposed to asbestos can develop pleural mesothelioma, which develops in the lungs and forms a lining of the chest wall. They may also develop testicular or peritoneal mesothelioma within male testes. If they are also diagnosed with pericardial mesothelioma it may be difficult to identify because symptoms can be similar to those of other heart ailments.
The symptoms of pericardial asbestosis tend to be gradual and may impact the ability of breathing. 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 running an echocardiogram which is an ultrasound scan of the heart, or an pericardial biopsy.
A mesothelioma specialist can help determine if a patient suffers from the rare form of this disease and find the best treatment. Other factors, like genetics, an weakened immune system, and exposure to radiation can increase the risk of pericardial msothelioma. Patients who have mesothelioma-related family history are at a higher risk as well.
Signs and symptoms
Like other types of mesothelioma, pericardial mesothelioma occurs when asbestos fibers enter the tissue that surrounds the heart. This rare form of the cancer, which accounts for less than one percent of mesothelioma cases that are malignant, is primarily discovered in those who were exposed to
asbestos compensation in their workplace or by living with someone who was affected by asbestos. Pericardial Mesothelioma may present with a variety of symptoms that are difficult to identify.
Pericardial mesothelioma may occur when asbestos particles stick to the pericardial lining and begin to develop tumors that thicken the membrane. Doctors do not know the causes of pericardial cancer, however, they believe asbestos particles are the cause. The majority of doctors believe that the cancer grew from an area of the body, such as the lungs or abdominal cavity (the peritoneum) and then spread to the lining of the heart.
The lining of the chest and abdomen are known as the mesothelium. This is the primary site for mesothelioma tumors to grow. The disease may also start in the lining of the peritoneum or in the testicles, though this is far less common.
After exposure to asbestos, the mesothelioma symptoms can take years to show up. These symptoms are often similar to other conditions and can include chest pain, difficulty breathing and weight loss, fatigue, and a constant cough. In a few instances, pericardial mesothelioma may cause clubbing of the fingers, a condition in which the fingers swell and appear larger than usual.
Doctors identify pericardial mesothelioma on the basis of the patient's medical history and symptoms. They will ask the patient about their previous asbestos exposure, and then perform imaging tests like x rays, CT scans, and an echocardiogram in order to examine the pericardium. To confirm the diagnosis, they will also take samples of fluid or tissue.
Pericardial Mesothelioma, which is a rare condition that isn't acknowledged by a lot of doctors, can trigger serious symptoms. It is important for patients to report all their symptoms to their doctor to be examined for mesothelioma as well as other conditions. The taking of our Symptom Checklist along to your appointment will ensure that your doctor is aware of all symptoms you are experiencing and will be able to properly diagnose you.
Diagnosis
Pericardial mesothelioma is difficult to diagnose. Its symptoms are often akin to more common heart diseases and may not appear until the disease has progressed significantly. In addition, exposure to asbestos can happen decades before the onset of pericardial mesothelioma and makes the connection difficult to recognize. Anyone who has a history of
asbestos attorney exposure should discuss their exposure with their doctor and inquire about any asbestos-related symptoms.
The reason for pericardial mesothelioma remains unknown however, doctors believe that it occurs when asbestos fibers travel from the lungs into the pericardium and cause irritation to the tissue that is there. Over time, the irritated tissues mutate into cancerous cells, which then transform into tumors. The pericardium is filled with fluid around the heart as a result of the tumors and the resulting pressure puts stress on the organ and leads to symptoms.
X-rays or CT scans are typically performed first by doctors to look for any tumors or excessive fluids. Then, they conduct tests of blood to confirm the presence of mesothelioma, and determine the extent of any spread of cancerous cells.
Patients with mesothelioma must be prepared to discuss their work history with their physician. Asbestos workers are at a higher risk of developing asbestos-related diseases, including lung cancer and mesothelioma. Patients who have had a history of asbestos exposure could be qualified for compensation in a mesothelioma suit.
If you or a loved one has been exposed to asbestos and has been diagnosed with pericardial cancer, a lawyer who is experienced in asbestos litigation can assist you to determine your legal options. Contact Madeksho Law Firm for a free consultation today. No fees are charged unless we are able to obtain compensation for you.
The pericardial mesothelioma lawyers of 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 legal,
have a peek at this web-site, victims, and can assist you in receiving the benefits you are entitled to. Fill out our claim online form or contact us for assistance. We will guide you through the whole process. Our number is 1-888-654-7635. Download our free Veterans Packet to learn about the benefits available to you.
Treatment
To properly determine if pericardial mesothelioma is present doctors must conduct physical examinations and inquire with patients about their
asbestos lawyer exposure background. They can then conduct a series of tests, such as X-rays, CT Scans, echocardiograms and biopsies, to pinpoint the symptoms and determine if there's fluid buildup in the pericardium.
Asbestos fibers can take as long as 60 years to reach the lining of the heart, where they trigger cancerous cells. Because of this lengthy latency period, it is crucial for anyone who is experiencing mesothelioma related symptoms to talk to a doctor immediately. They should also be honest about their previous exposure to asbestos so they can ensure they receive the most effective treatment possible.
Pericardial Mesothelioma (PM), one of the rarest forms of mesothelioma that accounts for less than one percent of all cases of mesothelioma diagnosed. This is due in part to the difficulty of identifying this condition because it can be a symptom of other heart diseases and signs.
The first step in the diagnosis process is a physical exam conducted by a physician who will listen to a patient's breathing and heartbeat. The doctor may also request an MRI or CT scan of the chest to find any areas of swelling, and also check for any tumors. If they find fluid in the pericardium they will require an echocardiogram. This is to check the heart's function and see 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 a biopsy to confirm the diagnosis and determine if the tumor is malignant. When they conduct a biopsy doctors will take small amounts of tissue or fluid and send them to a lab for further testing.
Because pericardial mesothelioma has an enumeration of treatment options than other types, many patients will not be able to recover from the disease. New treatment methods are being studied to offer better outcomes for patients. Gene therapy is one such method. It involves introducing or removing certain genes from the body of a patient in order to fight certain diseases. Immunotherapy is another option which aims at training the body's immune system to fight cancer.
