Pericardial Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure
Pericardial mesothelioma is an uncommon form of mesothelioma that occurs in the heart's lining (pericardium). This kind of mesothelioma usually causes symptoms like chest pain or fatigue that can mimic other health conditions.
It can take years for symptoms to manifest after exposure to asbestos. This makes a diagnosis difficult. lafayette asbestos lawsuit to make an accurate diagnosis is to discuss their experience of asbestos exposure with their doctor.
What Causes Pericardial Mesothelioma?
Pericardial mesothelioma develops in the thin membrane that surrounds the heart, referred to as the pericardium. This is one of the rarest forms of mesothelioma, making up about 1% to 2 percent of all mesothelioma cases. Like all mesothelioma types, pericardial mesothelioma is connected to asbestos exposure.
Asbestos, a naturally occurring mineral has been used for a long time in a myriad of commercial and household items. The fibers are easily swallowed, inhaled or caught in the linings of the abdominal and chest cavities. Mesothelioma forms when the fibrils are irritated, and they form tumors that eventually spread throughout the body.
Only a few doctors have found a connection between asbestos exposure and mesothelioma pericardia. While they don't know what causes asbestos-related cancer of the pericardium but they do know that approximately one quarter of mesothelioma patients are affected. This is in part because it usually occurs years after a patient's asbestos exposure.
Most people who are exposed to asbestos develop pleural mesothelioma. This cancer is found in the lining of the lungs and chest wall. They may also develop testicular or peritoneal mesothelioma within male testes. If they are also diagnosed with pericardial mesothelioma, it can be difficult to identify because symptoms can be similar to those of other heart ailments.
The symptoms of pericardial mesothelioma tend to appear gradually and impact breathing. The symptoms include chest pain, trouble breathing and a fluid buildup around the heart called pericardial effusion. A doctor can diagnose this condition by performing an echocardiogram which is an ultrasound of the heart or a pericardial biopsy.
A mesothelioma specialist can help determine if a patient is suffering from the rare form of the disease and recommend the best treatment. Other factors, like genetics, an weakened immune system, and radiation exposure can increase the risk of pericardial msothelioma. Those with mesothelioma in their family are at a higher risk of developing it as well.
Signs and symptoms
As with other mesothelioma types, pericardial mesothelioma is a result of asbestos fibers enter the tissue that surrounds the heart. This rare form of cancer, which makes up less than 1percent of mesothelioma that is malignant is typically found in people who have been exposed to asbestos at work or in close proximity to those who have been affected by asbestos. Pericardial mesothelioma symptoms may vary and mimic other conditions which makes it difficult to diagnose.
When asbestos particles adhere to the pericardium's lining, they can cause tumors to develop and thicken the membrane. It is believed that this is the reason for mesothelioma pericardial, although doctors aren't aware of how it develops. The majority of doctors believe that cancer spread from a different part of the body such as the abdomen, lungs (peritoneum), and then to the lining in the heart.
The mesothelium is the lining of both the chest and abdomen. This is the area where the majority of mesothelioma tumours develop. The disease can also develop in the linings of the peritoneum and testicles. However it is not as common.
The symptoms of mesothelioma such as mesothelioma pericardial, can take decades to manifest after exposure to asbestos. The symptoms are usually similar to other diseases and can include chest pain, difficulties breathing as well as weight loss, fatigue and a constant cough. In a few instances, pericardial mesothelioma may cause a swollen finger this is a condition that causes the fingertips swell and appear rounder than usual.
Doctors determine if pericardial mesothelioma is a cancer the patient's medical history and symptoms. They will ask about past exposure to asbestos and perform imaging tests like x-rays, CT scans and an echocardiogram to check the pericardium. They will also take samples of tissue or fluid to confirm the diagnosis.
Pericardial Mesothelioma is a rare condition that isn't acknowledged by a lot of doctors, can lead to serious symptoms. Patients should report all 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 can correctly diagnose you.
Diagnosis
Diagnosing pericardial mesothelioma can be difficult. The symptoms often mirror more common heart diseases and may not be apparent until the disease has progressed in a significant way. Moreover, asbestos exposure can happen decades before the onset of pericardial mesothelioma, making the link hard to recognize. Anyone who has a history of asbestos exposure should discuss their exposure history with doctors and ask about asbestos-related symptoms.
The cause of pericardial mesothelioma remains unknown However, doctors believe it is caused by asbestos fibers that migrate from the lungs to the pericardium, and cause irritation to the tissue that is there. Over time the affected tissue transforms into cancerous cells that develop into tumors and thicken the pericardium. The heart is flooded with fluid. heart due to the tumors, and the resulting pressure causes stress on the organ and causes symptoms.
Typically, doctors first perform imaging tests such as X-rays and CT scans to spot any tumors or excess fluids. Then, they conduct tests on blood to confirm the presence of mesothelioma, and determine the extent of cancerous cells expanding.
Patients with mesothelioma should also be prepared to discuss their history of work with their doctor. Asbestos workers are at a higher risk of developing asbestos-related diseases which include mesothelioma and lung cancer. Patients who have had a history of exposure to asbestos could be qualified for compensation in a mesothelioma lawsuit.
If you or someone close to you has been exposed to asbestos and recently developed pericardial mesothelioma, a lawyer with experience in asbestos litigation can help determine your legal options. Contact Madeksho Law Firm today for an initial consultation for free. No fee is charged unless we are able to recover 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 aware of the many laws that impact asbestos victims and will ensure that you get all the benefits to which you are entitled. Start your claim today by filling out our online form or calling us. We will walk you through the entire process from beginning to finish. Our number is 1-888-654-7635. You can also download our free Veterans Packet to learn about the benefits you can enjoy.
Treatment
In order to properly determine if pericardial mesothelioma is present doctors must conduct physical examinations and talk to patients about their asbestos exposure background. They can then perform a series of tests, including X-rays, CT Scans, echocardiograms and biopsies, to pinpoint the symptoms and determine if there is an accumulation of fluid in the pericardium.
It could take up to 60 years for asbestos fibers to penetrate the heart's lining and cause cancerous cells to form. Because of this lengthy time between latency, it is important for anyone experiencing mesothelioma-related symptoms to talk to a physician immediately. It is also essential to be upfront about their prior exposure to asbestos to ensure they get the best treatment.
Pericardial mesothelioma is one of the rarest types of mesothelioma and accounts for only about 1percent of mesothelioma cases that are diagnosed. This is due to the difficulty in identifying this condition because it can be a symptom of other heart conditions and signs.
The first step in the diagnosis process is a physical exam conducted by an expert physician who listens to the patient's breathing and heartbeat. The physician may also order an MRI or CT scan of the chest in order to detect any areas of swelling, and also check for a tumor. If they find fluid in the pericardium they will request an echocardiogram. This will be used to evaluate the heart's function and determine whether the lining has become thicker.
After the doctor has determined there is a tumor or a fluid buildup in the pericardium, they will perform a biopsy in order to confirm their diagnosis and determine whether it is malignant. In a biopsy procedure doctors will take small amounts of tissue or fluid and send them to the lab for further analysis.
A lot of patients with pericardial sarcoidosis are not able to survive due to the fact that the treatment options are more limited than for other kinds. However, there are some new treatments being developed which could provide better results for patients. Gene therapy is one such method. It involves adding or taking certain genes out of the body of a patient in order to fight specific diseases. Immunotherapy is another option, which aims at training a patient's immunity to fight cancer.