Pericardial Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure
Pericardial mesothelioma can be a rare type of mesothelioma which occurs in the lining of the heart (pericardium). This kind of mesothelioma lawyers usually results in symptoms such as chest pain or fatigue that may be similar to other health conditions.
It can take a long time for symptoms to show up after asbestos exposure. This makes a diagnosis difficult. The best way to make an accurate diagnosis is for patients to discuss their experience of exposure to asbestos with their doctor.
What causes pericardial mesothelioma?
Pericardial Mesothelioma is a cancer that grows in the thin membrane lining the heart. This is one of the rarest types of mesothelioma which accounts for about 1% to 2% of all mesothelioma cases. As with all types of mesothelioma pericardial is also associated with asbestos exposure.
Asbestos, a naturally occurring mineral, was used for decades in a variety of commercial and household products. The toxic fibers can be swallowed or inhaled and can be caught in the chest’s lining and abdominal cavities. Mesothelioma is a result of fibrils that get irritated and develop into tumors that spread to other parts of the body.
Doctors have only discovered a link between exposure to asbestos and pericardial mesothelioma only in a handful of cases. While they don’t know what causes asbestos-related cancer of the pericardium to develop, they do know that around 25% of mesothelioma sufferers are affected. This is due to the fact that it is usually diagnosed decades after asbestos exposure.
In the majority of cases, a person exposed to asbestos can develop pleural mesothelioma. It is found in the lungs and forms a lining of the chest wall. There is also the possibility of developing testicular or peritoneal mesothelioma within male testes. If they are also diagnosed with pericardial mesothelioma it is difficult to identify because symptoms are often similar to those of other heart conditions.
The symptoms of pericardial mesothelioma tend to appear gradually and affect the ability to breathe. The symptoms include chest pain, breathing problems and a swell of fluid around the heart, referred to as pericardial effusion. The condition can be diagnosed by a physician using an echocardiogram (an ultrasound of the heart) or a biopsy.
A mesothelioma specialist can help determine if a patient suffers from the rare form of this disease and determine the most effective treatment. In addition to asbestos exposure, other factors that can increase the risk of developing pericardial cancer include genetics as well as an impaired immune system, and radiation exposure. Those who have mesothelioma-related family history are at a higher risk as well.
Signs and symptoms
Like other types of mesothelioma, pericardial mesothelioma develops when asbestos fibers enter the tissue that surrounds the heart. This rare form of cancer, which makes up less than 1percent of all malignant cases of mesothelioma is found most often in those who have been exposed to asbestos at work or in close proximity to people who have been affected by asbestos. Pericardial mesothelioma lawyers may present with a variety of symptoms that are difficult to identify.
Pericardial mesothelioma is a condition that occurs when asbestos particles stick to the lining of the pericardium and begin to grow into tumors that thicken the membrane. Doctors do not know the causes of pericardial cancer, however, they believe asbestos particles are the reason. Most doctors believe that the cancer spreads from another area of the body like the lungs, abdominal cavity (peritoneum) and finally to the lining inside the heart.
The mesothelium is the lining of both the abdomen and chest. This is where most mesothelioma tumors develop. The disease may also start in the peritoneal lining and testicles. However it is not as common.
Symptoms of mesothelioma, including mesothelioma of the pericardial region, can take decades to show up after exposure to asbestos. These symptoms are often similar to other conditions and can include chest pain, difficulties breathing and fatigue, weight loss and an ongoing cough. In some instances, pericardial mesothelioma could cause a swollen finger, a condition in which the fingers swell and appear larger than usual.
Doctors diagnose pericardial mesothelioma based on the patient’s medical history and symptoms. They will inquire about previous exposure to asbestos and perform imaging tests, such as x-rays, CT scans and an echocardiogram to examine the pericardium. To make sure they are able to determine the cause, they will also take an x-ray or a sample of tissue.
Pericardial Mesothelioma, a rare condition that isn’t acknowledged by a lot of doctors, can cause serious symptoms. Patients should report all symptoms to their physician to be tested for mesothelioma lawsuits and other conditions. Bring our Symptom Checklist with you to your appointment will ensure that your doctor is aware of all symptoms you are experiencing and is able to accurately diagnose you.
Diagnosis
Pericardial mesothelioma is difficult to diagnose. Its symptoms are often akin to more common heart disorders and may not appear until the condition has advanced substantially. Asbestos exposure can take place years before pericardial malignancies are diagnosed and it is difficult to determine the connection. Anyone who has a history of asbestos exposure should discuss their exposure history with doctors and inquire about symptoms associated with asbestos.
Doctors aren’t sure of the exact cause of pericardial msothelioma. However, they believe it is caused by asbestos fibers which migrate from the lung into the pericardium to cause irritation to the tissue. Over time the tissues that are irritated transform into cancerous cells which develop into tumors. Fluid builds up around the heart due to the tumors, and the resulting pressure puts stress on the organ, which leads to symptoms.
X-rays or CT scans are usually done by doctors first to detect any signs of tumors or excess fluids. They then run blood tests to confirm the presence of mesothelioma and determine the extent to which cancerous cells are spreading.
Mesothelioma patients should also be prepared to discuss their occupational history with a physician. asbestos workers face a high chance of developing asbestos-related illnesses, including mesothelioma and lung cancer. Patients who have had an asbestos-related history could be eligible for compensation through mesothelioma lawsuits.
A lawyer with 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 developed pericardial mesothelioma. Call Madeksho Law Firm for a free consultation today. There is no fee unless we seek compensation on your behalf.
The pericardial mesothelioma attorneys at Madeksho Law Firm have helped hundreds of veterans and their families with asbestos-related cases. Our lawyers are well-versed in the numerous laws that impact asbestos victims and will ensure that you get all the benefits to which you are entitled. Complete our online claim form or call us to get started. We will guide you through the whole process. Our number is 1-888-654 7635. Download our free Veterans Packet for more information about your benefits.
Treatment
To be able to accurately identify pericardial mesothelioma doctors must conduct physical examinations and inquire with patients about their asbestos exposure history. They can then use a variety of tests, including X-rays, CT Scans, echocardiograms and biopsies, to pinpoint the signs and determine if there is an accumulation of fluid in the pericardium.
Asbestos fibers can take up 60 years to reach the lining in the heart, where they cause cancerous cells. It is essential that anyone suffering from mesothelioma consult a doctor as soon as possible due to the lengthy latency period. 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 mesothelioma types, accounts for less than 1% of all mesothelioma cases diagnosed. This is due in part to the difficulty in identifying this condition as it may be similar to other heart conditions or symptoms.
The first step in the process of diagnosing is a physical examination by an expert physician who listens to the 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 tumors. If they spot fluid buildup in the pericardium, they’ll likely order an echocardiogram to observe how well the heart is working and to determine if there is any lining thickening.
If the doctor is able to determine that there is a fluid buildup or a tumor in the pericardium, they will conduct an examination to confirm the diagnosis and determine if it’s malignant. In a biopsy procedure doctors take small pieces of tissue or fluid and send them to the lab for further testing.
Many victims of pericardial sarcoidosis will not survive because the treatment options are more limited than for other types. New treatment methods are being researched to improve the outcomes for patients. Gene therapy is one of these methods. It involves adding or eliminating certain genes from the body of a patient in order to combat certain diseases. Immunotherapy is another option, that aims to boost a patient’s immunity to fight cancer.
