Pericardial Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure
Pericardial mesothelioma can be a rare type of
mesothelioma attorneys, which is found in the lining of the heart (pericardium). This type of mesothelioma can cause symptoms like chest pain or fatigue that may mimic other ailments.
These symptoms may take years to develop after exposure to asbestos and can be difficult to diagnose. The best method to obtain an accurate diagnosis is for patients to share their experiences of exposure to asbestos with their doctor.
What is the cause of Pericardial Mesothelioma?
Pericardial Mesothelioma, a form of cancer, that is found in the thin membrane that surrounds the heart. It is among the rarest mesothelioma types which accounts for about one-third to 2 percent of all
mesothelioma attorneys cases. Like mesothelioma other types, pericardial mesothelioma is connected to asbestos exposure.
Asbestos, a naturally occurring mineral that was extensively used in a myriad of commercial and household items. Its fibers can be easily swallowed, inhaled or trapped in the tissues of the abdominal and chest cavities. Mesothelioma is a result of fibrils that become irritated and form tumors that eventually spread throughout the body.
Only a handful of doctors have found a connection between asbestos exposure and mesothelioma pericardia. They do not yet fully understand how asbestos leads to this type of cancer in the pericardium, however they do know that it occurs in quarter of patients diagnosed with
mesothelioma lawyers. This is due to the fact that it typically occurs decades after a patient's asbestos exposure.
The majority of people 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 mesothelioma within male testes. If they are diagnosed with pericardial mesothelioma it is difficult to diagnose because symptoms are often similar to those of other heart conditions.
The signs of pericardial asbestosis usually be gradual and may impair the ability of breathing. The symptoms include breathing difficulties, chest pain and a swell of fluid around the heart, referred to as pericardial effusion. The condition can be diagnosed by a doctor using an echocardiogram (an ultrasound of the heart) or a biopsy.
A mesothelioma specialist will determine if a patient suffers from this rare form of disease and assist them in finding the best treatment. In addition to asbestos exposure other factors that could increase the risk of pericardial mesothelioma include genetics as well as an impaired immune system and radiation exposure. A family history of the disease increases your risk.
Symptoms
As with other mesothelioma types, pericardial mesothelioma is a result of asbestos fibers get into the tissue that surrounds the heart. This rare type of cancer, which makes up less than one percent of mesothelioma cases that are malignant, is most commonly found in those who have been exposed to asbestos in their work environment or within close proximity to those who have been affected by asbestos. Pericardial Mesothelioma is characterized by various symptoms that are difficult to identify.
Pericardial mesothelioma may occur when asbestos particles stick to the pericardial lining and begin to form tumors which thicken the membrane. Doctors don't know the process by which pericardial cancer develops but they believe that asbestos particles are responsible for the development. Most doctors think that the cancer grew from another area of the body, like the abdominal cavity or lungs (the peritoneum) and then moved to the lining of the heart.
The lining of the abdomen and chest are called the mesothelium, which is the primary location for mesothelioma tumors to develop. The disease can also start in the peritoneal lining or in the testicles, but this is not as common.
Symptoms of mesothelioma, including mesothelioma pericardial can take a long time to show up after exposure to asbestos. These symptoms can be similar to those of other diseases that cause chest pain, trouble breathing, fatigue, and weight loss. In some instances the pericardial tumor can cause clubbing, which is an illness in which the fingers swell up and appear more rounded than normal.
Doctors diagnose mesothelioma of the pericardium by looking at the patient's medical background. They will inquire with the patient about any asbestos exposure and will perform imaging tests such as x-rays, CT scans, and an echocardiogram in order to evaluate 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 is a very rare condition and a large number of doctors do not recognize the symptoms. Patients should report any symptoms to their doctor in order to be tested for mesothelioma and other ailments. Bring our Symptom Checklist along to your appointment will help ensure that your doctor is aware of all symptoms you are experiencing and is able to properly determine if you are suffering from mesothelioma or another condition.
Diagnosis
Pericardial mesothelioma is difficult to diagnose. The symptoms may be similar to other heart ailments and may not show up until the disease is advanced. In addition, exposure to asbestos can occur decades before the onset of pericardial mesothelioma and makes the connection difficult to identify. Anyone with a history of asbestos should share their exposure history with doctors and inquire about symptoms associated with asbestos.
Doctors aren't sure of the reason for pericardial msothelioma, but they believe it is caused by asbestos fibers that move from the lungs into the pericardium to cause irritation to the tissue. As time passes the tissues that are irritated transform into cancerous cells, which then develop into tumors. The heart is flooded with fluid. heart as a result of the tumors and the resulting pressure puts pressure on the organ and leads to symptoms.
X-rays or CT scans are generally performed first by doctors to look for any signs of tumors or excess fluids. Then they run tests on blood to confirm the presence of mesothelioma, and determine the extent of any spread of the cancerous cells.
Patients with mesothelioma must be prepared to discuss their history of work with their physician. Asbestos workers are at a higher chance of developing asbestos-related illnesses such as mesothelioma and lung cancer. Patients who have had an asbestos-related history may qualify for compensation through
mesothelioma lawsuits,
supplemental resources,.
If you or someone close to you has been exposed to asbestos and has recently been diagnosed with pericardial cancer, a lawyer with experience in asbestos litigation can assist you to determine your legal options. Contact Madeksho Law Firm today for a no-cost consultation. No fees are charged unless we can get compensation for you.
Madeksho Law Firm has helped hundreds of veterans with asbestos-related cases. Our lawyers are knowledgeable of the numerous laws that affect asbestos sufferers and can ensure you receive all the benefits to which you are entitled. Start your claim today by filling out our online form or calling us. We will guide you through the entire process. Contact us at 1-888-654-7635. Download our free Veterans Packet for more information about your benefits.
Treatment
Doctors should conduct physical exams and ask patients questions regarding their asbestos exposure to determine if pericardial mesothelioma is a cancer. They can then use a variety of tests including X-rays CT Scans, Echocardiograms and Biopsies to locate the symptoms.
It could take up to 60 years for asbestos fibers to reach the tissue of the heart and cause cancerous cells to grow. Because of this lengthy latency period, it is important for anyone experiencing mesothelioma-related symptoms to see a physician immediately. They must also be honest about their previous exposure to asbestos in order to receive the best treatment.
Pericardial Mesothelioma (PM), one of the rarest types of mesothelioma that accounts for less than one percent of all cases of mesothelioma diagnosed. This is mainly due to the difficulty of diagnosing this condition since it may be similar to other heart diseases or symptoms.
The first stage in the diagnosis process is a physical examination conducted by an experienced physician who listens to a patient's breathing and heartbeat. The doctor may also order a CT or MRI scan of the chest to look for tumors and to identify areas of swelling. If they find fluid in the pericardium, they will request an echocardiogram. This is to assess the heart's functioning and to determine if the lining has thickened.
Once the doctor has determined 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 is malignant. During the biopsy, doctors will take small samples of fluid or tissue and send samples to a laboratory for further analysis.
Many patients suffering from pericardial Sarcoidosis are not able to survive due to the fact that the treatments are more limited than for other types. However, there are some new treatment methods being explored that may provide better outcomes for patients. Gene therapy is one of these methods. It involves introducing or taking certain genes out of the body of a patient to fight certain diseases. Another option is immunotherapy, which seeks to train a patient's immune system to fight the cancer.