Pericardial Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure
Pericardial Mesothelioma is a condition that affects the pericardium, which is a part of the lining of the heart. This type of mesothelioma generally produces symptoms such as chest pain or fatigue that can be similar to other health conditions.
It can take years for symptoms to show up after exposure to asbestos. This makes a diagnosis difficult. Patients should discuss their experience of exposure to asbestos with their physician to make sure they get a proper diagnosis.
What causes pompano beach asbestos attorney of the pericardium?
Pericardial mesothelioma occurs in the thin membrane that runs along the heart, known as the pericardium. It is among the rarest types of mesothelioma that account for 1% to 2% of all mesothelioma cases. Like all forms of mesothelioma, pericardial is linked to asbestos exposure.
Asbestos is a type of naturally occurring mineral that was used in a variety of household and commercial products for decades. Its fibers can be easily inhaled, swallowed or caught in the linings of the abdominal and chest cavities. Mesothelioma develops when the 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 what causes asbestos-related cancer of the pericardium however, they do know that approximately 25% of mesothelioma sufferers are affected. This is partly because it is usually diagnosed decades after exposure to asbestos.
In most instances, an individual who is exposed to asbestos will develop pleural mesothelioma that forms in the lungs and forms a lining of the chest wall. However, they could also develop peritoneal melanoma, found in the abdomen, or testicular mesothelioma in the male testes. If they are diagnosed with pericardial mesothelioma, it may be difficult to diagnose because symptoms can be similar to those of other heart conditions.
The symptoms of pericardial asbestosis tend to be gradual and may affect your ability to breathe. These symptoms include chest pain, breathing problems and a build-up of fluid around the heart known as pericardial effusion. This condition can be diagnosed by a doctor with an echocardiogram (an ultrasound of the heart) or biopsy.
A mesothelioma expert can help determine if a patient suffers from the rare form of the disease and determine the most effective treatment. In addition to asbestos exposure other factors that may increase the risk of pericardial mesothelioma include genetics as well as an impaired immune system and radiation exposure. Those with mesothelioma-related family history are at a higher risk of developing it as well.
Symptoms
Pericardial mesothelioma is also caused by asbestos fibers affecting the tissue surrounding the heart. This rare form of the cancer that accounts for less than one percent of mesothelioma that is malignant, is primarily found in people who were exposed to asbestos in their workplace or by living with someone who was impacted by asbestos. Pericardial mesothelioma symptoms may vary and mimic other conditions which makes it difficult to diagnose.
As asbestos particles attach to the pericardium's lining, they can cause tumors to expand and increase the thickness of the membrane. It is believed that this is the reason for pericardial mesothelioma, though doctors know little about how it develops. Most doctors think that the cancer originated from another area of the body, such as the lungs or abdominal cavity (the peritoneum) and then it spread to the lining of the heart.
The abdomen and chest are called the mesothelium, which is the main site for mesothelioma tumors to develop. The disease can also start in the peritoneal lining or in the testicles however this is much less frequent.
After asbestos exposure, symptoms of mesothelioma can take years to show up. These symptoms can be similar to those of other illnesses, and include chest pain, trouble breathing fatigue, fatigue, and weight loss. In a few cases, pericardial mesothelioma may cause a swollen finger this is a condition that causes the fingertips swell and appear more round than normal.
Doctors diagnose pericardial mesothelioma based on the patient's medical history and symptoms. They will inquire about any previous exposure to asbestos and perform imaging tests like x-rays, CT scans and an echocardiogram to check the pericardium. They will also take an x-ray or a tissue sample to complete the diagnosis.
Pericardial mesothelioma is a very rare condition and a large number of doctors do not recognize the symptoms. It is crucial that patients report all symptoms to their doctor so that they can be tested for mesothelioma and other diseases. Bringing our Symptom Checklist to your appointment can ensure your doctor is aware all of your symptoms and can correctly diagnose you.
Diagnosis
Pericardial mesothelioma is a difficult cancer to diagnose. The symptoms can be similar to other heart ailments and may not be apparent until the disease is advanced. Moreover, asbestos exposure can happen decades before pericardial mesothelioma appears, making the link hard to identify. Anyone with a history of asbestos should share their exposure history with their doctors and inquire about symptoms associated with asbestos.
Doctors do not know the reason for pericardial msothelioma, but they believe it is caused by asbestos fibers which migrate from the lung to the pericardium and cause irritation to tissue. As time passes the tissues that are irritated transform into cancerous cells that grow into tumors. The heart is flooded with fluid. heart as a result of the tumors and the pressure that results puts pressure on the organ and results in symptoms.
Typically, doctors first perform imaging tests such as X-rays and CT scans to identify any extra fluids or tumors. Then, they conduct tests of blood to confirm the presence of mesothelioma, and determine the extent of any spreading of cancerous cells.
Mesothelioma patients should be prepared to discuss their occupational medical history with a doctor. Asbestos workers are at greater risk of developing asbestos-related diseases, such as mesothelioma and lung cancer. Patients who have had an asbestos-related past may be eligible for compensation via a mesothelioma lawsuit.
A lawyer who has experience in asbestos litigation can assist you in understanding the legal options that are available to you if or someone you love has been exposed to asbestos and has developed pericardial Mesothelioma. Contact Madeksho Law Firm today for a free consultation. There is no cost unless we recover compensation on your behalf.
The pericardial mesothelioma lawyers at Madeksho Law Firm have helped hundreds of veterans and their families with asbestos-related cases. Our lawyers are well-versed in the laws that affect asbestos victims and will assist you in receiving the benefits you are entitled to. Get started on your claim today by filling out our online form or by calling us. We will walk you through the entire process from beginning to the end. Our number is 1-888-654-7635. Download our free Veterans Packet to learn about the benefits you can enjoy.
Treatment
Doctors must conduct physical examinations and ask patients questions about their asbestos exposure in order to diagnose pericardial a mesothelioma. They can then conduct a series of tests, such as X-rays, CT Scans, echocardiograms and biopsies, to locate the signs and determine if there is fluid accumulation in the pericardium.
Asbestos fibers can take up 60 years to reach the lining inside the heart, causing cancerous cells. It is crucial that anyone with mesothelioma symptoms seek out a physician immediately due to the long latency period. It is also important to be candid about any previous exposure to asbestos so that they are able to receive the most effective treatment.
Pericardial Mesothelioma, one of the rarest forms of mesothelioma, accounts for less than 1percent of all cases of mesothelioma diagnosed. This is due in part to the difficulty of diagnosing this condition since it can mimic other heart conditions and symptoms.
A doctor will first assess the patient and listen to their breathing and heartbeat. The doctor may also request an MRI or CT scan of the chest to identify any areas of swelling, and also check for tumors. If they find fluid accumulation in the pericardium, they'll likely require an echocardiogram in order to check how well the heart functions and to see if there is any lining that is thickening.
If the doctor is able to determine there is a tumor or fluid buildup in the pericardium they will perform a biopsy in order to confirm their diagnosis and determine whether it is malignant. During a biopsy doctors take small pieces of tissue or fluid and send them to a lab for further analysis.
Because pericardial mesothelioma has an enumeration of treatment options than other types, many victims will not survive the cancer. However, there are new treatment options being studied that could offer better outcomes for patients. Gene therapy is one of these methods. It involves adding or taking certain genes out of 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.