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Pericardial Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure
Pericardial mesothelioma can be a rare type of mesothelioma that occurs in the lining of the heart (pericardium). This type of mesothelioma lawyers generally causes symptoms like chest discomfort or fatigue, which can mimic other health conditions.
It can take years for symptoms to manifest after asbestos exposure. This makes it difficult to determine the cause. The best way to get a correct diagnosis is for patients to discuss their experience of exposure to asbestos with their physician.
What is the cause of mesothelioma of the pericardium?
Pericardial Mesothelioma, a form of cancer, that develops in the thin membrane that surrounds the heart. This is a rare form of mesothelioma, which is responsible for 1 to 2 % of all cases. Like all other types of mesothelioma, pericardial mesothelioma is connected to asbestos exposure.
Asbestos is a naturally found mineral that was used in a wide range of commercial and household items for a long time. The fibers are easily swallowed, inhaled or caught in the tissues of the abdominal and chest cavities. Mesothelioma is a result of fibrils that get irritated and develop into tumors that then spread throughout the body.
Doctors have only identified a link between asbestos exposure and pericardial mesothelioma in just a small number of cases. While they don't know how asbestos causes this cancer of the pericardium to grow but they do know that about one quarter of mesothelioma patients are affected. This is partly because it typically occurs years after exposure to asbestos.
In the majority of cases, a person who is exposed to asbestos can develop pleural mesothelioma that is found in the lungs and forms a lining of the chest wall. However, they can also develop peritoneal mesothelioma found in the abdomen, or testicular mesothelioma in the testes of males. It is sometimes difficult to identify pericardial mesothelioma when the symptoms are similar to other heart conditions.
Symptoms of pericardial mesothelioma tend to come on gradually and affect the ability to breathe. These symptoms can include chest pain, trouble breathing and a fluid buildup 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 biopsy.
A mesothelioma specialist can help determine if a patient is suffering from the rare form of this disease and determine the most effective treatment. In addition to asbestos exposure other factors that may increase the risk of pericardial mesothelioma include genetics, an impaired immune system and radiation exposure. Those with mesothelioma in their family have an increased risk as well.
Symptoms
Like other types of mesothelioma, pericardial mesothelioma develops when asbestos fibers enter the tissue that surrounds the heart. This rare type of cancer, which accounts for less than 1% of mesothelioma that is malignant is typically found in people exposed to asbestos in their work environment or in close proximity to someone who has been affected by asbestos. Pericardial mesothelioma lawsuits may present with a variety of symptoms that can be difficult to recognize.
Pericardial mesothelioma can occur when asbestos particles adhere to the pericardial lining and begin to develop tumors that thicken the membrane. Doctors aren't sure how pericardial cancer develops, however, they believe asbestos particles are the cause. Most doctors think that the cancer originated from another area of the body, such as the lungs or abdominal cavity (the peritoneum) and then spread to the lining of the heart.
The mesothelium is the lining of both the chest and abdomen. This is where most mesothelioma tumours develop. The disease can also start in the peritoneal lining or in the testicles, but this is not as common.
After asbestos exposure, mesothelioma symptoms may take years to manifest. The symptoms may be similar to those of other illnesses such as chest pain, trouble breathing and fatigue, as well as 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 determine if pericardial mesothelioma is a cancer the patient's medical history and symptoms. They will ask the patient about any asbestos exposure, and then perform imaging tests such as x-rays, CT scans, and an echocardiogram in order to examine the pericardium. They may also take an x-ray or a tissue sample to complete the diagnosis.
Pericardial Mesothelioma is a rare condition that is not recognized by many doctors, can lead to serious symptoms. Patients should report any symptoms to their doctor to be examined for mesothelioma or other diseases. Bring our Symptom Checklist to your appointment will help ensure that your doctor is aware of your symptoms and accurately diagnose you.
Diagnosis
Pericardial mesothelioma can be difficult to recognize. The symptoms can be similar to other heart conditions and may not manifest until the disease is advanced. Asbestos exposure can take place years before pericardial msothelioma can be diagnosed, making it difficult to detect the link. Anyone who has a history of asbestos exposure should speak to their physician about any signs that may be related to asbestos.
Doctors do not know the exact cause of pericardial msothelioma. However, they believe it is caused by asbestos fibers which migrate from the lung to the pericardium and irritate tissue. In time the tissues affected by irritation transform into cancerous cells that transform into tumors. Due to tumors, fluid forms around the organ. This pressure can cause symptoms.
X-rays or CT scans are generally carried out by doctors first to identify any tumors or excessive fluids. Then they run tests of blood to confirm the presence of mesothelioma as well as determine the extent of any spread of cancerous cells.
Patients with mesothelioma should also be prepared to discuss their history of work with their physician. asbestos workers are at a higher risk of developing asbestos-related diseases, such as lung cancer and mesothelioma. Patients who have had a history of asbestos exposure could be eligible for compensation through a mesothelioma lawsuit.
If you or a loved one has been exposed to asbestos and recently diagnosed pericardial mesothelioma lawyer experienced in asbestos litigation can assist you to know your legal options. Contact Madeksho Law Firm today for an initial consultation for free. There is no charge unless we are able to recover compensation for you.
Madeksho Law Firm has helped hundreds of veterans with asbestos-related cases. Our lawyers are knowledgeable of the laws that affect asbestos victims and will assist you in receiving the benefits you deserve. Get started on your claim now by filling out our online form or by calling us. We will walk you through the entire process from start to the point of completion. Our number is 1-888-654 7635. Download our free Veterans Packet to learn about the benefits available to you.
Treatment
To be able to accurately diagnose pericardial mesothelioma attorneys, doctors need to conduct physical examinations and talk to patients about their asbestos exposure background. They can then conduct a variety of tests, including X-rays, CT Scans, echocardiograms and biopsies to identify the signs and determine if there's fluid buildup in the pericardium.
It could take up to 60 years for asbestos fibers reach the tissue of the heart and cause cancerous cells to form. It is essential that anyone suffering from mesothelioma seek out a physician as soon as possible because of the long time of latency. They must also be honest about their past exposure to asbestos to ensure they get the best treatment.
Pericardial Mesothelioma, one of the rarest forms of mesothelioma that accounts for less than 1percent of all mesothelioma cases diagnosed. This is mainly due to the difficulty in identifying this condition as it can mimic other heart conditions or signs.
The first stage in the diagnosis process is a physical exam conducted by an experienced physician who listens to a patient's breathing and heartbeat. The doctor might also request an CT or MRI scan of the chest to detect tumors and areas of swelling. If they discover fluid in the pericardium, they will request an echocardiogram. This will be used to evaluate the heart's functioning and to determine whether the lining has become thicker.
If the doctor is able to determine that there is a fluid buildup or a tumor in the pericardium they will perform a biopsy to confirm the diagnosis and determine if the tumor is malignant. In the course of the biopsy, doctors will remove tiny pieces of tissue or fluid and send them to a lab for further analysis.
Since pericardial mesothelioma offers a smaller range of treatment options than other types, a majority of sufferers will not 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 taking certain genes out of the body of a patient to combat certain diseases. Another option is immunotherapy, which aims to strengthen a patient's immune system to fight cancer.