It s The Ugly Truth About Mesothelioma And Asbestos
Pericardial Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure
Pericardial Mesothelioma is a condition that affects the pericardium, a lining of the heart. This kind of mesothelioma could cause symptoms such as chest pain and fatigue that can mimic other conditions.
These symptoms may take years to develop following asbestos exposure, making a diagnosis challenging. Patients should discuss their history of exposure to asbestos with their physician to make sure they get a proper diagnosis.
What causes mesothelioma of the pericardium?
Pericardial mesothelioma is a cancer that develops in thin membrane that lines the heart, known as the pericardium. This is a rare form of mesothelioma, which can be found in 1% to 2 percent of all cases. Like other types of mesothelioma, pericardial mesothelioma is connected to asbestos exposure.
Asbestos, a naturally occurring mineral has been used for a long time in a variety of household and commercial products. The fibers are easily swallowed, inhaled or trapped in the linings 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.
Only a few doctors have discovered a link between asbestos exposure and mesothelioma pericardia. They still do not fully understand how asbestos leads to this cancer in the pericardium, but they know that it happens in quarter of patients diagnosed with mesothelioma. This is partly because it usually occurs decades after exposure to asbestos.
The majority of people exposed to asbestos develop pleural mesothelioma lawsuits. This cancer is found in the lung's lining and chest wall. However, they may also develop peritoneal melanoma, located in the abdomen or testicular mesothelioma in the testes of males. If they are also diagnosed with pericardial mesothelioma it can be difficult to determine because the symptoms can be similar to the symptoms of other heart diseases.
The symptoms of pericardial asbestosis tend to progress slowly and may affect the ability to breathe. The symptoms include chest pain, breathing difficulties and a build-up of fluid around the heart known as pericardial effusion. The condition is diagnosed by a doctor using an echocardiogram (an ultrasound of the heart) or a biopsy.
A mesothelioma specialist can determine if a patient suffers from this rare type of disease and guide them to the best treatment. In addition to asbestos exposure other factors that could increase the risk of developing pericardial mesothelioma include genetics, an impaired immune system, and radiation exposure. A family history of the disease also increases the risk.
Signs and symptoms
Like other types of mesothelioma, pericardial mesothelioma occurs when asbestos fibers reach the tissue that surrounds the heart. This rare form of the cancer, which accounts for less than 1 % of mesothelioma that is malignant is most often seen in people who have been exposed to asbestos in their workplace or in the home of someone who was impacted by asbestos. The symptoms of mesothelioma in the pericardium can be different and mimic other conditions which makes it difficult to diagnose.
When asbestos particles adhere to the pericardium lining, they can cause tumors to develop and increase the thickness of the membrane. It is thought that this is what causes mesothelioma lawsuit of the pericardium, but doctors know little about how it develops. Most doctors think that the cancer grew from an area of the body, like the abdominal cavity or the lungs (the peritoneum) and then it spread to the lining of the heart.
The abdomen and chest are known as the mesothelium. It is the primary site for mesothelioma tumors to develop. The disease may also begin in the lining of the peritoneum or in the testicles, but this is not as frequent.
After exposure to asbestos, mesothelioma symptoms may take years to manifest. These symptoms are often similar to other illnesses and can include chest pain, difficulty breathing as well as weight loss, fatigue and a constant cough. In some cases the pericardial tumor can cause clubbing, which is an illness where fingers become swollen and look rounder than normal.
Doctors diagnose mesothelioma in the pericardium based on the patient's medical history. They will inquire with the patient about any asbestos exposure and will perform imaging tests like x-rays, CT scans, and an echocardiogram in order to examine the pericardium. To make sure they are able to determine the cause, they will also take samples of fluid or tissue.
Pericardial Mesothelioma, a rare condition that isn't recognized by many doctors, can trigger 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 can help ensure your doctor is aware all of your symptoms and accurately diagnose you.
Diagnosis
Diagnosing pericardial cancer can be difficult. The symptoms can be similar to other heart diseases and may not manifest until the disease is advanced. Asbestos exposure can take place years before pericardial malignancies are diagnosed which makes it difficult to determine the connection. Anyone with a history involving asbestos exposure should speak to their physician about any symptoms that could be due to asbestos.
Doctors aren't sure of the specific cause of the pericardial msothelioma. They believe it is caused by asbestos fibers which migrate from the lungs into the pericardium to irritate tissue. As time passes the tissues affected by irritation transform into cancerous cells, which then develop into tumors. As a result of tumors, fluid forms around the organ. This pressure causes symptoms.
Typically, doctors perform imaging tests such as X-rays and CT scans to identify any abnormal fluids or tumors. Then, they conduct blood tests to confirm the presence of mesothelioma and determine the extent of any spreading of cancerous cells.
Mesothelioma patients should also be prepared to discuss their work history with a physician. asbestos workers are at a higher chance of developing asbestos-related illnesses, including lung cancer and mesothelioma. Patients who have had an asbestos-related history may qualify for compensation through mesothelioma lawsuits.
If you or a loved one has been exposed to asbestos and has recently developed pericardial mesothelioma, a lawyer experienced in asbestos litigation can help you understand your legal options. Contact Madeksho Law Firm today for a no-cost consultation. No fee is charged unless we are able to obtain 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 well-versed in the laws affecting asbestos victims and will assist you in obtaining the benefits you are entitled to. 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
In order to properly determine if pericardial mesothelioma is present, doctors need to conduct physical examinations and talk to patients about their asbestos exposure background. They can then use various tests, such as Xrays, CT Scans, echocardiograms and biopsies, to locate 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 tissue of the heart and cause cancerous cells to form. It is vital that anyone with mesothelioma symptoms see a doctor promptly due to the lengthy time of latency. It is also important to be candid about any previous exposure to asbestos so they can receive the most effective treatment.
Pericardial mesothelioma is one of the rarest types of mesothelioma attorneys and is the reason for only one percent of all mesothelioma cases that are diagnosed. This is due to the difficulty in diagnosing this disease since it can be a symptom of other heart diseases and symptoms.
A physician will first examine the patient and observe their breathing and heartbeat. The doctor may also request an MRI or CT scan of the chest in order to detect any areas of swelling, and also check for any tumors. If they discover fluid in the pericardium they will request an echocardiogram. This will be used to evaluate the heart's function and see whether the lining has become thicker.
If the doctor is able to determine that there is a buildup of fluid or a tumor in the pericardium they will conduct a biopsy to confirm the diagnosis and determine if the tumor is malignant. In the course of the biopsy, doctors will take small amounts of fluid or tissue and send them to a lab for further testing.
Because pericardial mesothelioma has an enumeration of treatment options than other types of cancer, a large percentage of victims will not survive the cancer. However, there are new treatment options being studied which could provide better results for patients. Gene therapy is one such method. It involves introducing or removing certain genes from the body of a patient to combat certain diseases. Immunotherapy is another option, which aims at training the body's immune system to fight cancer.