The Complete Guide To Mesothelioma And Asbestos
Pericardial Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure
Pericardial mesothelioma is a rare form of mesothelioma that occurs in the heart's lining (pericardium). This kind of mesothelioma could cause symptoms such as fatigue or chest pain that can mimic other conditions.
These symptoms may take years to develop after exposure to asbestos and can be difficult to diagnose. The best way to get a correct diagnosis is to share their history of asbestos exposure with their physician.
What is the cause of mesothelioma of the pericardium?
Pericardial Mesothelioma is a type of cancer that is found 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 types of mesothelioma, the pericardial type is also linked to asbestos exposure.
Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral has been used for a long time in a myriad of household and commercial products. Its toxic fibers are easily swallowed or inhaled, and can be caught in the lining of the chest or abdominal cavities. Mesothelioma develops when the fibrils irritate and form tumors.
Doctors have only identified a link between asbestos exposure and pericardial mesothelioma lawsuit only in a few cases. They are still unable to know exactly how asbestos contributes to this type of cancer in the pericardium, however they do know that it occurs in around quarter of patients diagnosed with mesothelioma. This is partly because it usually occurs decades after asbestos exposure.
Most people who are exposed to asbestos develop pleural mesothelioma. This cancer is found in the lung's lining and chest wall. It is also possible to develop testicular or peritoneal msothelioma that is found male testes. It can be difficult to diagnose pericardial msothelioma in the event that the symptoms are similar to other heart diseases.
Symptoms of pericardial mesothelioma tend to develop slowly and can affect breathing. These symptoms can include chest pain, difficulty breathing, and a buildup of fluid around the heart called pericardial effusion. The condition can be diagnosed by a physician using an echocardiogram (an ultrasound of the heart) or a biopsy.
A mesothelioma lawsuits specialist can determine if a patient is suffering from the rare form of the disease and determine the most effective treatment. Other factors, such as genetics, an weakened immune system, and radiation exposure can increase the risk of pericardial msothelioma. A family history of the disease also increases your risk.
Signs and symptoms
Like other types of mesothelioma, pericardial mesothelioma is a result of asbestos fibers enter the tissue that surrounds the heart. This rare type of cancer, which makes up less than 1% of mesothelioma that is malignant, is most commonly found in people exposed to asbestos at work or within close proximity to people who have been affected by asbestos. The symptoms of mesothelioma in the pericardium can be different and mimic other conditions, making diagnosis difficult.
Pericardial mesothelioma is a condition that occurs when asbestos particles stick to the pericardial lining and begin to grow into tumors that thicken the membrane. Doctors don't know the causes of pericardial cancer, however, they believe asbestos particles are the reason. The majority of doctors believe that the cancer originated from an area of the body, such as the abdominal cavity or the lungs (the peritoneum) and then moved to the lining of the heart.
The mesothelium is the lining of both the chest and abdomen. This is where the majority of mesothelioma lawsuits tumors develop. The disease can also begin in the linings of the peritoneum and testicles. However this is less common.
Symptoms of mesothelioma, including pericardial mesothelioma lawyers, can take decades to surface after exposure to asbestos. The symptoms may be similar to those of other diseases that cause chest pain, trouble breathing fatigue, fatigue, and weight loss. In a few instances, pericardial mesothelioma may cause a swollen finger, a condition in which the fingers swell and appear more round than normal.
Doctors determine if pericardial mesothelioma is a cancer 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 examine the pericardium. To make sure they are able to determine the cause they'll also take a sample of fluid or tissue.
Pericardial Mesothelioma, which is a rare condition that is not acknowledged by a lot of doctors, can cause serious symptoms. Patients should report all symptoms to their physician to be examined for mesothelioma or other ailments. Bring our Symptom Checklist along to your appointment will ensure that your doctor is aware of all the symptoms you are experiencing and will be able to accurately determine if you are suffering from mesothelioma or another condition.
Diagnosis
Diagnosing pericardial cancer can be difficult. Its symptoms are often akin to more common heart disorders and may not appear until the disease has progressed significantly. In addition, exposure to asbestos can occur years before the onset of pericardial mesothelioma and makes the connection difficult to recognize. Anyone with a history of asbestos should discuss their exposure history with their doctors and inquire about any asbestos-related symptoms.
The cause of pericardial mesothelioma remains unknown however, doctors believe that it occurs when asbestos fibers migrate from the lungs to the pericardium, and cause irritation to the tissues there. Over time the affected tissue transforms into cancerous cells that develop into tumors and thicken the pericardium. As a result of tumors, fluid accumulates around the organ. This pressure causes symptoms.
X-rays or CT scans are usually carried out by doctors first to look for any tumors or excessive fluids. They then run tests in the blood to confirm the presence of mesothelioma, and determine the extent to which cancerous cells are expanding.
Mesothelioma patients should also be prepared to discuss their work medical history with a doctor. 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 be eligible for compensation via a mesothelioma lawsuit.
If you or a loved one has been exposed to asbestos and has developed pericardial mesothelioma, a lawyer who is experienced in asbestos litigation can assist you to understand your legal options. Contact Madeksho Law Firm today for a no-cost consultation. There is no cost unless we seek compensation on your behalf.
The pericardial mesothelioma attorneys at Madeksho Law Firm have helped hundreds of veterans and their families in asbestos-related cases. Our lawyers are knowledgeable of the laws affecting asbestos victims and can assist you in receiving the benefits you are entitled to. Fill out our online claim form or call us to begin. We will help you through the entire procedure. Our number is 1-888-654-7635. Download our free Veterans Packet for more information about your benefits.
Treatment
To properly identify pericardial mesothelioma, doctors need to conduct physical examinations and inquire with patients about their asbestos exposure history. They can then employ different tests such as X-rays CT Scans, Echocardiograms and Biopsies to determine the symptoms.
Asbestos fibers can take as long as 60 years to reach the lining in the heart, where they cause cancerous cells. Due to this long latency period, it is crucial for anyone who is experiencing mesothelioma related symptoms to see a physician immediately. They should also be honest about their previous exposure to asbestos in order to receive the best treatment.
Pericardial Mesothelioma, which is among the rarest forms of mesothelioma, accounts for less than 1% of all cases of mesothelioma diagnosed. This is due in part to the difficulty of identifying this condition because it can mimic other heart diseases and symptoms.
The first step in the diagnosis process is a physical examination conducted by an experienced physician who listens to the patient's breathing pattern and heartbeat. The doctor may also order an CT or MRI scan of the chest in order to check for tumors and areas of swelling. If they spot fluid buildup in the pericardium, they'll likely order an echocardiogram to determine how the heart is functioning and to determine if there is any thickening of the lining.
If the doctor is able to determine that there is a fluid buildup or a tumor in the pericardium they will conduct a biopsy to confirm the diagnosis and determine if the tumor is malignant. When they conduct a biopsy doctors take small pieces of fluid or tissue and send them to a laboratory for further testing.
Since pericardial mesothelioma is an enumeration of treatments than other types of cancer, a large percentage of patients will not be able to recover from the disease. However, there are some new treatment options being studied which could provide better results for patients. One such approach is gene therapy, which entails adding or removing genes from the body of a person in order to fight diseases. Immunotherapy is another option, which aims to build an individual's immunity to fight cancer.