Pericardial Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure
Pericardial Mesothelioma can be found in the pericardium, which is a lining of the heart. This kind of mesothelioma could cause symptoms such as chest pain or fatigue that may be similar to other conditions.
These symptoms can take years to develop following asbestos exposure which makes a diagnosis difficult. The best way to get a correct diagnosis is for patients to share their experiences of asbestos exposure with their physician.
What is the cause of mesothelioma pericardial?
Pericardial Mesothelioma is a cancer that is found in the thin membrane lining the heart. This is one of the rarest forms of mesothelioma which accounts for about 1% to 2% of all mesothelioma cases. Similar to other types of mesothelioma, pericardial mesothelioma can be linked to
asbestos attorney exposure.
Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that was utilized in a wide range of household and commercial products for a long time. Its harmful fibers can be inhaled or swallowed, and they can get caught in the chest's lining or abdominal cavities. Mesothelioma develops when the fibrils are irritated, and they form tumors that then spread throughout the body.
Doctors have only found a link between asbestos exposure and pericardial mesothelioma in a handful of instances. They are still unable to fully understand how asbestos leads to the development of this cancer in the pericardium. However, they know that it occurs in quarter of patients diagnosed with mesothelioma. This is in part because it typically occurs decades after a patient's
asbestos lawsuit exposure.
In most cases, a person who is exposed to asbestos will develop pleural mesothelioma, which develops in the lungs and forms a lining of the chest wall. However, they could also develop peritoneal mesothelioma found in the abdomen, or testicular mesothelioma, which is found in the testes of males. It can be difficult to diagnose pericardial msothelioma when the symptoms are similar to those of other heart problems.
The symptoms of pericardial asbestosis tend to develop gradually and can impact your ability to breathe. The symptoms include breathing difficulties, chest pain and a fluid accumulation around the heart referred to as pericardial effusion. A doctor can identify this condition by performing an echocardiogram which is an ultrasound of the heart or the pericardial biopsy.
A mesothelioma expert can help determine if a patient has the rare form of this disease and recommend 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. Patients with mesothelioma in their family are at a higher risk of developing it as well.
Symptoms
As with other mesothelioma types, pericardial mesothelioma develops when asbestos fibers get into the tissue that surrounds the heart. This rare form of cancer, which accounts for less than 1 percent of all malignant mesothelioma cases is most often discovered in those who were exposed to asbestos in the workplace or living with someone who was impacted by asbestos. The symptoms of mesothelioma in the pericardium can be different and mimic other conditions and make it difficult to determine the cause.
Pericardial mesothelioma can occur when asbestos particles adhere to the lining of the pericardium and begin to develop tumors which thicken the membrane. Doctors don't know the causes of pericardial cancer, but they believe that
asbestos case particles are the cause. The majority of doctors believe that the cancer spreads from another area of the body, such as the lungs, abdominal cavity (peritoneum), and then to the lining in the heart.
The lining of the chest and abdomen are known as the mesothelium. This is the primary location for most mesothelioma tumors to grow. The disease can also start in the peritoneal lining or in the testicles though this is far less frequent.
The symptoms of mesothelioma such as mesothelioma pericardial may take years to manifest after exposure to asbestos. These symptoms are typically similar to other conditions and may include chest pain, difficulties breathing and weight loss, fatigue, and a constant cough. In a few cases, pericardial mesothelioma could cause a swollen finger the condition where the fingertips swell and appear rounder than usual.
Doctors determine if pericardial mesothelioma is a cancer the patient's medical history and symptoms. They will ask about past exposure to asbestos and conduct imaging tests, like x-rays, CT scans and an echocardiogram to look at the pericardium. To confirm the diagnosis, they will also take a sample of fluid or tissue.
Pericardial mesothelioma can be a rare condition and a large number of doctors do not recognize the symptoms. Patients should report all symptoms to their doctor to be tested for mesothelioma and other diseases. Bring our Symptom Checklist to your appointment can ensure your doctor is aware all of your symptoms and can correctly determine if you are suffering from.
Diagnosis
The diagnosis of pericardial mesothelioma is difficult. The symptoms often mirror more common heart diseases and may not appear until the disease has progressed significantly. Moreover, asbestos exposure can occur decades before the onset of pericardial mesothelioma, making the connection difficult to identify. Anyone with a history of asbestos should be able to share their asbestos exposure history with their doctors and ask about asbestos-related symptoms.
The cause of pericardial mesothelioma remains unknown however, doctors believe that it occurs when
asbestos case fibers travel from the lungs into the pericardium and cause irritation to the tissues there. In time the affected tissue transforms into cancerous cells, which then grow into tumors and thicken the pericardium. Fluid builds up around the heart as a result of the tumors, and the resulting pressure causes stress on the organ, which results in symptoms.
Typically, doctors first perform imaging tests like X-rays and CT scans to identify any extra fluids or tumors. Then, they conduct tests on blood to confirm the presence of mesothelioma, and determine the extent of cancerous cells expanding.
Patients with mesothelioma should also be prepared to discuss their work history with their physician. Asbestos workers have a high risk of developing asbestos-related diseases such as lung cancer and mesothelioma. Patients who have had a history of asbestos exposure may qualify for compensation through mesothelioma lawsuits.
If you or a loved one has been exposed to asbestos and has developed pericardial mesothelioma, a lawyer with experience in asbestos litigation can help you determine your legal options. Contact Madeksho Law Firm today for a no-cost consultation. There is no charge unless we can recover 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 aware of the various laws that affect asbestos victims and will ensure that you get all the benefits to which you are entitled. Fill out our online claim form or call us to begin. We will guide you through the entire process from start to finish. Our number is 1-888-654 7635. Download our free Veterans Packet to learn about the benefits you can enjoy.
Treatment
To properly determine if pericardial mesothelioma is present doctors must conduct physical examinations and talk to patients about their asbestos exposure history. They can then conduct a series of tests, including X-rays, CT Scans, echocardiograms and biopsies to identify the symptoms and determine if there's fluid accumulation in the pericardium.
It can take up to 60 years for asbestos fibers to reach the heart's lining and cause cancerous cells to grow. It is crucial that anyone who has mesothelioma-related symptoms see a doctor as soon as possible due to the long latency period. It is also important to be candid about any previous exposure to asbestos so they are able to receive the most effective treatment possible.
Pericardial Mesothelioma (PM), one of the rarest forms of mesothelioma is responsible for less than 1percent of all mesothelioma cases diagnosed. This is mainly due to the difficulty of diagnosing this condition since it can mimic other heart conditions or symptoms.
The first step in the process of diagnosing is a physical exam conducted by an experienced physician who listens to the patient's breathing and heartbeat. The doctor can also order an MRI or CT scan of the chest to identify any areas of swelling, and also check for tumors. If they detect fluid in the pericardium they will order 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 an examination to confirm the diagnosis and determine if it's malignant. When they perform a biopsy, doctors will remove tiny pieces of tissue or fluid and send them to a lab for further analysis.
Many victims of pericardial sarcoidosis are not able to survive due to the fact that the treatment options are less than for other kinds. However, there are new treatments being developed that could offer better outcomes for patients. Gene therapy is one such method. It involves introducing or removing certain genes from the body of a patient in order to fight certain diseases. Another option is immunotherapy, which aims to train a patient's immune system to fight the cancer.