How To Resolve Issues With Mesothelioma And Asbestos
Pericardial Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure
Pericardial Mesothelioma is a condition that affects the pericardium, a part of the lining of the heart. This kind of mesothelioma could cause symptoms like chest pain or fatigue that can mimic other conditions.
It can take years for symptoms to manifest after asbestos exposure. This makes it difficult to determine the cause. The best method to obtain an accurate diagnosis is for patients to share their experiences of exposure to asbestos with their physician.
What Causes Pericardial Mesothelioma?
Pericardial mesothelioma occurs in the thin membrane that lines the heart, also known as the pericardium. This is a rare form of mesothelioma that accounts for 1% to 2 % of all cases. As with all types of mesothelioma, the pericardial type is also associated with asbestos exposure.
Asbestos is a naturally found mineral that was used in a wide range of household and commercial products for decades. The toxic fibers can be inhaled or swallowed, and can be caught in the lining of the chest or abdominal cavities. Mesothelioma occurs when the fibrils irritate and form tumors.
Only a handful of doctors have found a connection between asbestos exposure and mesothelioma pericardia. Although they do not know what causes asbestos-related cancer of the pericardium however, they do know that around 25% of mesothelioma sufferers are affected. This is partly because it is usually diagnosed decades after exposure to asbestos.
The majority of people exposed to asbestos develop pleural mesothelioma. The cancer develops in the lung's lining as well as the chest wall. However, they could also develop peritoneal mesothelioma, located in the abdomen, or testicular mesothelioma, which is found in the male testes. It can be difficult to determine if pericardial msothelioma is if the symptoms are similar to those of other heart problems.
The symptoms of pericardial cancer tend to appear slowly and can affect the ability to breathe. These symptoms include chest pain, breathing difficulties and a swell of fluid around the heart, referred to as pericardial effusion. A doctor can identify this condition through an echocardiogram which is an ultrasound scan of the heart, or a pericardial biopsy.
A mesothelioma specialist can determine if a patient suffers from the rare form of this disease and recommend the best treatment. In addition to asbestos exposure other factors that could increase the risk of developing pericardial mesothelioma include genetics and an impaired immune system and radiation exposure. A family history of the disease increases your risk.
Symptoms
Pericardial mesothelioma is also caused by asbestos fibers affecting the heart's tissue. This rare form of cancer, which makes up less than 1percent of all malignant cases of mesothelioma, is most commonly found in people who have been exposed to asbestos in their work environment or in close proximity to those who have been affected by asbestos. Pericardial mesothelioma symptoms can vary and can mimic other conditions which makes it difficult to diagnose.
Pericardial mesothelioma is a condition that occurs when asbestos particles cling to the pericardial lining and begin to form tumors that enlarge the membrane. Doctors do not know the process by which pericardial cancer develops however, they believe asbestos particles are responsible for the development. The majority of doctors believe that cancer spread from a different part of the body like the lungs, abdominal cavity (peritoneum), and then to the lining inside the heart.
The mesothelium is the lining of the abdomen and chest. This is where the majority of mesothelioma tumors develop. The disease can also develop in the linings of the peritoneum and testicles. However this is less common.
After exposure to asbestos, the symptoms of mesothelioma can take years to manifest. The symptoms are usually similar to other conditions and may include chest pain, difficulty breathing and fatigue, weight loss and a persistent cough. In some instances, pericardial msothelioma can cause clubbing, which is an illness in which fingers become swollen and appear more rounded than normal.
Doctors diagnose mesothelioma of the pericardium based on the patient's medical background. They will inquire about previous exposure to asbestos and conduct imaging tests, such as x-rays, CT scans and an echocardiogram to check the pericardium. They may also take an x-ray or a tissue sample to confirm the diagnosis.
Pericardial mesothelioma can be a rare condition and a large number of doctors are not aware of the symptoms. It is important that patients report all symptoms to their doctor so that they can be tested for mesothelioma and other diseases. Bring our Symptom Checklist to your appointment can ensure your doctor is aware of your symptoms and will be able to accurately determine if you are suffering from.
Diagnosis
Diagnosing pericardial cancer can be difficult. The symptoms can be similar to other heart diseases and may not manifest until the disease has advanced. In addition, exposure to asbestos can occur years before the onset of pericardial cancer, making the link hard to identify. However, anyone who has a history of asbestos exposure should discuss their exposure history with their doctors and inquire about symptoms associated with asbestos.
The reason for pericardial mesothelioma remains unknown However, doctors believe it occurs when asbestos fibers migrate from the lungs to the pericardium and cause irritation to the tissues there. As time passes, the irritated tissues mutate into cancerous cells that grow into tumors. As a result of tumors, fluid builds up around the organ. This pressure causes symptoms.
Typically, doctors will first conduct imaging tests such as Xrays and CT scans to identify any abnormal fluids or tumors. Then, they run blood tests to confirm the presence of mesothelioma and determine the extent of any spreading of cancerous cells.
Patients suffering from mesothelioma should be prepared to discuss their work history with their doctor. asbestos workers are at a greater risk of developing asbestos-related illnesses, like lung cancer and mesothelioma. Patients with an asbestos-related history could be eligible for compensation through a mesothelioma lawsuit.
If you or someone close to you has been exposed to asbestos case and has recently been diagnosed with pericardial cancer, a lawyer who is experienced in asbestos litigation can help you determine your legal options. Contact Madeksho Law Firm today for a free consultation. There is no cost unless we recover 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 well-versed in the laws that affect asbestos victims and can assist you in obtaining the benefits you are entitled to. Start your claim now by filling out our online form or by calling us. We will help you through the entire procedure. Contact us at 1-888-654-7635. Or, download our free Veterans Packet to learn about the benefits available to you.
Treatment
Doctors must conduct physical exams and ask patients questions about their asbestos exposure to determine if pericardial mesothelioma is a cancer. They can then employ various tests like X-rays CT Scans, Echocardiograms and biopsies to identify the signs.
It can take up to 60 years for asbestos fibers reach the tissue of the heart and cause cancerous cells to develop. It is essential that anyone who has mesothelioma-related symptoms see a doctor as soon as possible due to the lengthy time of latency. It is also important to be candid about their previous exposure to asbestos so they are able to receive the most effective treatment.
Pericardial mesothelioma is among the rarest forms of mesothelioma and is the reason for only 1percent of mesothelioma cases that are diagnosed. This is partly due to the difficulty of diagnosing this disease since it can mimic other heart conditions or signs.
A physician will first examine the patient and listen to their breathing and heartbeat. The doctor might also request a CT or MRI scan of the chest in order to check for tumors and find areas of swelling. If they discover fluid buildup in the pericardium, they'll likely order an echocardiogram to check how well the heart is working and to determine if there is any thickening of the lining.
Once the doctor has determined that there is a fluid buildup or a tumor in the pericardium they will perform an examination to confirm the diagnosis and determine if it's malignant. In the course of the biopsy, doctors will remove tiny pieces of fluid or tissue and send them to a lab for further analysis.
Because pericardial mesothelioma has an enumeration of treatments than other types, a majority of victims will not survive the cancer. However, there are some new treatments being developed that could offer better outcomes for patients. Gene therapy is one such method. It involves introducing or eliminating certain genes from the body of a patient in order to fight certain diseases. Immunotherapy is another option, that aims to boost the body's immune system to fight cancer.