Pericardial Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure
Pericardial Mesothelioma can be found in the pericardium, a tissue that surrounds the heart. This kind of mesothelioma usually results in symptoms such as chest pain or fatigue that can be similar to other health conditions.
The symptoms can take a long time to develop following asbestos exposure and can be difficult to diagnose. The best method to obtain an accurate diagnosis is for patients to share their history of exposure to asbestos with their physician.
What Causes Pericardial Mesothelioma?
Pericardial mesothelioma is a cancer that develops in thin membrane that surrounds the heart, also known as the pericardium. This is a rare type of mesothelioma that is responsible for 1 to 2 percent of all cases. As with all types of mesothelioma, pericardial is connected to asbestos exposure.
Asbestos is a naturally found mineral that was used in a wide range of household and commercial products for decades. Its harmful fibers can be swallowed or inhaled and they can get caught in the chest's lining and abdominal cavities. Mesothelioma is a result of fibrils that become irritated and form tumors that eventually spread throughout the body.
Only a few doctors have discovered a connection between
asbestos case exposure and mesothelioma pericardia. They are still unable to know exactly how asbestos contributes to this cancer in the pericardium, but they know that it happens in about a quarter of all patients diagnosed with mesothelioma. This is partly due to the fact that it is usually diagnosed decades after exposure to asbestos.
In the majority of instances, an individual who is exposed to asbestos may develop pleural mesothelioma, which is found in the lungs and lining of the chest wall. There is also the possibility of developing testicular or peritoneal msothelioma in male testes. It is sometimes difficult to identify pericardial mesothelioma when the symptoms are similar to other heart diseases.
The symptoms of pericardial mesothelioma tend to come on gradually and affect breathing. The symptoms include chest pain, trouble breathing, and the accumulation of fluid around the heart, referred to as pericardial effusion. A doctor can identify this condition through an echocardiogram, which is an ultrasound of the heart or an pericardial biopsy.
A mesothelioma specialist can determine if a patient suffers from this rare form of disease and help them find 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. A family history of the disease also increases your risk.
Symptoms
Like other types of mesothelioma, pericardial mesothelioma is a result of asbestos fibers reach the tissue that surrounds the heart. This rare type of cancer, which accounts for less than 1percent of mesothelioma that is malignant is typically found in people who have been exposed to
asbestos attorney in their work environment or within close proximity to people who have been affected by asbestos. Pericardial Mesothelioma may present with a variety of symptoms that can be difficult to diagnose.
Pericardial mesothelioma is a condition that occurs when asbestos particles stick to the pericardial lining and begin to develop tumors which thicken the membrane. It is thought that this is what causes mesothelioma pericardial, although doctors know little about how it develops. Most doctors believe that the cancer spread from another part of the body such as the abdominal cavity, the lungs (peritoneum) and finally to the lining in the heart.
The chest and abdomen are called the mesothelium, which is the primary site for the majority of mesothelioma tumors grow. The disease may also start in the peritoneal lining and testicles. However, this is much less common.
After asbestos exposure, mesothelioma symptoms can take years to manifest. The symptoms may be similar to those of other illnesses, and include chest pain, difficulty breathing, fatigue, and weight loss. In a few cases, pericardial mesothelioma could cause a swollen finger the condition where the fingers expand and appear more round than normal.
Doctors diagnose pericardial mesothelioma based on the patient's medical history and symptoms. They will ask the patient about any asbestos exposure, and then perform imaging tests like radiographs, CT scans, and an echocardiogram in order to examine the pericardium. They will also take a fluid or tissue sample to complete the diagnosis.
Pericardial Mesothelioma, which is a rare condition that isn't recognized by many doctors, can trigger serious symptoms. Patients should report any symptoms to their doctor in order to be tested for mesothelioma and other diseases. Bringing our Symptom Checklist to your appointment can ensure your doctor is aware of your symptoms and will be able to accurately diagnose you.
Diagnosis
Diagnosing pericardial cancer can be difficult. The symptoms can be similar to other heart conditions and may not be apparent until the disease has advanced. In addition, exposure to asbestos can happen decades before the onset of pericardial mesothelioma, making the link hard to identify. Anyone with a history of
asbestos compensation exposure should speak to their doctor about any symptoms that could 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 cause irritation to the tissue. As time passes, the irritated tissue mutates into cancerous cells that grow into tumors and enlarge the pericardium. The pericardium is filled with fluid around the heart due to the tumors and the pressure that results causes stress on the organ, which results in symptoms.
X-rays or CT scans are usually carried out by doctors first to look for any abnormal fluids or tumors. Then, they conduct tests in the blood to confirm the presence of mesothelioma and determine the extent to which cancerous cells are growing.
Patients with mesothelioma must be prepared to discuss their history of work with their physician. asbestos workers face a high chance of developing asbestos-related illnesses which include lung cancer and mesothelioma. Patients with a history of
asbestos compensation exposure could be eligible for compensation through mesothelioma litigation.
If you or someone close to you has been exposed to asbestos and has recently diagnosed pericardial mesothelioma lawyer who is experienced in
asbestos litigation can help understand your legal options. Contact Madeksho Law Firm today for a no-cost consultation. There is no fee unless we collect compensation on your behalf.
The pericardial mesothelioma lawyers at Madeksho Law Firm have helped hundreds of veterans and their families with
asbestos law-related cases. Our lawyers are knowledgeable of the many laws that affect asbestos victims and can ensure that you receive all the benefits to which you are entitled. Get started on your claim today by filling out our online form or by calling us. We will guide you through the entire process from start to the point of completion. Our number is 1-888-654 7635. Download our free Veterans Packet for more information about your benefits.
Treatment
To be able to accurately determine if pericardial mesothelioma is present doctors must conduct physical examinations and ask patients about their asbestos exposure history. They can then employ different tests such as X-rays CT Scans, Echocardiograms and biopsies to identify the signs.
It can take as long as 60 years for asbestos fibers reach the lining of the heart and cause cancerous cells to develop.