Pericardial Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure
Pericardial mesothelioma can be a rare type of mesothelioma which occurs in the lining of the heart (pericardium). This kind of mesothelioma usually produces symptoms such as chest pain or fatigue that may mimic other health conditions.
The symptoms can take a long time to develop following
asbestos settlement exposure and can be difficult to diagnose. The best method to obtain a correct diagnosis is for patients to share their experiences of asbestos exposure with their doctor.
What is the reason for Pericardial Mesothelioma?
Pericardial mesothelioma develops in the thin membrane that lines the heart, known as the pericardium. This is a rare form of mesothelioma which accounts for 1% to 2 % of all cases. Similar to mesothelioma types, pericardial mesothelioma is connected to asbestos exposure.
Asbestos is a type of naturally found mineral that was used in many common commercial and household products for many years. Its toxic fibers are easily inhaled or swallowed, and they can get caught in the lining of the chest or abdominal cavities. Mesothelioma occurs when the fibrils cause irritation and create tumors.
Doctors have only found a link between asbestos exposure and pericardial mesothelioma in a handful of instances. They still do not fully understand how asbestos leads to this type of cancer in the pericardium. However, they do know that it occurs in around a quarter of all patients diagnosed with mesothelioma. This is due to the fact that it typically occurs decades after a patient's asbestos exposure.
In most instances, a person exposed to asbestos can develop pleural mesothelioma. It forms in the lungs and lining of the chest wall. It is also possible to develop testicular or peritoneal msothelioma in male testes. It can be difficult to diagnose pericardial msothelioma when the symptoms are similar to those of other heart conditions.
The symptoms of pericardial asbestosis tend to be gradual and may affect the ability to breathe. The symptoms may include chest pain, difficulty breathing, and a buildup of fluid around the heart called pericardial effusion. A doctor can diagnose this condition through an echocardiogram which is an ultrasound scan of the heart or the pericardial biopsy.
A mesothelioma specialist will determine whether a patient has this rare form of disease and assist them in finding 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 increases your risk.
Symptoms
As with other mesothelioma types, pericardial mesothelioma develops when asbestos fibers get into the tissue that surrounds the heart. This uncommon form of cancer, which accounts for less than one percent of mesothelioma that is malignant is most often discovered in those who were exposed to asbestos in the workplace or living with someone who was impacted by
asbestos. Pericardial mesothelioma symptoms can vary and can 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 that enlarge the membrane. Doctors do not know how pericardial cancer develops, however, they believe asbestos particles are the reason. The majority of doctors believe that cancer spread from another part of the body, such as the lungs, abdominal cavity (peritoneum) and finally to the lining inside the heart.
The mesothelium is a lining that covers the abdomen and chest. This is the area where the majority of mesothelioma tumours develop. The disease may also begin in the lining of the peritoneum or in the testicles but this is not as common.
The symptoms of mesothelioma, such as mesothelioma of the pericardial region can take a long time to surface after exposure to asbestos. These symptoms can be similar to those of other diseases, and include chest pain, trouble breathing, fatigue, and weight loss. In some cases the pericardial tumor can cause clubbing, an illness in which fingers get swollen and appear more rounded than normal.
Doctors diagnose pericardial mesothelioma based on the patient's medical history and symptoms. They will ask about past exposure to
asbestos settlement, and then conduct imaging tests, like x-rays, CT scans and an echocardiogram to look at the pericardium. To make sure they are able to determine the cause, they will also take a sample of fluid or tissue.
Pericardial Mesothelioma is a rare condition that is not acknowledged by a lot of doctors, can cause serious symptoms. Patients should report all symptoms to their doctor in order to be examined for mesothelioma or other conditions. Bring our Symptom Checklist to your appointment can ensure your doctor is aware of your symptoms and correctly determine if you are suffering from.
Diagnosis
Pericardial mesothelioma is a difficult cancer to recognize. Symptoms often mimic other heart conditions that are more common and may not appear until the disease has progressed substantially. Moreover, asbestos exposure can occur years before pericardial mesothelioma appears, making the link hard to recognize. Nonetheless, anyone with a history of asbestos should be able to share their asbestos exposure history with doctors and ask about asbestos-related symptoms.
The cause of mesothelioma of the pericardial region is not known however, doctors believe that it occurs when asbestos fibers move from the lungs to the pericardium and irritate the tissue there. In time the tissues that are irritated transform into cancerous cells which grow into tumors. Fluid builds up around the heart as a result of the tumors and the pressure that results causes pressure on the organ and leads to symptoms.
Typically, doctors will first conduct imaging tests such as X-rays and CT scans to spot any abnormal fluids or tumors. Then, they conduct blood tests to confirm the presence of mesothelioma and determine the extent of cancerous cells expanding.
Patients suffering from mesothelioma should be ready to discuss their history of work with their physician.
asbestos attorney workers have a high risk of developing asbestos-related diseases which include mesothelioma and lung cancer. Patients who have a history of asbestos exposure may qualify for compensation through mesothelioma litigation.
If you or someone close to you has been exposed to asbestos and has developed pericardial mesothelioma, a lawyer experienced in asbestos litigation can assist you to understand your legal options. Contact Madeksho Law Firm for a free consultation today. There is no charge unless we are able to recover compensation for you.
The pericardial mesothelioma lawyers of Madeksho Law Firm have helped hundreds of veterans and their families with
asbestos settlement-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 calling us. We will guide you through the entire process from start to the end. Our number is 1-888-654-7635. Download our free Veterans Packet for more information about your benefits.
Treatment
To properly diagnose pericardial mesothelioma doctors must conduct physical examinations and inquire with patients about their asbestos exposure background. They can then employ different tests such as X-rays CT Scans, Echocardiograms and Biopsies to determine the symptoms.
It could take up to 60 years for asbestos fibers reach the heart's lining and cause cancerous cells to develop.