Pericardial Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure
Pericardial mesothelioma is an uncommon form of mesothelioma which occurs in the heart's lining (pericardium). This type of mesothelioma can cause symptoms such as fatigue or chest pain that may mimic other ailments.
The symptoms can take a long time to develop following asbestos exposure and can be difficult to diagnose. The best way to make an accurate diagnosis is for patients to share their history of exposure to asbestos with their physician.
What is the reason for Pericardial Mesothelioma?
Pericardial Mesothelioma, a form of cancer, that is found in the thin membrane that lines the heart. This is one of the rarest mesothelioma types, making up about one-third to 2% of all mesothelioma cases. Like all forms of mesothelioma pericardial is also connected to asbestos exposure.
Asbestos is a mineral that occurs naturally has been used for a long time in a variety of commercial and household items. Its toxic fibers are easily inhaled or swallowed, and they can get caught in the chest's lining and abdominal cavities. Mesothelioma forms when the fibrils are irritated, and they form tumors that eventually spread throughout the body.
Only a handful of doctors have found a connection between asbestos exposure and mesothelioma pericardia. They still do not fully comprehend how asbestos contributes to this cancer in the pericardium, however they know that it occurs in about a quarter of all patients diagnosed with mesothelioma. This is due to the fact that it is usually diagnosed decades after
asbestos lawyer exposure.
The majority of people exposed to asbestos develop pleural mesothelioma. This cancer is found in the lining of the lungs and chest wall. There is also the possibility of developing testicular or peritoneal msothelioma that is found male testes. If they are diagnosed with pericardial melanoma, it is difficult to identify because symptoms often resemble the symptoms of other heart diseases.
The symptoms of pericardial cancer tend to appear gradually and affect breathing. These symptoms include chest pain, breathing problems 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 an pericardial biopsy.
A mesothelioma specialist can determine if a patient is suffering from the rare form of the disease and find the best treatment. In addition to asbestos exposure other factors that may increase the risk of pericardial mesothelioma include genetics, an impaired immune system, and radiation exposure. Those with a family history of mesothelioma are at a higher risk of developing it as well.
Symptoms
Pericardial mesothelioma can also be caused by asbestos fibers reaching the tissue surrounding the heart. This rare form of the cancer which is responsible for less than 1 % of mesothelioma cases that are malignant is most often discovered in those who were exposed to asbestos in the workplace or by living with someone who was affected by asbestos. Pericardial Mesothelioma is characterized by many symptoms that are difficult to recognize.
When asbestos particles adhere to the pericardium's lining they can cause tumors to develop and make the membrane thicker. It is thought that this is the reason for pericardial mesothelioma, though doctors aren't sure how it develops. Most doctors think that the cancer originated from a different part of the body, such as the abdominal cavity or lungs (the peritoneum) and then it spread to the lining of the heart.
The chest and abdomen are both known as the mesothelium. It is the primary site for mesothelioma tumors to develop. The disease can also develop in the linings of the peritoneum and testicles. However this is less common.
Symptoms of mesothelioma, including mesothelioma pericardial can take a long time to manifest after exposure to asbestos. These symptoms can be similar to those of other illnesses such as chest pain, difficulty breathing, fatigue, and weight loss. In certain cases the pericardial tumor can cause clubbing, which is an illness where fingers become swollen and appear more rounded than normal.
Doctors determine if pericardial mesothelioma is a cancer the patient's medical history and symptoms. They will ask the patient about their previous asbestos exposure and perform imaging tests such as radiographs, CT scans, and an echocardiogram to examine the pericardium. To confirm the diagnosis they will also collect an x-ray or a sample of tissue.
Pericardial mesothelioma is a very rare condition and a large number of doctors are unable to recognize the signs. It is important for patients to report all their symptoms to their doctor so that they can be examined for mesothelioma as well as other conditions. Bringing our Symptom Checklist to your appointment can ensure your doctor is aware all of your symptoms and can accurately determine if you are suffering from.
Diagnosis
The diagnosis of pericardial mesothelioma is difficult. The symptoms may be similar to other heart conditions and may not show up until the disease is advanced. In addition, exposure to asbestos can occur years before pericardial mesothelioma appears and makes the connection difficult to detect. Anyone with a history of asbestos exposure should talk to their doctor about any symptoms that could be related to asbestos.
Doctors don't know the reason for the pericardial msothelioma. They believe it is caused by asbestos fibers that migrate from the lung to the pericardium and irritate tissue. In time, the irritated tissue mutates into cancerous cells that grow into tumors and expand the pericardium. Due to tumors, fluid accumulates around the organ. This pressure can cause symptoms.
X-rays or CT scans are typically carried out by doctors first to identify any abnormal fluids or tumors. They then run blood tests to confirm the presence of mesothelioma, and determine the extent to which cancerous cells are spreading.
Mesothelioma patients should also be prepared to discuss their work history with a doctor. Asbestos workers have a high risk of developing asbestos-related diseases which include lung cancer and mesothelioma. People who have a history of asbestos exposure could be entitled to compensation in a mesothelioma suit.
If you or someone close to you has been exposed to asbestos and recently developed pericardial mesothelioma, a lawyer who is experienced in
asbestos litigation can help determine your legal options. Contact Madeksho Law Firm today for a free consultation. There is no charge unless we collect compensation on your behalf.
The pericardial mesothelioma lawyers of Madeksho Law Firm have helped hundreds of veterans and their families in
asbestos lawyer-related cases. Our lawyers are knowledgeable of the various laws that affect
asbestos settlement victims and can ensure that you receive all the benefits to which you are entitled. Complete our online claim form or call us to get started. We'll guide you through the entire process from beginning to the end. Contact us at 1-888-654-7635. Download our free Veterans Packet to learn about the benefits you have available to you.
Treatment
Doctors must conduct physical examinations and ask patients questions regarding their asbestos exposure to identify pericardial a mesothelioma. They can then employ various tests like X-rays CT Scans, Echocardiograms and Biopsies to locate the symptoms.
It can take as long as 60 years for
asbestos attorney fibers to penetrate the tissue of the heart and cause cancerous cells to develop. It is vital that anyone who has mesothelioma-related symptoms consult a doctor as soon as possible due to the lengthy time of latency.