Pericardial Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure
Pericardial mesothelioma can be a rare type of mesothelioma that occurs in the heart's lining (pericardium). This kind of mesothelioma usually causes symptoms like chest pain or fatigue that can mimic other health conditions.
These symptoms may take years to manifest following exposure to asbestos and can be difficult to diagnose. Patients should discuss their experience of exposure to asbestos with their doctor to ensure a reliable diagnosis.
What causes pericardial mesothelioma?
Pericardial Mesothelioma is a cancer that develops in the thin membrane that lines the heart. It is a rare type of mesothelioma that accounts for 1% to 2 % of all cases. Like all other types of mesothelioma, pericardial mesothelioma is linked to asbestos exposure.
Asbestos, a naturally occurring mineral that was extensively used in a wide range of household and commercial products. The toxic fibers can be swallowed or inhaled and they can end up in the lining of the chest or abdominal cavities. Mesothelioma occurs when the fibrils cause irritation and then form tumors.
Doctors have only discovered a link between asbestos exposure and pericardial mesothelioma only in a small number of instances. Although they do not know what causes asbestos-related cancer of the pericardium to develop however, they do know that approximately one quarter of mesothelioma patients are affected. This is partly because it typically occurs years after
asbestos lawsuit exposure.
In most instances, a person who is exposed to asbestos may develop pleural mesothelioma that is found in the lungs and forms a lining of the chest wall. It is also possible to develop testicular or peritoneal msothelioma that is found male testes. It can be difficult to identify pericardial mesothelioma in the event that the symptoms are similar to those of other heart diseases.
The signs of pericardial asbestosis tend to progress slowly and may affect your ability to breathe. The symptoms include chest pain, breathing problems and a fluid accumulation around the heart, referred to as pericardial effusion. The condition is diagnosed by a doctor using an echocardiogram (an ultrasound of the heart) or biopsy.
A mesothelioma expert can determine if a patient is suffering from this rare form of the disease and assist them in finding the best treatment. In addition to
asbestos exposure, other factors that can increase the risk of developing pericardial mesothelioma include genetics, an impaired immune system and radiation exposure. People with a family history of mesothelioma have a higher risk of developing it as well.
Symptoms
Like other types of mesothelioma, pericardial mesothelioma occurs when
asbestos lawsuit fibers reach the tissue that surrounds the heart. This uncommon form of cancer that accounts for less than 1 % of mesothelioma that is malignant, is primarily discovered in those who were exposed to
asbestos attorney in the workplace or in the home of someone who was impacted by asbestos. The symptoms of mesothelioma in the pericardium can be different and may be a sign of other diseases, making diagnosis difficult.
When asbestos particles adhere to the pericardium's lining, they can cause tumors to grow and increase the thickness of the membrane. It is believed that this is the reason for mesothelioma pericardial, although doctors aren't aware of how it develops. The majority of doctors believe that the cancer grew from a different part of the body, such as the lungs or abdominal cavity (the peritoneum) and then spread to the lining of the heart.
The lining of the chest and abdomen are both called the mesothelium, which is the main site for the majority of mesothelioma tumors grow. The disease may also begin in the lining of the peritoneum or in the testicles but this is not as common.
Symptoms of mesothelioma, including mesothelioma pericardial may take years to manifest after exposure to asbestos. These symptoms are often similar to other conditions and may include chest pain, difficulties breathing as well as fatigue, weight loss and an ongoing cough. In some cases the pericardial tumor can cause clubbing. This is an illness where fingers become swollen and look more round than normal.
Doctors determine if pericardial mesothelioma is a cancer 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 evaluate the pericardium. To confirm the diagnosis they'll also take a sample of fluid or tissue.
Pericardial mesothelioma is a rare condition, and many doctors are not aware of the signs. Patients should report all symptoms to their physician 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 will be able to correctly diagnose you.
Diagnosis
Diagnosing pericardial cancer can be difficult. Its symptoms are often akin to more common heart diseases and may not appear until the condition has advanced substantially. Additionally, exposure to asbestos can happen decades before pericardial mesothelioma appears, making the link hard to recognize. Anyone with a history involving asbestos exposure should speak to their doctor about any symptoms that could be due to asbestos.
Doctors don't know the reason for the pericardial msothelioma. They believe it is caused by asbestos fibers that move from the lung to the pericardium and cause irritation to tissue. Over time the tissues affected by irritation transform into cancerous cells, which then transform into tumors. Due to tumors, fluid accumulates around the organ. This pressure causes symptoms.
X-rays or CT scans are generally performed first by doctors to look for any tumors or excessive fluids. Then they run tests of blood to confirm the presence of mesothelioma as well as determine the extent of any spread of the cancerous cells.
Patients suffering from mesothelioma should be prepared to discuss their work history with their physician. Asbestos workers have a high risk of developing asbestos-related diseases, including mesothelioma and lung cancer. Patients with a past of exposure to asbestos may be eligible for compensation in a mesothelioma suit.
If you or a loved one has been exposed to asbestos and recently developed pericardial mesothelioma, a lawyer with experience in asbestos litigation (
birch-mccormick-3.Blogbright.net) can help determine your legal options. Call Madeksho Law Firm for a free consultation today. There is no fee unless we seek compensation on your behalf.
Madeksho Law Firm has helped hundreds of veterans who have asbestos-related cases. Our attorneys are familiar with the laws that affect asbestos victims and will 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 whole process. Our number is 1-888-654-7635. Download our free Veterans Packet to learn about the benefits you can enjoy.
Treatment
To properly diagnose pericardial mesothelioma doctors must conduct physical examinations and inquire with patients about their
asbestos case exposure history. They can then utilize various tests like 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 grow. Because of this lengthy time between latency, it is essential for anyone suffering from mesothelioma-related symptoms to talk to an expert doctor right away. It is also important to be candid about any previous exposure to asbestos so that they can ensure they receive the most effective treatment.