Pericardial Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure
Pericardial Mesothelioma is a condition that affects the pericardium, which is a lining of the heart. This type of mesothelioma typically results in symptoms such as chest pain or fatigue that may mimic other health conditions.
These symptoms can take years to develop after exposure to asbestos which makes a diagnosis difficult. Patients should share their history of exposure to asbestos with their physician to make sure they get a proper diagnosis.
What Causes Pericardial Mesothelioma?
Pericardial Mesothelioma is a cancer that is found in the thin membrane that lines the heart. This is one of the rarest types of mesothelioma that account for 1% to 2% of all mesothelioma cases. As with all types of mesothelioma, pericardial is linked to asbestos exposure.
Asbestos is a type of naturally occurring mineral that was used in a wide range of commercial and household products for many years. 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 irritate and form tumors.
Doctors have only discovered a link between
asbestos legal exposure and pericardial mesothelioma in just a handful of instances. While they don't know the exact mechanism that causes asbestos-related cancer of the pericardium to grow but they do know that about one quarter of mesothelioma patients are affected. This is partly due to the fact that it typically occurs decades after a patient's asbestos exposure.
In the majority of instances, an individual exposed to
asbestos lawsuit may develop pleural mesothelioma, which forms in the lungs and lining of the chest wall. However, they could also develop peritoneal mesothelioma located in the abdomen, or testicular mesothelioma in the male testes. It can be difficult to identify pericardial mesothelioma if the symptoms are similar to other heart problems.
The symptoms of pericardial asbestosis tend to develop gradually and can impact your ability to breathe. These symptoms can include chest pain, difficulty breathing, and a buildup of fluid around the heart, which is known as pericardial effusion. The condition is diagnosed by a physician using an echocardiogram (an ultrasound of the heart) or biopsy.
A mesothelioma specialist will determine whether a patient has this rare form of disease and help them find the most effective treatment. In addition to asbestos exposure, other factors that can increase the risk of developing pericardial mesothelioma include genetics as well as an impaired immune system, and radiation exposure. A family history of the disease increases your risk.
Signs and symptoms
Pericardial mesothelioma can also be caused by asbestos fibers reaching the heart's tissues. This rare type of cancer, which accounts for less than 1percent of all malignant cases of mesothelioma is found most often in people exposed to asbestos in their work environment or in close proximity to someone who has been affected by asbestos. Pericardial Mesothelioma may present with many symptoms that can be difficult to identify.
Pericardial mesothelioma can occur when asbestos particles stick to the lining of the pericardium and begin to form tumors that thicken the membrane. It is believed that this is the reason for mesothelioma of the pericardium, but doctors aren't aware of how it develops. Most doctors think that the cancer grew from an area of the body, such as the abdominal cavity or lungs (the peritoneum) and then moved to the lining of the heart.
The lining of the chest and abdomen are both known as the mesothelium. It is the primary site for the majority of mesothelioma tumors develop. The disease can also begin in the linings of the peritoneum and testicles. However it is not as common.
After exposure to asbestos, mesothelioma symptoms can take years to show up. These symptoms can be similar to those of other diseases, and include chest pain, difficulty in breathing, fatigue, and weight loss. In some instances, pericardial mesothelioma can cause clubbing of the fingers this is a condition that causes the fingers swell and appear larger than usual.
Doctors identify pericardial mesothelioma on the basis of the patient's medical history and symptoms. They will ask about past exposure to asbestos and perform imaging tests like x-rays, CT scans and an echocardiogram to check the pericardium. They may also take samples of tissue or fluid to complete the diagnosis.
Pericardial mesothelioma is a very rare condition and a large number of doctors are not aware of the symptoms. It is crucial for patients to disclose all of their symptoms to their doctor to be examined for mesothelioma as well as other diseases. The taking of our Symptom Checklist with you to your appointment will help ensure that your doctor is aware of all symptoms you are experiencing and will be able to correctly diagnose you.
Diagnosis
The diagnosis of pericardial mesothelioma is difficult. The symptoms may be similar to other heart conditions and may not be apparent until the disease is advanced.
asbestos lawyer exposure can occur decades before pericardial msothelioma is diagnosed and it is difficult to detect the link. Anyone with a history of
asbestos compensation exposure should speak to their physician about any symptoms that could be related to
asbestos lawsuit.
The exact cause of pericardial mesothelioma remains unknown, but doctors believe that it is caused by asbestos fibers that travel from the lungs into the pericardium and irritate the tissue there. Over time the tissue that has been irritated transforms into cancerous cells that develop into tumors and enlarge the pericardium. Because of tumors, fluid builds up around the organ. This pressure causes symptoms.
X-rays or CT scans are usually carried out by doctors first to identify any tumors or excessive fluids. Then, they run tests on blood to confirm mesothelioma's presence and determine the extent of cancerous cells expanding.
Mesothelioma patients should also be prepared to discuss their occupational medical history with a doctor. Asbestos workers are at a higher risk of developing asbestos-related diseases such as mesothelioma and lung cancer. Patients with an asbestos-related history may be eligible for compensation via a
mesothelioma lawsuit.
A lawyer who has expertise in asbestos litigation can help you understand the legal options available to you if you or someone loved ones has been exposed asbestos and has developed pericardial Mesothelioma. Contact Madeksho Law Firm today for an initial consultation for free. No fees are charged unless we can recover compensation for you.
Madeksho Law Firm has helped hundreds of veterans with asbestos-related cases. Our lawyers are well-versed in the many laws that affect asbestos sufferers 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 walk you through the entire process from start to the point of completion. Contact us at 1-888-654-7635. Or, download our free Veterans Packet to learn about the benefits available to you.
Treatment
To be able to accurately determine if pericardial mesothelioma is present, doctors need to conduct physical examinations and inquire with patients about their asbestos exposure history. They can then employ a variety of tests including X-rays CT Scans, Echocardiograms and biopsies to identify the signs.
It could take up to 60 years for asbestos fibers reach the tissue of the heart and cause cancerous cells to form. It is vital that anyone with mesothelioma symptoms consult a doctor promptly due to the lengthy time of latency. They should also be honest about their past exposure to asbestos so that they can receive the most effective treatment.