Don t Buy Into These "Trends" Concerning Mesothelioma And Asbestos
Pericardial Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure
Pericardial mesothelioma is an uncommon form of mesothelioma that occurs in the lining of the heart (pericardium). This type of mesothelioma can cause symptoms like fatigue or chest pain that may mimic other ailments.
It can take years for symptoms to manifest after asbestos exposure. This makes it difficult to determine the cause. Patients should discuss their experience of exposure to asbestos with their doctor to ensure a correct diagnosis.
What is the cause of Pericardial Mesothelioma?
Pericardial Mesothelioma is a cancer that develops in the thin membrane that surrounds the heart. It is among the rarest forms of mesothelioma that account for one-third to 2% of all mesothelioma cases. Like all forms of mesothelioma, the pericardial type is also connected to asbestos exposure.
Asbestos, a naturally occurring mineral has been used for a long time in a variety of household and commercial products. Its fibers can be easily inhaled, swallowed, or caught in the linings of the abdominal and chest cavities. Mesothelioma develops when the fibrils get irritated and develop into tumors that then spread throughout the body.
Doctors have only discovered a link between asbestos exposure and pericardial mesothelioma in just a few cases. Although they do not know the exact mechanism that causes asbestos-related cancer of the pericardium to grow but they do know that about a quarter all mesothelioma patients are affected. This is due to the fact that it typically occurs decades after exposure to asbestos.
In most cases, a person exposed to asbestos can develop pleural mesothelioma that is found in the lungs and lining of the chest wall. However, they can also develop peritoneal mesothelioma lawsuits, found in the abdomen, or testicular mesothelioma, in the male testes. It is sometimes difficult to determine if pericardial msothelioma is in the event that the symptoms are similar to those of other heart conditions.
Symptoms of pericardial mesothelioma tend to develop gradually and affect breathing. The symptoms include chest pain, trouble breathing, and a buildup of fluid around the heart, which is known as pericardial effusion. This condition is diagnosed by a physician using an echocardiogram (an ultrasound of the heart) or biopsy.
A mesothelioma specialist can help determine if a patient suffers from the rare form of this disease and recommend the best treatment. In addition to asbestos exposure other factors that could increase the risk of developing pericardial mesothelioma include genetics, an impaired immune system, and radiation exposure. A family history of the disease increases your risk.
Signs and symptoms
Pericardial mesothelioma also occurs by asbestos fibers reaching the heart's tissue. This uncommon form of cancer that accounts for less than 1 percent of mesothelioma cases that are malignant, is primarily seen in people who have been exposed to asbestos in their workplace or by living with someone who was affected by asbestos. Pericardial mesothelioma symptoms may vary and may be a sign of other diseases which makes it difficult to diagnose.
Pericardial mesothelioma is a condition that occurs when asbestos particles stick to the pericardial lining and begin to grow into tumors that enlarge the membrane. It is believed that this is what causes pericardial mesothelioma, though doctors aren't sure how it develops. The majority of doctors believe that cancer spread from another part of the body such as the abdominal cavity, the lungs (peritoneum) and finally to the lining inside the heart.
The mesothelium is the lining of both the chest and abdomen. This is where most mesothelioma lawsuits tumours develop. The disease may also start in the linings of the peritoneum and testicles. However it is not as common.
Symptoms of mesothelioma, including mesothelioma of the pericardial region can take a long time to surface after exposure to asbestos. These symptoms are typically similar to other illnesses and can include chest pain, trouble breathing, weight loss, fatigue and a constant cough. In some instances the pericardial tumor can cause clubbing, which is a condition where the fingers swell up and look more round than normal.
Doctors diagnose mesothelioma of pericardium based on the patient's medical history. They will inquire with the patient about previous asbestos exposure and perform imaging tests such as x rays, CT scans, and an echocardiogram to examine the pericardium. They may also take an x-ray or a tissue sample to confirm the diagnosis.
Pericardial mesothelioma is a very rare condition and a large number of doctors are not aware of the signs. Patients should report any symptoms to their doctor to be tested for mesothelioma lawyers or 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 mesothelioma can be difficult. The symptoms often mirror more common heart diseases and may not show up until the condition has advanced in a significant way. Additionally, exposure to asbestos can happen decades before the onset of pericardial mesothelioma and makes the connection difficult to recognize. Anyone who has a history of asbestos exposure should speak to their physician about any symptoms that could be due to asbestos.
The reason for pericardial mesothelioma remains unknown however, doctors believe that it occurs when asbestos fibers travel from the lungs into the pericardium and irritate the tissue that is there. Over time the affected tissue transforms into cancerous cells that develop into tumors and thicken the pericardium. The heart is flooded with fluid. heart due to the tumors and the pressure that results puts stress on the organ, which leads to symptoms.
X-rays or CT scans are usually carried out by doctors first to look for any abnormal fluids or tumors. Then, they run tests in the blood to confirm the presence of mesothelioma, and determine the extent to which cancerous cells are spreading.
Mesothelioma patients must also be prepared to discuss their work history with a physician. Asbestos workers are at a greater risk of developing asbestos-related diseases, such as lung cancer and mesothelioma. Patients who have an asbestos-related past may qualify for compensation through a mesothelioma lawsuit.
If you or someone close to you has been exposed to asbestos and recently been diagnosed with pericardial cancer, a lawyer with experience in asbestos litigation can help you understand your legal options. Contact Madeksho Law Firm for a free consultation today. There is no fee unless we recover compensation on your behalf.
The pericardial mesothelioma attorneys at Madeksho Law Firm have helped hundreds of veterans and their families in asbestos-related cases. Our lawyers are knowledgeable of the laws affecting asbestos victims and will assist you in obtaining the benefits you are entitled to. Complete our online claim form or call us to begin. We will guide you through the entire process from beginning to the end. Our number is 1-888-654-7635. You can also download our free Veterans Packet to learn about the benefits available to you.
Treatment
Doctors should conduct physical exams and ask patients questions about their asbestos exposure in order to determine if pericardial mesothelioma is a cancer. They can then perform a series of tests, including X-rays, CT Scans, echocardiograms and biopsies, to pinpoint the signs and determine if there is fluid buildup in the pericardium.
It can take as long as 60 years for asbestos fibers to penetrate the heart's lining and cause cancerous cells to form. It is vital that anyone who has mesothelioma-related symptoms consult a doctor immediately because of the long delay. They must also be honest about their past exposure to asbestos in order to get the best treatment.
Pericardial mesothelioma is one of the rarest forms of mesothelioma lawsuit and is the reason for only one percent of all mesothelioma cases diagnosed. This is due in part to the difficulty of diagnosing this disease since it can mimic other heart diseases and symptoms.
The first stage in the diagnosis process is a physical exam conducted by an expert physician who listens to the patient's breathing and heartbeat. The doctor may also request an MRI or CT scan of the chest to find any areas of swelling, and also check for tumors. If they find fluid in the pericardium, they will order an echocardiogram. This is to assess the heart's function and see whether the lining has become thicker.
Once the doctor has determined that there is a fluid buildup or a tumor in the pericardium they will perform an examination to confirm the diagnosis and determine if it is malignant. In the course of the biopsy, doctors will remove small samples of fluid or tissue and send them to a lab for further analysis.
Since pericardial mesothelioma is a more limited range of treatments than other types of cancer, a large percentage of sufferers will not recover from the cancer. New treatment methods are being studied to provide better outcomes for patients. One of these is gene therapy, which involves the addition or removal of genes from a body to fight specific diseases. Immunotherapy is another option, that aims to boost the body's immune system to fight cancer.