20 Trailblazers Lead The Way In Mesothelioma And Asbestos
Pericardial Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure
Pericardial Mesothelioma can be found in the pericardium, a part of the lining of the heart. This kind of mesothelioma could cause symptoms such as chest pain and fatigue that can mimic other 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 doctor in order to ensure a correct diagnosis.
What causes pericardial mesothelioma?
Pericardial mesothelioma occurs in the thin membrane that runs along the heart, also known as the pericardium. This is a rare type of mesothelioma, which can be found in 1% to 2 percent of all cases. Similar to other types of mesothelioma, pericardial mesothelioma is linked to asbestos exposure.
Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that was used in a wide range of commercial and household items for decades. Its fibers can be easily inhaled, swallowed or trapped in the linings of the chest and abdominal cavities. Mesothelioma develops when the fibrils cause irritation and then form tumors.
Doctors have only found a link between exposure to asbestos and pericardial mesothelioma in a small number 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 25% of patients diagnosed with mesothelioma. This is in part because it typically occurs decades after a patient's asbestos exposure.
In the majority of instances, a person exposed to asbestos can develop pleural mesothelioma, which forms in the lungs and 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 determine if pericardial msothelioma is if the symptoms are similar to other heart conditions.
The symptoms of pericardial mesothelioma tend to appear gradually and affect the ability to breathe. The symptoms include chest pain, breathing problems and a fluid accumulation around the heart, referred to as pericardial effusion. A doctor can diagnose this condition through an echocardiogram, which is an ultrasound of the heart or YouTube the pericardial biopsy.
A mesothelioma expert can determine if a patient is suffering from this rare type of disease and guide them to the most effective treatment. In addition to asbestos exposure other factors that may increase the risk of developing pericardial cancer include genetics and an impaired immune system, and radiation exposure. Patients with mesothelioma in their family are at a higher risk, too.
Signs and symptoms
Pericardial mesothelioma is also caused by asbestos fibers that penetrate the heart's tissue. This uncommon form of cancer that accounts for less than one percent of mesothelioma cases that are malignant is most often discovered in those who were exposed to asbestos in their workplace or living with someone who was affected by asbestos. Pericardial Mesothelioma may present with a variety of symptoms that can be difficult to recognize.
When asbestos particles stick to the pericardium lining, they can cause tumors to develop and increase the thickness of the membrane. Doctors aren't sure how pericardial cancer develops, however, they believe asbestos particles are the cause. Most doctors think that the cancer grew from another area of the body, like the abdominal cavity or the lungs (the peritoneum) and then spread to the lining of the heart.
The lining of the chest and abdomen are both known as the mesothelium. This is the primary site for the majority of mesothelioma tumors grow. The disease can also start in the lining of the peritoneum or in the testicles though this is far less frequent.
Symptoms of mesothelioma, including mesothelioma of the pericardial region may take years to show up after exposure to asbestos. The symptoms may be similar to those of other diseases, and include chest pain, trouble breathing fatigue, fatigue, and weight loss. In some instances, pericardial mesothelioma could cause a swollen finger this is a condition that causes the fingertips swell and appear rounder than usual.
Doctors diagnose mesothelioma of pericardium based on a patient's medical history. They will inquire with the patient about their previous asbestos exposure and will perform imaging tests like x-rays, CT scans, and an echocardiogram to evaluate the pericardium. They may also take an x-ray or a tissue sample to complete the diagnosis.
Pericardial mesothelioma is a rare condition and a large number of doctors are unable to recognize the signs. It is crucial for patients to disclose all of their symptoms to their doctor so that they can be tested for mesothelioma and other conditions. Bring our Symptom Checklist to your appointment will help ensure that your doctor is aware of your symptoms and correctly diagnose you.
Diagnosis
Diagnosing pericardial cancer can be difficult. The symptoms may be similar to other heart diseases and may not manifest until the disease is advanced. Asbestos exposure can occur years before pericardial malignancies are diagnosed which makes it difficult to identify the connection. Anyone who has a history of asbestos exposure should consult their physician about any signs that could be due to asbestos.
The cause of pericardial mesothelioma attorneys remains unknown, but doctors believe that it is caused by asbestos fibers that migrate from the lungs to the pericardium and irritate the tissues there. Over time the tissues that are irritated transform into cancerous cells, which then transform into tumors. The pericardium is filled with fluid around the heart due to the tumors, and the resulting pressure causes stress on the organ, which leads to symptoms.
Typically, doctors perform imaging tests such as X-rays and CT scans to identify any tumors or excess fluids. They then run blood tests to confirm the presence of mesothelioma, and determine the extent of cancerous cells expanding.
Mesothelioma patients must also be prepared to discuss their work medical history with a doctor. Asbestos workers have a high risk of developing asbestos-related diseases such as mesothelioma and lung cancer. Patients who have had a history of exposure to asbestos lawsuit could be qualified for compensation in a mesothelioma suit.
A lawyer who has expertise in asbestos litigation will help you understand the legal options available to you in the event that you or someone you love has been exposed asbestos and developed pericardial Mesothelioma. Contact Madeksho Law Firm for a free consultation today. There is no charge unless we seek compensation on your behalf.
The pericardial mesothelioma lawyers at Madeksho Law Firm have helped hundreds of veterans and their families with asbestos-related cases. Our lawyers are well-versed in the various laws that affect asbestos victims and will ensure that you get all the benefits to which you are entitled. Fill out our online claim form or call us to get started. We will guide you through the whole procedure. Our number is 1-888-654-7635. Download our free Veterans Packet to learn about the benefits you can enjoy.
Treatment
To be able to accurately determine if pericardial mesothelioma is present doctors must 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 determine the symptoms.
Asbestos fibers can take as long as 60 years to reach the lining in the heart, causing cancerous cells. Due to this long time between latency, it is crucial for anyone who is experiencing mesothelioma related symptoms to talk to a physician immediately. They should also be honest about their previous exposure to asbestos so that they are able to receive the most effective treatment possible.
Pericardial Mesothelioma, one of the rarest types of mesothelioma is responsible for less than 1% of all mesothelioma cases diagnosed. This is partly due to the difficulty in identifying this condition as it can be a symptom of other heart conditions or signs.
The first stage in the diagnosis process is a physical examination by an experienced 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 check for any tumors. If they discover fluid in the pericardium they will order an echocardiogram. This is to assess the heart's function and determine if the lining has thickened.
After the doctor has determined there is a tumor or fluid buildup in the pericardium, they will perform a biopsy to confirm the diagnosis and determine whether it is malignant. During the biopsy, doctors will remove small samples of fluid or tissue and send samples to a laboratory for further analysis.
A lot of patients with pericardial sarcoidosis are not able to survive due to the fact that the treatments are more limited than for other types. However, there are some new treatments being developed that could offer better outcomes for patients. Gene therapy is one of these methods. It involves introducing or taking certain genes out of the body of a patient to fight specific diseases. Another option is immunotherapy, which seeks to build the immune system of the patient to fight the cancer.