5 Laws That Will Help The Mesothelioma And Asbestos Industry
Pericardial Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure
Pericardial mesothelioma is a rare form of mesothelioma, which is found in the lining of the heart (pericardium). This kind of mesothelioma could cause symptoms like fatigue or chest pain that may be similar to other conditions.
These symptoms can take years to manifest following exposure to asbestos which makes a diagnosis difficult. Patients should discuss their experience of exposure to asbestos with their doctor in order to ensure a reliable diagnosis.
What is the cause of Pericardial Mesothelioma?
Pericardial mesothelioma occurs in the thin membrane that surrounds the heart, known as the pericardium. This is a rare type of mesothelioma that can be found in 1% to 2 percent of all cases. Similar to mesothelioma types, pericardial mesothelioma attorneys can be linked 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. The fibers are easily swallowed, inhaled or caught in the linings of the abdominal and chest cavities. Mesothelioma is a condition that occurs when fibrils cause irritation and create tumors.
Doctors have only found a link between exposure to asbestos and pericardial mesothelioma attorneys only in a small number of instances. Although they do not know the exact mechanism that causes asbestos-related cancer of the pericardium to develop but they do know that around 25% of mesothelioma sufferers are affected. This is due to the fact that it usually occurs decades after exposure to asbestos.
In the majority of cases, a person who is exposed to asbestos can develop pleural mesothelioma. It forms in the lungs and lining of the chest wall. However, they may also develop peritoneal mesothelioma located in the abdomen or testicular mesothelioma, which is found in the testes of males. It can be difficult to diagnose pericardial msothelioma when the symptoms are similar to those of other heart diseases.
The symptoms of pericardial asbestosis usually develop gradually and can impact the ability of breathing. The symptoms include breathing difficulties, chest pain and a build-up of fluid around the heart, referred to as pericardial effusion. This condition can be diagnosed by a doctor using an echocardiogram (an ultrasound of the heart) or a biopsy.
A mesothelioma specialist can determine if a patient is suffering from this rare form of disease and guide them to the best treatment. Other factors, including genetics, an impaired immune system, and radiation exposure can increase the risk of pericardial msothelioma. A family history of the disease also increases your risk.
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 one percent of mesothelioma that is malignant is found most often in people exposed to asbestos at work or within close proximity to those who have been affected by asbestos. Pericardial Mesothelioma is characterized by various symptoms that are difficult to diagnose.
When asbestos particles stick to the pericardium's lining they can cause tumors to develop and thicken the membrane. Doctors aren't sure the process by which pericardial cancer develops however, they believe asbestos particles are the reason. Most doctors think that the cancer originated from a different part of the body, like the lungs or abdominal cavity (the peritoneum) and then it spread to the lining of the heart.
The mesothelium is the lining of both the abdomen and chest. This is where the majority of mesothelioma tumors are found. The disease can also develop in the linings of the peritoneum and testicles. However this is less common.
The symptoms of mesothelioma such as pericardial mesothelioma attorneys may take years to manifest after exposure to asbestos. These symptoms are often similar to other illnesses and may include chest pain, trouble breathing and weight loss, fatigue and an ongoing cough. In a few instances, pericardial mesothelioma can cause clubbing of the fingers the condition where the fingers expand and appear larger than usual.
Doctors diagnose pericardial mesothelioma based on the patient's medical history and symptoms. They will ask about past exposure to asbestos, and then conduct imaging tests, such as x-rays, CT scans and an echocardiogram to check the pericardium. To complete the diagnosis they will also collect a sample of fluid or tissue.
Pericardial Mesothelioma, a rare condition that isn't recognized by many doctors, can lead to serious symptoms. Patients should report all symptoms to their physician to be examined for mesothelioma or other diseases. Bring our Symptom Checklist along to your appointment will help ensure that your doctor is aware of all symptoms you are experiencing and is able to accurately determine if you are suffering from mesothelioma or another condition.
Diagnosis
The diagnosis of pericardial mesothelioma is difficult. The symptoms can be similar to other heart diseases and may not show up until the disease is advanced. Asbestos exposure can occur years before pericardial malignancies are diagnosed, making it difficult to detect the link. Anyone with a history involving asbestos exposure should consult their physician about any signs that could be due to asbestos.
The exact cause of mesothelioma pericardial remains unclear however, doctors believe that it occurs when asbestos fibers move from the lungs to the pericardium, and cause irritation to the tissue there. As time passes, the irritated tissue mutates into cancerous cells that develop into tumors and thicken the pericardium. Because of tumors, fluid builds up around the organ. This pressure can cause symptoms.
X-rays or CT scans are typically carried out by doctors first to identify any signs of tumors or excess fluids. They then run blood tests to confirm the presence of mesothelioma and determine the extent to which cancerous cells are growing.
Patients suffering from mesothelioma should be ready to discuss their history of work with their doctor. asbestos workers are at greater risk of developing asbestos-related diseases, such as lung cancer and mesothelioma. Patients who have an asbestos-related history may qualify for compensation through a mesothelioma lawsuit.
A lawyer who has experience in asbestos litigation can help you understand the legal options that are available to you if or someone you love has been exposed asbestos and has developed pericardial Mesothelioma. Call Madeksho Law Firm for a free consultation today. There is no cost unless we seek compensation on your behalf.
Madeksho Law Firm has helped hundreds of veterans who have asbestos-related cases. Our lawyers are well-versed in the various laws that impact asbestos 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 will walk you through the entire process from start to the point of completion. Our number is 1-888-654-7635. Download our free Veterans Packet for more information about your benefits.
Treatment
In order to properly determine if pericardial mesothelioma is present doctors must conduct physical examinations and ask patients about their asbestos exposure background. They can then perform various tests, such as Xrays, CT Scans, echocardiograms and biopsies, to pinpoint the symptoms and determine if there's an accumulation of fluid in the pericardium.
It could take up to 60 years for asbestos fibers to reach the lining of the heart and cause cancerous cells to develop. Because of this lengthy time between latency, it is important for anyone experiencing mesothelioma-related symptoms to consult a doctor immediately. They should also be open about their past exposure to asbestos so that they can receive the most effective treatment.
Pericardial Mesothelioma, which is among the rarest forms of mesothelioma, accounts for less than 1percent of all mesothelioma cases diagnosed. This is mainly due to the difficulty in identifying this condition as it can mimic other heart conditions or signs.
A doctor will first assess the patient and listen to their heartbeat and breathing. The doctor might also request a CT or MRI scan of the chest to detect tumors and find areas of swelling. 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 of the heart has thickened.
If the doctor is able to determine there is a tumor or fluid buildup in the pericardium they will conduct a biopsy to confirm the diagnosis and determine if it is malignant. When they perform a biopsy, doctors will remove small samples of fluid or tissue and send them to a lab for further testing.
Because pericardial mesothelioma has an enumeration of treatments than other types of cancer, a large percentage of patients will not be able to recover from the cancer. New treatment methods are being investigated that could offer better outcomes for patients. Gene therapy is one such method. It involves introducing or taking certain genes out of the body of a patient to combat certain diseases. Immunotherapy is another option, which aims at training an individual's immunity to fight cancer.