This Is The Ugly Truth About Mesothelioma And Asbestos
Pericardial Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure
Pericardial Mesothelioma can be found in the pericardium, which is a tissue that surrounds the heart. This type of mesothelioma generally produces symptoms such as chest pain or fatigue that may mimic other health conditions.
These symptoms may take years to develop after exposure to asbestos which makes a diagnosis difficult. Patients should discuss their experience of exposure to asbestos with their physician to ensure a correct diagnosis.
What Causes Pericardial Mesothelioma?
Pericardial Mesothelioma, a form of cancer, that develops in the thin membrane that lines the heart. This is a rare form of mesothelioma, which can be found in 1% to 2 percent of all cases. Like mesothelioma other types, pericardial mesothelioma can be linked to asbestos exposure.
Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that was extensively used in a wide range of commercial and household products. Its fibers can be easily inhaled, swallowed or trapped in the tissues of the chest and abdominal cavities. Mesothelioma forms when the fibrils become irritated and form tumors that then spread throughout the body.
Only a handful of doctors have discovered a link between asbestos exposure and mesothelioma pericardia. Although they do not know how asbestos causes this cancer of the pericardium to grow however, they do know that about a quarter all mesothelioma patients are affected. This is partly because it usually occurs decades after exposure to asbestos.
In the majority of cases, a person exposed to asbestos will develop pleural mesothelioma. It is found in the lungs and lining of the chest wall. There is also the possibility of developing testicular or peritoneal mesothelioma within male testes. It can be difficult to diagnose pericardial msothelioma when the symptoms are similar to other heart problems.
The signs of pericardial cancer tend to progress slowly and may affect your ability to breathe. These symptoms include chest pain, breathing problems and a build-up of fluid around the heart, referred to as pericardial effusion. A doctor can diagnose this condition by running an echocardiogram, which is an ultrasound of the heart, or a pericardial biopsy.
A mesothelioma lawsuits specialist will 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 can increase the risk of pericardial mesothelioma include genetics as well as an impaired immune system, and radiation exposure. A family history of the disease increases the risk.
Signs and symptoms
Pericardial mesothelioma also occurs by asbestos fibers reaching the heart's tissues. This rare form of cancer, which accounts for less than 1% of mesothelioma that is malignant is found most often in those who have been exposed to asbestos at work or within close proximity to someone who has been affected by asbestos. Pericardial mesothelioma lawyers may present with various symptoms that can be difficult to recognize.
As asbestos particles attach to the pericardium's lining they can cause tumors to expand and thicken the membrane. It is thought that this is the reason for mesothelioma pericardial, although doctors know little about how it develops. The majority of doctors believe that the cancer grew from another area of the body, such as the abdominal cavity or the lungs (the peritoneum) and then moved to the lining of the heart.
The abdomen and chest are known as the mesothelium. This is the primary location for mesothelioma tumors to grow. The disease may also start in the lining of the peritoneum or in the testicles however this is much less frequent.
After exposure to asbestos, mesothelioma symptoms can take years to manifest. These symptoms are often similar to other illnesses and may include chest pain, difficulty breathing as well as weight loss, fatigue and a constant cough. In some cases the pericardial tumor can cause clubbing, a condition where the fingers swell up 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 look at the pericardium. To make sure they are able to determine the cause they'll also take an x-ray or a sample of tissue.
Pericardial Mesothelioma is a rare condition that isn't recognized by many doctors, can trigger serious symptoms. Patients should report any symptoms to their physician to be tested for mesothelioma and other ailments. Bring our Symptom Checklist to your appointment can help ensure your doctor is aware all of your symptoms and can accurately diagnose you.
Diagnosis
Pericardial mesothelioma is difficult to identify. Symptoms often mimic more common heart disorders and may not appear until the condition has advanced in a significant way. Asbestos exposure can happen decades before pericardial msothelioma is diagnosed which makes it difficult to detect the link. Anyone with a history of asbestos exposure should speak to their doctor about any symptoms that may be related to asbestos.
The reason for mesothelioma of the pericardial region is not known however, doctors believe that it occurs when asbestos fibers migrate from the lungs to the pericardium, and cause irritation to the tissue there. In time the tissues affected by irritation transform into cancerous cells which transform into tumors. Because of tumors, fluid accumulates around the organ. This pressure causes symptoms.
Typically, doctors first perform imaging tests like X-rays and CT scans to identify any tumors or excess fluids. Then, they run blood tests to confirm mesothelioma's presence and determine the extent of cancerous cells spreading.
Patients suffering from mesothelioma lawsuits should be ready to discuss their history of work with their physician. Asbestos workers are at a higher chance of developing asbestos-related illnesses, like lung cancer and mesothelioma. Patients who have had an asbestos-related history could be eligible for compensation through mesothelioma lawsuits.
A lawyer who has experience in asbestos litigation can assist you in understanding the legal options available to you if you or someone you love has been exposed asbestos and developed pericardial mesothelioma. Contact Madeksho Law Firm today for a free consultation. No fee is charged unless we can obtain compensation for you.
Madeksho Law Firm has helped hundreds of veterans with asbestos-related cases. Our lawyers are well-versed in the numerous laws that impact asbestos victims and can ensure you receive all the benefits to which you are entitled. Fill out our online claim form or call us to begin. We will guide you through the entire process. 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 use different tests such as X-rays CT Scans, Echocardiograms and biopsies to identify the signs.
It could take up to 60 years for asbestos fibers reach the heart's lining and cause cancerous cells to grow. It is crucial that anyone with mesothelioma symptoms consult a doctor promptly because of the long delay. They should also be honest about their prior exposure to asbestos in order to receive the best treatment.
Pericardial Mesothelioma, one of the rarest forms of mesothelioma is responsible for less than one percent of all mesothelioma cases diagnosed. This is due to the difficulty of diagnosing this disease since it can be a symptom of other heart conditions and signs.
A doctor will first assess the patient and observe their heartbeat and breathing. The physician may also order an MRI or CT scan of the chest to find any areas of swelling, and also check for any tumors. If they detect fluid in the pericardium they will request an echocardiogram. This is to check the heart's function and determine whether the lining of the heart has thickened.
Once the doctor has concluded there is a tumor or fluid buildup in the pericardium, they will conduct a biopsy to confirm the diagnosis and determine whether it is malignant. When they conduct a biopsy doctors will take small amounts of fluid or tissue and send them to a laboratory for further testing.
Because pericardial mesothelioma has an enumeration of treatment options than other types, many sufferers will not recover from the cancer. However, there are new treatments being developed that could offer better outcomes for patients. One such approach is gene therapy, which entails the addition or removal of genes from a person's body in order to fight diseases. Immunotherapy is another option, which aims to build an individual's immunity to fight cancer.