Pericardial Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure
Pericardial mesothelioma is a rare form of mesothelioma that occurs in the heart's lining (pericardium). This type of mesothelioma generally produces symptoms such as chest pain or fatigue that can be similar to other health conditions.
The symptoms can take a long time to develop following
asbestos claim exposure, making a diagnosis challenging. Patients should discuss their history of exposure to asbestos with their physician to make sure they get a proper diagnosis.
What causes mesothelioma pericardial?
Pericardial Mesothelioma, a form of cancer, that grows in the thin membrane that lines the heart. This is one of the rarest mesothelioma types which accounts for about one-third to 2% of all mesothelioma cases. Like all types of mesothelioma pericardial is also associated with asbestos exposure.
asbestos law is a mineral that occurs naturally, was used for decades in a myriad of household and commercial products. The toxic fibers can be inhaled or swallowed, and can be caught in the lining of the chest or abdominal cavities. Mesothelioma is a result of fibrils that become irritated and form tumors that then spread throughout the body.
Doctors have only found a link between exposure to asbestos and pericardial mesothelioma in just a small number of cases. Although they do not know what causes asbestos-related cancer of the pericardium but they do know that about 25% of mesothelioma sufferers are affected. This is partly because it typically occurs years after exposure to asbestos.
The majority of people exposed to asbestos develop pleural msothelioma. This cancer is found in the lining of the lungs and chest wall. However, they may also develop peritoneal mesothelioma found in the abdomen, or testicular mesothelioma in the testes of males. It can be difficult to identify pericardial mesothelioma when the symptoms are similar to other heart diseases.
The symptoms of pericardial asbestosis usually be gradual and may affect the ability of breathing. These symptoms can include chest pain, difficulty breathing, and a buildup of fluid around the heart, referred to as pericardial effusion. This condition is diagnosed by a doctor with an echocardiogram (an ultrasound of the heart) or biopsy.
A mesothelioma specialist will determine whether a patient has this rare form of the disease and guide them to the most effective treatment. In addition to asbestos exposure other factors that could increase the risk of pericardial mesothelioma include genetics, an impaired immune system and radiation exposure. Those with mesothelioma in their family have an increased risk, too.
Symptoms
As with other mesothelioma types, pericardial mesothelioma is a result of asbestos fibers get into the tissue that surrounds the heart. This rare form of cancer that accounts for less than 1 percent of mesothelioma that is malignant, is primarily found in people who were exposed to asbestos in their workplace or by living with someone who was affected by asbestos. Pericardial mesothelioma symptoms can vary and may be a sign of other diseases which makes it difficult to diagnose.
As asbestos particles attach to the pericardium lining, they can cause tumors to develop and make the membrane thicker. Doctors do not know the process by which pericardial cancer develops but they believe that asbestos particles are the cause. The majority of doctors believe that the cancer spreads from another area of the body like the abdomen, lungs (peritoneum) and finally to the lining of the heart.
The lining of the abdomen and chest are called the mesothelium, which is the primary location for mesothelioma tumors to develop. The disease can also begin in the linings of the peritoneum and testicles. However it is not as common.
The symptoms of mesothelioma such as pericardial mesothelioma, can take decades to show up after exposure to asbestos. The symptoms may be similar to those of other diseases such as chest pain, difficulty in breathing fatigue, fatigue, and weight loss. In some cases the pericardial tumor can cause clubbing, which is an illness in which fingers become swollen and appear more rounded than normal.
Doctors diagnose pericardial mesothelioma based on the patient's medical history and symptoms. They will inquire with the patient about any asbestos exposure and perform imaging tests like x-rays, CT scans, and an echocardiogram in order to evaluate the pericardium. They may also take a fluid or tissue sample to confirm the diagnosis.
Pericardial mesothelioma can be a rare condition, and a lot of doctors are not aware of the signs. Patients should report any symptoms to their doctor to be tested for mesothelioma and other ailments. Bringing our Symptom Checklist to your appointment can ensure your doctor is aware all of your symptoms and will be able to correctly determine if you are suffering from.
Diagnosis
Pericardial mesothelioma is a difficult cancer to identify. Its symptoms are often akin to more common heart diseases and may not show up until the disease has progressed significantly. Additionally, exposure to asbestos can happen decades before the onset of pericardial cancer, making the connection difficult to identify. Anyone who has had a history of asbestos should be able to share their
asbestos lawyer exposure history with doctors and ask about asbestos-related symptoms.
The cause of mesothelioma of the pericardial region is not known, but doctors believe that it is caused by asbestos fibers that migrate from the lungs to the pericardium and cause irritation to the tissue that is there. As time passes the tissue that has been irritated transforms into cancerous cells that develop into tumors and enlarge the pericardium. The pericardium is filled with fluid around the heart as a result of the tumors and the pressure that results puts pressure on the organ and results in symptoms.
X-rays or CT scans are generally done by doctors first to identify any tumors or excessive fluids. Then, they conduct tests on blood to confirm the presence of mesothelioma and determine the extent of any spreading of cancerous cells.
Patients with mesothelioma must be prepared to discuss their work history with their doctor. asbestos workers face a high risk of developing
asbestos law-related diseases, including mesothelioma and lung cancer. Patients who have had a history of asbestos exposure may be eligible for compensation via
mesothelioma litigation.
A lawyer with experience in asbestos litigation can help you understand the legal options available to you if you or someone loved ones has been exposed asbestos and developed pericardial Mesothelioma. Contact Madeksho Law Firm for a free consultation today. No fee is charged unless we can get compensation for you.
The pericardial mesothelioma lawyers of Madeksho Law Firm have helped hundreds of veterans and their families with asbestos-related cases. Our lawyers are knowledgeable of the numerous 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 by calling us. We will guide you through the whole process. Contact us at 1-888-654-7635. Or, download our free Veterans Packet to learn about the benefits you can enjoy.
Treatment
Doctors must conduct physical examinations and ask patients questions about their asbestos exposure in order to determine if pericardial mesothelioma is a cancer. They can then conduct a series of tests, such as Xrays, CT Scans, echocardiograms and biopsies, to locate the signs and determine if there's fluid buildup in the pericardium.
Asbestos fibers can take up 60 years to reach the lining of the heart, causing cancerous cells.