champaign asbestos attorney and Asbestos Exposure
Pericardial Mesothelioma occurs in the pericardium, which is a lining of the heart. This kind of mesothelioma usually causes symptoms like chest pain or fatigue that can be similar to other health conditions.
It can take a long time for symptoms to show up after asbestos exposure. This makes it difficult to determine the cause. Patients should discuss their history of exposure to asbestos with their doctor in order to ensure a correct diagnosis.
What is the cause of Pericardial Mesothelioma?
Pericardial mesothelioma develops in the thin membrane that lines the heart, also known as the pericardium. It is among the rarest forms of mesothelioma that account for one-third to 2% of all mesothelioma cases. Like all types of mesothelioma, pericardial is associated with asbestos exposure.
Asbestos, a naturally occurring mineral, was used for decades in a myriad of commercial and household items. Its harmful fibers can be swallowed or inhaled, and can be caught in the lining of the chest or abdominal cavities. Mesothelioma occurs when the fibrils irritate and form tumors.
A few doctors have discovered a link between asbestos exposure and mesothelioma pericardia. Although they aren't sure what causes asbestos-related cancer of the pericardium to develop however, they do know that about one quarter of mesothelioma patients are affected. This is partly because it typically occurs years after asbestos exposure.
Most people who are exposed to asbestos develop pleural msothelioma. This cancer is found in the lining of the lungs and chest wall. However, they could also develop peritoneal melanoma, located in the abdomen or testicular mesothelioma, which is found in the male testes. It is sometimes difficult to diagnose pericardial msothelioma when the symptoms are similar to other heart problems.
The symptoms of pericardial cancer tend to develop gradually and can impair your ability to breathe. These symptoms include breathing difficulties, chest pain and a swell of fluid around the heart known as pericardial effusion. The condition can be diagnosed by a physician using an echocardiogram (an ultrasound of the heart) or biopsy.
A mesothelioma expert can help determine if a patient has the rare form of the disease and find the best treatment. In addition to asbestos exposure other factors that may increase the risk of developing pericardial cancer include genetics as well as an impaired immune system, and radiation exposure. Patients with mesothelioma in their family have a higher risk of developing it as well.
Signs and symptoms
Like other types of mesothelioma, pericardial mesothelioma develops when asbestos fibers enter the tissue that surrounds the heart. This rare form of the cancer that accounts for less than one percent of mesothelioma that is malignant is most often discovered in those who were exposed to asbestos in the workplace or living with those who were affected by asbestos. Pericardial Mesothelioma is characterized by a variety of symptoms that are difficult to identify.
Pericardial mesothelioma may occur when asbestos particles adhere to the pericardial lining and begin to form tumors which thicken the membrane. Doctors do not know how pericardial cancer develops, but they believe that asbestos particles are the reason. The majority of doctors believe that the cancer spread from a different part of the body such as the abdomen, lungs (peritoneum) and finally to the lining of the heart.
The chest and abdomen are both known as the mesothelium. This is the main site for mesothelioma tumors to develop. The disease may also begin in the lining of the peritoneum or in the testicles however this is much less common.
The symptoms of mesothelioma, such as mesothelioma pericardial can take a long time to manifest after exposure to asbestos. These symptoms are often similar to other illnesses and may include chest pain, trouble breathing as well as weight loss, fatigue and a constant cough. In certain cases, pericardial msothelioma can cause clubbing. This is an illness in which fingers get swollen and appear more rounded than normal.
Doctors diagnose mesothelioma of the pericardium based on a patient's medical background. They will inquire about previous exposure to asbestos, and then conduct imaging tests like x-rays, CT scans and an echocardiogram to check the pericardium. They will also collect a fluid or tissue sample to complete the diagnosis.
Pericardial mesothelioma is a rare condition, and a lot of doctors are not aware of the symptoms. It is essential that patients report all their symptoms to their doctor in order to be examined for mesothelioma as well as other diseases. Taking our Symptom Checklist with you prior to your appointment will ensure that your doctor is aware of the symptoms you are experiencing and can correctly diagnose you.
Diagnosis
Diagnosing pericardial mesothelioma can be difficult. Its symptoms are often akin to other heart conditions that are more common and may not show up until the condition has advanced significantly. Asbestos exposure can occur years before pericardial malignancies are diagnosed, making it difficult to determine the connection. Anyone with a history of asbestos should discuss their exposure history with their doctors and inquire about any asbestos-related symptoms.
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 tissues there. Over time the tissues that are irritated transform into cancerous cells, which then develop into tumors. Due to tumors, fluid builds up around the organ. This pressure causes symptoms.
Typically, doctors first perform imaging tests like X-rays and CT scans to spot any extra fluids or tumors. Then, they run tests on blood to confirm the presence of mesothelioma and determine the extent of any spreading of the cancerous cells.
Mesothelioma patients should be prepared to discuss their work history with a physician. asbestos workers face a high chance of developing asbestos-related illnesses which include lung cancer and mesothelioma. Patients with a past of asbestos exposure could be qualified for compensation in a mesothelioma lawsuit.
A lawyer with experience in asbestos litigation can assist you in understanding the legal options that are available to you if or someone you love has been exposed to asbestos and developed pericardial mesothelioma. Contact Madeksho Law Firm today for a free consultation. There is no cost unless we seek 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 that affect asbestos victims and can assist you in receiving the benefits you deserve. Fill out our online claim form or contact us for assistance. We will help you through the entire procedure. Our number is 1-888-654-7635. Download our free Veterans Packet for more information about your benefits.
Treatment
To properly determine if pericardial mesothelioma is present, doctors need to conduct physical examinations and talk to patients about their asbestos exposure background. They can then use different tests such as X-rays CT Scans, Echocardiograms and Biopsies to locate the symptoms.
It can take as long as 60 years for asbestos fibers to penetrate the tissue of the heart and cause cancerous cells to form. Because of this long time period of latency, it's crucial for anyone who is experiencing mesothelioma related symptoms to consult an expert doctor right away. They must also be honest about their prior exposure to asbestos to ensure they get the best treatment.
Pericardial Mesothelioma, one of the rarest types of mesothelioma that accounts for less than one percent of all cases of mesothelioma diagnosed. This is due to the difficulty in diagnosing this disease since it may be similar to other heart diseases and signs.
The first stage in the diagnosis process is a physical examination conducted by a physician who will listen to a patient's breathing and heartbeat. The doctor may also order an CT or MRI scan of the chest in order to check for tumors and to identify areas of swelling. If they discover fluid buildup in the pericardium, they'll likely require an echocardiogram in order to determine how the heart is working and to determine whether there is any thickening of the lining.
Once the doctor has determined that there is a buildup of fluid or a tumor in the pericardium, they will conduct an examination to confirm the diagnosis and determine if it's malignant. When they conduct a biopsy doctors will take small amounts of tissue or fluid and send them to the laboratory for further testing.
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 disease. However, there are some new treatment methods being explored which could provide better results for patients. One such method involves gene therapy, which involves the addition or removal of genes from a body to fight specific diseases. Another option is immunotherapy, which aims to train the immune system of a patient to fight cancer.