Pericardial Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure
Pericardial mesothelioma is a rare form of mesothelioma, which is found in the lining of the heart (pericardium). This type of mesothelioma can cause symptoms like chest pain or fatigue that may mimic other ailments.
These symptoms may take years to develop following asbestos exposure, making a diagnosis challenging. The best way to get a correct diagnosis is for patients to discuss their experience of asbestos exposure with their physician.
What Causes Pericardial Mesothelioma?
Pericardial Mesothelioma is a cancer that is found in the thin membrane lining the heart. It is among the rarest types of mesothelioma which accounts for about one-third to 2% of all mesothelioma cases. As with all types of mesothelioma, the pericardial type is also associated with asbestos exposure.
Asbestos is a type of naturally found mineral that was used in a wide range of commercial and household products for many years. The fibers are easily inhaled, swallowed or trapped in the tissues of the abdominal and chest cavities. Mesothelioma is a condition that occurs when fibrils cause irritation and then form tumors.
Only a few doctors have discovered a link between
asbestos law exposure and mesothelioma pericardia. They still do not fully understand how asbestos leads to this cancer in the pericardium, but they know that it happens in quarter of patients diagnosed with mesothelioma. This is due to the fact that it usually occurs decades after asbestos exposure.
Most people who are exposed to asbestos develop pleural mesothelioma. This cancer is found in the lung's lining as well as the chest wall. It is also possible to develop testicular or peritoneal msothelioma that is found male testes. If they are also diagnosed with pericardial melanoma, it can be difficult to identify because symptoms can be similar to those of other heart ailments.
The symptoms of pericardial asbestosis usually develop gradually and can affect the ability of breathing. These symptoms include chest pain, breathing problems and a fluid accumulation around the heart known as pericardial effusion. A doctor can identify this condition by performing an echocardiogram which is an ultrasound of the heart, or a pericardial biopsy.
A mesothelioma specialist can determine if a patient suffers from the rare form of the disease and find the best treatment. Other factors, including genetics, an weakened immune system, and radiation exposure could increase the risk for mesothelioma of the pericardium. A family history of the disease also increases the risk.
Symptoms
Pericardial mesothelioma is also caused by asbestos fibers reaching the tissue surrounding the heart. This rare form of cancer that accounts for less than one percent of all malignant mesothelioma cases it is mostly found in people who were exposed to asbestos in the workplace or by living with someone who was affected by asbestos. Pericardial Mesothelioma is characterized by various symptoms that can be difficult to diagnose.
Pericardial mesothelioma may occur when
asbestos lawsuit particles cling to the pericardial lining and begin to develop tumors that thicken the membrane. It is believed that this is the reason for pericardial mesothelioma, though doctors know little about how it develops. The majority of doctors believe that cancer spreads from another area of the body such as the abdominal cavity, the lungs (peritoneum) and finally to the lining in the heart.
The mesothelium is the lining of the abdomen and chest. This is where most mesothelioma tumors are found. The disease can also develop in the linings of the peritoneum and testicles. However, this is much less common.
After exposure to asbestos, the mesothelioma symptoms may take years to manifest. These symptoms can be similar to those of other illnesses, and include chest pain, difficulty in breathing, fatigue, and weight loss. In certain cases the pericardial tumor can cause clubbing, which is an illness in which fingers become swollen and look rounder than normal.
Doctors determine if pericardial mesothelioma is a cancer the patient's medical history and symptoms. They will ask the patient about their previous asbestos exposure and perform imaging tests like x-rays, CT scans, and an echocardiogram in order to evaluate the pericardium. They will also collect an x-ray or a 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 important that patients report all their symptoms to their doctor to be tested for mesothelioma and other conditions. The taking of our Symptom Checklist with you to your appointment will ensure that your doctor is aware of the symptoms you are experiencing and is able to properly diagnose you.
Diagnosis
Diagnosing pericardial cancer can be difficult. The symptoms can be similar to other heart conditions and may not be apparent until the disease is advanced. Asbestos exposure can occur decades before pericardial msothelioma is diagnosed, making it difficult to determine the connection. Nonetheless, anyone with a history of asbestos should be able to share their asbestos exposure history with doctors and inquire about symptoms associated with asbestos.
Doctors don't know the reason for pericardial msothelioma. However, they believe it is caused by asbestos fibers which migrate from the lungs into the pericardium to cause irritation to tissue. Over time, the irritated tissue mutates into cancerous cells that grow into tumors and expand the pericardium. Because of tumors, fluid builds up around the organ. This pressure causes symptoms.
X-rays or CT scans are generally performed first by doctors to identify any signs of tumors or excess fluids. Then, they conduct tests on blood to confirm the presence of mesothelioma, and determine the extent to which cancerous cells are expanding.
Mesothelioma patients should also be prepared to discuss their work medical history with a doctor. asbestos workers are at a higher risk of developing asbestos related illnesses, including mesothelioma and lung cancer. Patients who have had a history of asbestos exposure could be eligible for compensation in a mesothelioma lawsuit.
If you or someone close to you has been exposed to asbestos and recently diagnosed pericardial mesothelioma lawyer with experience in
asbestos litigation can assist you to determine your legal options. Contact Madeksho Law Firm today for a no-cost consultation. No fees are charged unless we can recover compensation for you.
Madeksho Law Firm has helped hundreds of veterans who have asbestos-related cases. Our attorneys are familiar with the laws that affect asbestos victims, and can help you receive the benefits you deserve. Get started on your claim now by filling out our online form or calling us. 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
Doctors must conduct physical examinations and ask patients questions regarding their
asbestos law exposure in order to determine if pericardial mesothelioma is a cancer. They can then use a series of tests, such as X-rays, CT Scans, echocardiograms and biopsies to identify the symptoms and determine if there's fluid accumulation 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 grow. Because of this long time period of latency, it's important for anyone experiencing mesothelioma-related symptoms to talk to a doctor immediately. They should also be honest about their previous exposure to asbestos in order to receive the most effective treatment.