A Delightful Rant About Mesothelioma And Asbestos
Pericardial Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure
Pericardial mesothelioma lawsuits occurs in the pericardium, a part of the lining of the heart. This kind of mesothelioma could cause symptoms like fatigue or chest pain that can mimic other conditions.
It could take years for these symptoms to appear after asbestos exposure. This makes a diagnosis difficult. The best way to make an accurate diagnosis is to share their history of exposure to asbestos with their doctor.
What is the cause of Pericardial Mesothelioma?
Pericardial Mesothelioma is a cancer that develops in the thin membrane that surrounds the heart. This is a rare form of mesothelioma which is responsible for 1 to 2 % of all cases. Like all mesothelioma other types, pericardial mesothelioma is linked to asbestos exposure.
Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that was used in a variety of household and commercial products for a long time. Its fibers can be easily inhaled, swallowed, or caught in the tissues of the chest and abdominal cavities. Mesothelioma is a condition that occurs when fibrils cause irritation and then form tumors.
Doctors have only discovered a link between exposure to asbestos and pericardial mesothelioma only in a small number of cases. They are still unable to fully understand how asbestos leads to the development of this cancer in the pericardium. However, they do know that it occurs in about 25% of patients diagnosed with mesothelioma. This is partly because it usually occurs decades after asbestos exposure.
In most instances, an individual exposed to asbestos will develop pleural mesothelioma. It is found in the lungs and forms a lining of the chest wall. However, they can also develop peritoneal melanoma, located in the abdomen or testicular mesothelioma, which is found in the male testes. It is sometimes difficult to identify pericardial mesothelioma in the event that the symptoms are similar to those of other heart diseases.
The signs of pericardial asbestosis tend to progress slowly and may impair the ability of breathing. The symptoms may include chest pain, trouble breathing, and a buildup of fluid around the heart, referred to as pericardial effusion. This condition is diagnosed by a physician using an echocardiogram (an ultrasound of the heart) or a biopsy.
A mesothelioma expert can help determine if a patient is suffering from the rare form of this disease and find the best treatment. Other factors, like genetics, a weak immune system, and radiation exposure can increase the risk of mesothelioma of the pericardium. Patients with mesothelioma in their family have a higher risk as well.
Symptoms
Like other types of mesothelioma, pericardial mesothelioma is a result of asbestos fibers reach the tissue that surrounds the heart. This rare form of cancer, which accounts for less than 1percent of mesothelioma cases that are malignant is typically found in those who have been exposed to asbestos at work or within close proximity to someone who has been affected by asbestos. Pericardial Mesothelioma may present with a variety of symptoms that are difficult to identify.
Pericardial mesothelioma lawsuits can occur when asbestos particles adhere to the lining of the pericardium and begin to develop tumors that thicken the membrane. It is believed that this is what causes pericardial mesothelioma, though doctors know little about how it develops. Most doctors believe that the cancer spread from a different part of the body, such as the abdominal cavity, the lungs (peritoneum) and finally to the lining inside the heart.
The mesothelium is the lining for both the abdomen and chest. This is the area where the majority of mesothelioma tumors are found. The disease can also begin in the peritoneal lining and testicles. However, this is much less common.
After asbestos exposure, mesothelioma symptoms may take years to manifest. These symptoms are often similar to other diseases and may include chest pain, difficulties breathing as well as weight loss, fatigue and a persistent cough. In some instances, pericardial msothelioma can cause clubbing, a condition where fingers become swollen and appear more rounded than normal.
Doctors diagnose mesothelioma in the pericardium based on the patient's medical background. They will ask the patient about their previous asbestos exposure, and then perform imaging tests like x rays, CT scans, and an echocardiogram to evaluate the pericardium. They may also take a fluid or tissue sample to confirm the diagnosis.
Pericardial Mesothelioma is a rare condition that isn't acknowledged by a lot of doctors, can lead to serious symptoms. It is important for patients to report all their symptoms to their doctor to be examined for mesothelioma as well as other diseases. The taking of our Symptom Checklist along to your appointment will 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
Diagnosing pericardial mesothelioma can be difficult. The symptoms often mirror other heart conditions that are more common and may not show up until the disease has progressed significantly. Asbestos exposure can happen years before pericardial msothelioma can be diagnosed, making it difficult to determine the connection. However, anyone who has had a history of asbestos should be able to share their asbestos exposure history with doctors and inquire about symptoms associated with asbestos.
The cause of pericardial mesothelioma remains unknown however, 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. In time the tissue that has been irritated transforms into cancerous cells that develop into tumors and expand the pericardium. The pericardium is filled with fluid around the heart due to the tumors and the pressure that results causes stress on the organ, which results in symptoms.
Typically, doctors will first conduct imaging tests like X-rays and CT scans to identify any tumors or excess fluids. They then run tests on blood to confirm the presence of mesothelioma and determine the extent to which cancerous cells are spreading.
Mesothelioma patients should be prepared to discuss their employment history with a doctor. asbestos workers are at a greater risk of developing asbestos-related illnesses, including lung cancer and mesothelioma. Patients with an asbestos-related history may be eligible for compensation via mesothelioma lawsuits.
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 developed pericardial mesothelioma. Contact Madeksho Law Firm today for an initial consultation for free. There is no charge unless we seek compensation on your behalf.
The pericardial mesothelioma lawyers at Madeksho Law Firm have helped hundreds of veterans and their families in asbestos-related cases. Our lawyers are well-versed in the laws that affect asbestos victims, and can assist you in receiving the benefits you are entitled to. Fill out our claim online 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
Doctors must conduct physical exams and ask patients questions about their asbestos exposure in order to diagnose pericardial a mesothelioma. They can then conduct a variety of tests, including X-rays, CT Scans, echocardiograms and biopsies, to pinpoint the symptoms and determine if there is fluid buildup in the pericardium.
Asbestos fibers can take as long as 60 years to reach the lining inside the heart, causing cancerous cells. It is essential that anyone who has mesothelioma-related symptoms seek out a physician as soon as possible due to the long delay. It is also essential to be upfront about their prior exposure to asbestos to ensure they receive the best treatment.
Pericardial Mesothelioma (PM), one of the rarest mesothelioma types that accounts for less than 1percent of all mesothelioma cases diagnosed. This is mainly due to the difficulty of identifying this condition as it can mimic other heart conditions or symptoms.
A physician will first examine the patient and listen to their breathing and heartbeat. The doctor can also order an MRI or CT scan of the chest in order to detect any areas of swelling, and also check for a tumor. If they discover fluid in the pericardium they will require an echocardiogram. This will be used to evaluate the heart's functioning and to determine whether the lining of the heart has thickened.
If the doctor is able to determine that there is fluid buildup or a tumor in the pericardium, they will perform an examination to confirm the diagnosis and determine if it's malignant. When they perform a biopsy, doctors will take tiny pieces of fluid or tissue and send them to a lab for further testing.
A lot of patients with pericardial sarcoidosis will not survive because the treatment options are more limited than for other kinds. New treatment methods are being studied to provide better outcomes for patients. Gene therapy is one such method. It involves introducing or eliminating certain genes from the body of a patient in order to fight certain diseases. Another option is immunotherapy, which aims to strengthen the immune system of the patient to fight the cancer.