Medford asbestos lawsuit 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 mimic other health conditions.
It could take years for these symptoms to appear after asbestos exposure. This makes it difficult to determine the cause. The best way to make a correct diagnosis is for patients to share their history of asbestos exposure with their doctor.
What is the cause of pericardial mesothelioma?
Pericardial Mesothelioma is a cancer that grows in the thin membrane lining the heart. This is one of the rarest types of mesothelioma, making up about 1 to 2% of mesothelioma cases. Like all forms of mesothelioma, pericardial is linked to asbestos exposure.
Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral, was used for decades in a myriad of commercial and household products. The fibers are easily inhaled, swallowed, or caught in the linings of the abdominal and chest cavities. Mesothelioma is a condition that occurs when fibrils irritate and form tumors.
Only a handful of doctors have discovered a link between asbestos exposure and mesothelioma pericardia. They are still unable to fully understand how asbestos leads to this cancer in the pericardium, however they do know that it occurs in around quarter of patients diagnosed with mesothelioma. This is due to the fact that it typically occurs years after exposure to asbestos.
Most people who are exposed to asbestos develop pleural mesothelioma. The cancer develops in the lung's lining as well as the chest wall. There is also the possibility of developing testicular or peritoneal mesothelioma within male testes. If they are also diagnosed with pericardial mesothelioma it is difficult to determine because the symptoms are often similar to the symptoms of other heart diseases.
The symptoms of pericardial cancer tend to appear gradually and affect breathing. The symptoms include chest pain, breathing problems and a fluid accumulation around the heart referred to as pericardial effusion. This condition is diagnosed by a doctor using an echocardiogram (an ultrasound of the heart) or a biopsy.
A mesothelioma expert can determine if a patient is suffering from this rare form of the disease and assist them in finding the most effective treatment. Other factors, including genetics, an weakened immune system, and exposure to radiation can increase the risk of mesothelioma pericardial. Patients who have mesothelioma in their family have an increased risk, too.
Symptoms
As with other mesothelioma types, pericardial mesothelioma is a result of asbestos fibers reach the tissue that surrounds the heart. This rare form of the cancer, which accounts for less than 1 % of all malignant mesothelioma cases, is primarily found in people who were exposed to asbestos in the workplace or by living with those who were affected by asbestos. Pericardial Mesothelioma can have many symptoms that can be difficult to identify.
When asbestos particles stick to the pericardium's lining they can cause tumors to expand and make the membrane thicker. Doctors don't know how pericardial cancer develops, but they believe that asbestos particles are the cause. The majority of doctors believe that the cancer spread from a different part of the body such as the abdominal cavity, the lungs (peritoneum), and then to the lining inside the heart.
The abdomen and chest are known as the mesothelium. This is the primary site for most mesothelioma tumors to develop. The disease can also develop in the peritoneal lining and testicles. However this is less common.
The symptoms of mesothelioma such as mesothelioma of the pericardial region can take a long time to show up after exposure to asbestos. These symptoms can be similar to those of other diseases, and include chest pain, difficulty breathing and fatigue, as well as weight loss. In a few cases, pericardial mesothelioma can cause a swollen finger this is a condition that causes the fingers swell and appear more round than normal.
Doctors determine if pericardial mesothelioma is a cancer the patient's medical history and symptoms. 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. To make sure they are able to determine the cause they'll also take samples of fluid or tissue.
Pericardial mesothelioma can be a rare condition, and many doctors are not aware of the signs. Patients should report all symptoms to their physician to be tested for mesothelioma or other conditions. Bring our Symptom Checklist with you prior to your appointment will ensure that your doctor is aware of all symptoms you are experiencing and is able to properly diagnose you.
Diagnosis
The diagnosis of pericardial mesothelioma is difficult. The symptoms can be similar to other heart conditions and may not show up until the disease has advanced. In addition, exposure to asbestos can occur decades before the onset of pericardial mesothelioma and makes the connection difficult to detect. Anyone with a history involving asbestos exposure should talk to their physician about any symptoms that could be due to asbestos.
Doctors do not know the specific cause of pericardial msothelioma. However, they believe it is caused by asbestos fibers that move from the lung to the pericardium and irritate tissue. Over time the tissue that has been irritated transforms into cancerous cells that develop into tumors and expand the pericardium. The heart is flooded with fluid. heart as a result of the tumors and the resulting pressure causes pressure on the organ and results in symptoms.
Typically, doctors will first conduct imaging tests like X-rays and CT scans to identify any tumors or excess fluids. Then, they conduct blood tests to confirm mesothelioma's presence and determine the extent to which cancerous cells are expanding.
Patients suffering from mesothelioma should be ready to discuss their history of work with their physician. asbestos workers are at a higher risk of developing asbestos-related illnesses, like mesothelioma and lung cancer. Patients with a past of exposure to asbestos may be eligible for compensation in a mesothelioma suit.
A lawyer with experience in asbestos litigation can assist you in understanding the legal options available to you if you 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 fee unless we collect compensation on your behalf.
The pericardial mesothelioma lawyers of Madeksho Law Firm have helped hundreds of veterans and their families in asbestos-related cases. Our lawyers are knowledgeable of the numerous laws that affect asbestos victims and will ensure that you get all the benefits to which you are entitled. Fill out our claim online form or call us to begin. We will walk you through the entire process from beginning to the point of completion. Our number is 1-888-654-7635. Download our free Veterans Packet for more information about your benefits.
Treatment
In order to properly diagnose pericardial mesothelioma, doctors need to conduct physical examinations and ask patients about their asbestos exposure background. They can then employ different tests such as X-rays CT Scans, Echocardiograms and biopsies to identify the signs.
It can take up to 60 years for asbestos fibers reach the lining of the heart and cause cancerous cells to form. It is vital that anyone suffering from mesothelioma consult a doctor promptly because of the long delay. They should also be honest about their previous exposure to asbestos to ensure they receive the best treatment.
Pericardial mesothelioma is among the rarest forms of mesothelioma and is the reason for only one percent of all mesothelioma cases that are diagnosed. This is partly due to the difficulty of identifying this condition as it can be a symptom of other heart conditions or signs.
A doctor will first look over the patient and listen to their heartbeat and breathing. The doctor can also request a CT or MRI scan of the chest to check for tumors and find areas of swelling. If they spot fluid buildup in the pericardium, they'll likely order an echocardiogram to determine how the heart functions and determine whether there is any lining that is thickening.
Once the doctor has concluded there is a tumor or a fluid accumulation in the pericardium, they will perform a biopsy in order to confirm the diagnosis and determine if it is malignant. When they conduct a biopsy doctors will take small amounts of tissue or fluid and send them to the laboratory for further testing.
A lot of patients with pericardial sarcoidosis will not survive because the treatment options are less than for other kinds. However, there are new treatment options being studied which could provide better results for patients. One such method involves gene therapy, which is the process of the addition or removal of genes from a body in order to fight certain diseases. Another option is immunotherapy, which seeks to build a patient's immune system to fight cancer.