Pericardial Mesothelioma, Asbestos Legal Center
Law Firm for Pericardial Mesothelioma
Pericardial mesothelioma is a rare, incurable condition in which cancerous cells develop on the lining of the heart, medically referred to as the pericardium. Less than 10% of all mesothelioma cases are diagnosed as pericardial mesothelioma.
As with all types of mesothelioma (pleural, pericardial and peritoneal), pericardial mesothelioma is primarily caused by exposure to toxic asbestos fibers. Consequently, those who have been exposed to asbestos should be aware of the symptoms of pericardial mesothelioma.
The Symptoms of Pericardial Mesothelioma
Because pericardial mesothelioma affects the heart before any other organ, its symptoms tend to be slightly more noticeable than those of peritoneal mesothelioma or pleural mesothelioma. In general, symptoms of pericardial mesothelioma include:
- Arrhythmias
- Breathing problems (specifically shortness of breath)
- Chest pain
- Chronic coughing
- Fever
- Nausea
- Night sweats
- Vomiting
- Weight loss
Although it may have more specific symptoms, pericardial mesothelioma tends to lie latent, expressing no symptoms, for at least two or more decades after the initial asbestos exposure. As a result, many cases of pericardial mesothelioma are allowed to progress to later, more fatal stages before being diagnosed and treated.
Pericardial Mesothelioma: Who's at Risk?
Given the link between asbestos exposure and pericardial mesothelioma, those who work with asbestos on a regular basis face the greatest risk of developing pericardial mesothelioma. Some occupations notorious for asbestos exposure and mesothelioma include:
- Construction workers
- Demolition workers
- Electricians
- Mechanics
- Mill workers
- Miners
- Pipe fitters
- Roofers
- Shipbuilders
- Welders
Pericardial Mesothelioma: Diagnosis and Treatment
Anyone experiencing the symptoms of pericardial mesothelioma will need to undergo a CT scan and a biopsy for a proper diagnosis. Once diagnosed, patients will be prescribed some combination of:
- Chemotherapy
- Palliative care (medications and therapies that ease pain and promote comfortable living, rather than treating the cancer itself)
- Radiation
- Surgery
In general, patients with pericardial mesothelioma survive less than 18 months after their diagnoses. This is largely due to the latency and severity of the cancer. For the best possible prognoses, patients are advised to start treatments immediately.
Compensation for Pericardial Mesothelioma
If you have been diagnosed with pericardial mesothelioma, you may be entitled to compensation for the cost of your care and other losses. The experienced mesothelioma attorneys at The Asbestos Legal Center are dedicated to helping victims of pericardial mesothelioma and their families win the compensation they deserve. Contact us today to discuss your circumstances and learn more about your options. For a free information packet on asbestos, please click here or contact The Asbestos Legal Center.
Pericardial Mesothelioma, Asbestos Legal Center
Law Firm for Pericardial Mesothelioma
Pericardial mesothelioma is a rare, incurable condition in which cancerous cells develop on the lining of the heart, medically referred to as the pericardium. Less than 10% of all mesothelioma cases are diagnosed as pericardial mesothelioma.
As with all types of mesothelioma (pleural, pericardial and peritoneal), pericardial mesothelioma is primarily caused by exposure to toxic asbestos fibers. Consequently, those who have been exposed to asbestos should be aware of the symptoms of pericardial mesothelioma.
The Symptoms of Pericardial Mesothelioma
Because pericardial mesothelioma affects the heart before any other organ, its symptoms tend to be slightly more noticeable than those of peritoneal mesothelioma or pleural mesothelioma. In general, symptoms of pericardial mesothelioma include:
- Arrhythmias
- Breathing problems (specifically shortness of breath)
- Chest pain
- Chronic coughing
- Fever
- Nausea
- Night sweats
- Vomiting
- Weight loss
Although it may have more specific symptoms, pericardial mesothelioma tends to lie latent, expressing no symptoms, for at least two or more decades after the initial asbestos exposure. As a result, many cases of pericardial mesothelioma are allowed to progress to later, more fatal stages before being diagnosed and treated.
Pericardial Mesothelioma: Who's at Risk?
Given the link between asbestos exposure and pericardial mesothelioma, those who work with asbestos on a regular basis face the greatest risk of developing pericardial mesothelioma. Some occupations notorious for asbestos exposure and mesothelioma include:
- Construction workers
- Demolition workers
- Electricians
- Mechanics
- Mill workers
- Miners
- Pipe fitters
- Roofers
- Shipbuilders
- Welders
Pericardial Mesothelioma: Diagnosis and Treatment
Anyone experiencing the symptoms of pericardial mesothelioma will need to undergo a CT scan and a biopsy for a proper diagnosis. Once diagnosed, patients will be prescribed some combination of:
- Chemotherapy
- Palliative care (medications and therapies that ease pain and promote comfortable living, rather than treating the cancer itself)
- Radiation
- Surgery
In general, patients with pericardial mesothelioma survive less than 18 months after their diagnoses. This is largely due to the latency and severity of the cancer. For the best possible prognoses, patients are advised to start treatments immediately.
Compensation for Pericardial Mesothelioma
If you have been diagnosed with pericardial mesothelioma, you may be entitled to compensation for the cost of your care and other losses. The experienced mesothelioma attorneys at The Asbestos Legal Center are dedicated to helping victims of pericardial mesothelioma and their families win the compensation they deserve. Contact us today to discuss your circumstances and learn more about your options. For a free information packet on asbestos, please click here or contact The Asbestos Legal Center.
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Millions in Compensation
Asbestos was once widely used, and many employers and product manufacturers failed to provide adequate warnings regarding the risks of asbestos exposure. As a result of such negligence, mesothelioma victims can file a lawsuit to potentially obtain millions in compensation for their illness. The only known cause of mesothelioma is exposure to asbestos.
