Mesothelioma Information

Pericardial mesothelioma is the rarest form of mesothelioma cancer.  This asbestos-related disease accounts for less than five percent of all mesothelioma cases reported in the United States.  Most patients with pericardial mesothelioma have symptoms for only two or three months before they are diagnosed.  Individuals often ignore them or mistake them for common ailments.

Pericardial mesothelioma consists of cancerous cells that are growing on the lining of the heart (pericardium).  The pericardium is extremely important in protecting the heart from damage.  It keeps the heart anchored to the surrounding walls and prevents an overfill of blood in the heart.  Sufferers of pericardial mesothelioma may also experience symptoms such as shortness of breath, chest pains, persistent coughing and heart palpitations.

Patients can develop too much fluid in the sac that encases the heart; this is known as pericardial effusion.  Signs and symptoms may not occur until a large amount of fluid collects over time.  Rapid fluid accumulation can impair the function of the heart and can be life threatening to the sufferer. The process of drawing out the fluid is called pericardiocentesis.  A sample of the fluid can also help diagnose pericardial mesothelioma in patients.

Diagnosing Pericardial Mesothelioma

An echocardiogram is a preliminary test for pericardial mesothelioma and a biopsy will be taken later to confirm the diagnosis.  An echocardiogram is a noninvasive diagnostic test that uses ultra-high frequency sound waves to create an image of the heart muscle. The test provides information regarding the size and shape of the heart, the pumping strength of the heart and the extent of damage inflicted on the heart's surrounding tissues.

Treatment Options for Pericardial Mesothelioma

Pericardial mesothelioma is an extremely difficult cancer to treat.  Unfortunately all treatment options have a poor success rate.  Pericardial mesothelioma can rapidly turn into a terminal illness if not treated aggressively in the early stages of the disease.

If the cancer is advanced, then the only option is to improve the patient's quality of life. Palliative treatments are an alternative way of treating pericardial mesothelioma, by treating the symptoms of the disease rather than the disease itself.  Surgery is often needed to help minimize a patient's level of discomfort.  A patient's lifespan from the point of diagnosis usually ranges from six weeks to one year.

Legal Questions

If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma (NHL) and think it may be caused by toxic exposure to organic solvents like benzene, and you have legal questions or require legal assistance, contact Paul & Hanley LLP.

Our firm has an outstanding track record of success in toxic tort litigation cases across the country, and our lawyers are known for their honesty, integrity and compassion.  We've built our reputation on toxic tort litigation representing individuals diagnosed with NHL, mesothelioma and other serious diseases with dignity and respect.

We handle a select number of cases at a time and represent workers and families with the extra special attention required for the best possible outcome in each case. We understand your case is unique, so we take the time to get to know you and your family. Contact us today for a free and confidential consultation. We'll discuss your specific case and give you honest answers to your important questions. Our toll free telephone number is 800 933-2244. We look forward to helping you.