Pericardial Mesothelioma
The pericardium is the membrane that lines and protects the heart. Pericardial mesothelioma occurs when tumors form in the pericardium. Pericardial mesothelioma is exceedingly rare, accounting for anywhere between 1 and 10 percent of mesothelioma cases. Unfortunately, individuals with pericardial mesothelioma face a very poor prognosis in the vast majority of cases. Pericardial mesothelioma is fatal, and those diagnosed with the disease often have only months to live. Over half of the people with this disease die within six months of diagnosis.
If you or someone you love has been diagnosed with pericardial mesothelioma, the only known cause of this disease is exposure to asbestos. Doctors are not certain as to how asbestos fibers reach the pericardium, although many theorize that asbestos fibers that enter the body through the lungs are absorbed into the bloodstream and lodged in the pericardium. In any event, your disease was very likely the result of a business allowing you and countless others to be exposed to asbestos.
The symptoms of mesothelioma or other asbestos-related diseases may not appear for 30, 40 or 50 years from the initial exposure to asbestos. At Savinis, Kane, & Gallucci, L.L.C., our Pittsburgh pericardial mesothelioma lawyers will take decisive action aimed at helping you recover all available damages.
Symptoms Of Pericardial Mesothelioma
As with other forms of mesothelioma, the symptoms of pericardial mesothelioma can be difficult for doctors to detect. For example, symptoms can include an irregular heartbeat, chest pain, a cough, a heart murmur, fatigue or difficulty breathing. Obviously, these symptoms cover a number of different medical conditions. In most cases, doctors will use tests such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and a biopsy to confirm the presence of pericardial mesothelioma.
Treatments For Pericardial Mesothelioma
Treatment options for pericardial mesothelioma are very limited, and tend to focus on easing the pain associated with the disease. Chemotherapy can reduce the size of the tumors inside the pericardium. Surgery is very rarely a sound treatment option, due the fact that the tumors are located so close to the heart.
Contact Savinis, Kane, & Gallucci
Call 412-567-4931 or complete our contact form to schedule a free initial consultation. Our attorneys accept all mesothelioma claims on a no-recovery, no-fee basis. From our Pittsburgh office, our law firm represents people across Pennsylvania and the United States.