Philadelphia Pericardial Mesothelioma Lawyers
Pericardial mesothelioma is a rare cancer affecting the heart’s lining, known as the pericardium. It accounts for less than one percent of mesothelioma cases. Medical publications, like the Annals of Thoracic Surgery and the Journal of Clinical Oncology, report that only a few hundred cases of pericardial mesothelioma have ever been reported.
What Is Asbestos?
Asbestos is a group of naturally occurring fibrous silicate minerals known for their durability, heat resistance, and insulating properties. These minerals are composed of thin, crystalline fibers that can be woven into various materials. However, asbestos is also highly hazardous. When disturbed, the fine fibers can become airborne and, if inhaled or ingested, may lodge in the body’s tissues, leading to serious conditions such as mesothelioma, lung cancer, and asbestosis.
How Are Workers Exposed to Asbestos?
Workers are exposed to asbestos primarily through inhaling or ingesting airborne fibers released during the handling, processing, or disturbance of asbestos-containing materials. This exposure commonly occurs in construction, shipbuilding, manufacturing, and automotive repair industries, where asbestos was widely used for its heat resistance and insulating properties. According to the World Health Organization (WHO) and other sources, over 125 million people worldwide have been exposed to asbestos in the workplace. Approximately 1.3 million construction and general industry workers in the United States are still at risk of exposure.
The professions most at risk include:
- Auto mechanics
- Construction workers
- Electricians
- HVAC mechanics
- Foundry workers and miners
- Industrial workers
- Maintenance workers
- Power plant employees
- Railroad workers
- Refinery and steel workers
- Shipyard workers
- Utility workers
- Tire workers
- Factory workers
- Veterans
- Warehouse workers
Although government regulation of asbestos has now greatly curtailed the use of asbestos, anyone with a history of asbestos exposure may be at risk of developing mesothelioma.
What Are the Symptoms of Pericardial Mesothelioma?
The symptoms of pericardial mesothelioma can be difficult for doctors to detect and may not be evident to the patient until the late stages of the disease. Symptoms are often vague and easily attributed to other medical conditions. General symptoms of pericardial mesothelioma include:
- Chest pain
- Cough
- Difficulty breathing (dyspnea)
- Chronic fatigue
- Fever or night sweats
- Heart murmurs
- Irregular heartbeat (arrhythmia)
- Nausea
- Night sweats
- Pericardial effusion or thickening
- Shortness of breath
- Swelling of the legs and lower extremities
- Unexplained weight loss
How Is Pericardial Mesothelioma Diagnosed?
Diagnosing pericardial mesothelioma is challenging due to its rarity and the non-specific nature of its symptoms, which often resemble those of other heart conditions, like heart failure, cardiomyopathy, and coronary heart disease. The diagnosis typically involves a combination of tests, such as:
- Echocardiograms, CT scans, and MRIs
- Biopsy
- Histopathological examination
- Blood tests and biomarkers
How Is Pericardial Mesothelioma Treated?
Treating pericardial mesothelioma is challenging given its centralized location in the heart. In most cases, removing tumors carries too great a risk to justify surgical intervention. However, surgery can be performed for patients with early-stage pericardial mesothelioma to remove tumors and part or all of the pericardium.
Some patients may benefit from cancer treatments, such as chemotherapy and radiation, to reduce or slow tumor growth, and palliative care, such as medications, to ease pain and comfort for patients with late-stage mesothelioma.
Can I Seek Compensation for My Mesothelioma?
If you have been diagnosed with pericardial mesothelioma, you may have the right to seek compensation from the companies and manufacturers responsible for your asbestos exposure. There are several avenues through which you can pursue compensation.
One option is to file a personal injury lawsuit against the companies that manufactured or used asbestos-containing products. These lawsuits can help you recover compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages related to your diagnosis. A successful lawsuit requires thorough evidence, including medical records, work history, and expert testimony, to establish a clear link between your asbestos exposure and your illness.
Additionally, many companies have established asbestos trust funds to compensate individuals who develop mesothelioma and other asbestos-related diseases. These trust funds were set up as part of bankruptcy proceedings when companies could no longer afford to pay claims directly. Trust fund claims typically require less time and effort compared to traditional lawsuits, but they also require detailed documentation of your exposure and diagnosis.
Given the complexities involved in these claims, it is crucial to consult with an experienced Philadelphia pericardial mesothelioma lawyer. A knowledgeable attorney can advocate for your rights and fight for you to receive the financial support you need during this difficult time.
Our Philadelphia Pericardial Mesothelioma Lawyers at Shein Law Represent Clients Diagnosed With Asbestos-Related Diseases
If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with pericardial mesothelioma, our experienced Philadelphia pericardial mesothelioma lawyers at Shein Law can help. Call 877-743-4652 or contact us online to schedule a consultation. Located in Philadelphia and Pennsauken, New Jersey, we serve clients throughout Pennsylvania and New Jersey.