Weitz & Luxenberg provides information on a rare form of mesothelioma: pericardial mesothelioma

My brother was diagnosed with pericardial mesothelioma. Can you tell me about this disease?

We are sorry to hear about your brother’s pericardial mesothelioma diagnosis. Unfortunately, like pleural mesothelioma and peritoneal mesothelioma, pericardial mesothelioma does not have a cure. However, there are various treatment options available that may extend your brother’s lifespan as well as well as improve his overall quality of life. Medical professionals are working tirelessly to learn more about all three types of mesothelioma, in the hopes of one day discovering a cure.

We at Weitz & Luxenberg understand how important every minute is for your brother as he battles pericardial mesothelioma, a life threatening illness. We are not a medical institution, but we are more than willing to provide you with legal counsel. Was your father exposed to asbestos at his site of work or someplace else? If so, he may be legally entitled to compensation. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact our firm.

Pericardial Mesothelioma: The rarest type of an already rare cancer

Your brother is one of the very few patients battling pericardial mesothelioma, which accounts for less than 5% of all mesothelioma cases. Pericardial mesothelioma is caused by the inhalation of asbestos fibers, “which are hazardous and can lead to damage in different areas of your brother’s body.” In the case of pericardial mesothelioma, “cancerous tissues developed within the pericardium, the lining that surrounds your brother’s heart.” (Pericardial Mesothelioma)

The pericardium serves two essential purposes: “it keeps the heart contained in the chest cavity and prevents it from over expanding when blood flow increases.” (Pericardial Mesothelioma) When your brother first inhaled asbestos fibers, he did not encounter health difficulties immediately. Asbestos has a long latency period, which means that it can take anywhere from 20-50 years after initial exposure for symptoms of mesothelioma, asbestos lung cancer and asbestosis to become apparent.

Over time, your brother’s pericardium hardened due to the “asbestos fibers that had lodged themselves in his chest cavity area.” (Pericardial Mesothelioma)

What are the symptoms of pericardial mesothelioma?

• Inflammation of the area around the heart
• Heart Palpitations
• Night sweats
• Irregular heartbeat
• Chest Pain
• Heart murmurs
• Difficulty breathing
• Fatigue

What are the treatment options available for pericardial mesothelioma?

Treatment options may include:

Chemotherapy: Your brother is likely on chemotherapy already. It involves the use of special drugs that deter the growth of and kill cancer cells. Sometimes, combination chemotherapy, “which involves more than one anti-cancer drug,” (NCI) can be used.

Radiation: This treatment involves “the use of high energy radiation from x-rays, gamma rays, neutrons, protons and other sources to killer cancer cells and shrink tumors.” (NCI)

Note: Intensity Modulated Radiation Therapy (IMRT) is a type of radiation therapy that could potentially “extend your brother’s lifespan by 3-4 months,” (NCI) or even more.

Surgery: Surgery can be done to “drain the fluid that has accumulated in your brother’s chest so that he can be more comfortable.” (NCI) This involves pleurodesis, “a procedure the uses chemicals and drugs to cause inflammation and adhesion between mesothelial layers.

Clinical Trial: Your brother may consider taking part in a clinical trial. Clinically trials can help medical professionals develop new and more effective methods of “screening, preventing, diagnosing and treating your brother’s pericardial mesothelioma.” (NCI)

You and your father do not have to fight pericardial mesothelioma alone. Weitz & Luxenberg can be your legal advocate

Weitz & Luxenberg understands how widespread the asbestos problem is and the havoc it had caused countless people across the country and around the world. It is unfortunate that even though the dangers of asbestos have been known in the United States since at least the Industrial Revolution, it continued to be used in multiple industries. Such carelessness should not be ignored.

Our firm has a team of skilled attorneys with a wealth of knowledge concerning asbestos-related ailments. To get started, simply fill out the form on this page. A representative from our firm will

be in touch with shortly you for your free legal consultation. There is no cost unless we secure a verdict or settlement for you.

Acknowledgements:

National Cancer Institute (NCI):

www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/pdq/treatment/malignantmesothelioma/patient/page5#Section_98