The number of people diagnosed with asbestos caused diseases in the U.S. continues to increase. Experts believe 60,000 mesothelioma deaths will occur between 2010 and 2030.

Work related injuries harm up to 14 million people annually, with harms including traumatic brain injuries, spinal injuries, amputations, burns, and electrocutions. Around 20,000 to 60,000 workers die each year from accidents, toxins, and violence at their jobs.

Millions of consumers and workers are injured each year because of defective products. Defects can occur when a product is designed poorly, when a product is manufactured in a manner that differs from the intended design, or when the product does not contain proper warnings or instructions. Defects can occur in automobiles, pharmaceuticals, medical devices, construction equipment, toys, and other goods.

Between 1.5 and 2 million elderly reside in nursing home facilities, with studies revealing that 44% have suffered some form of abuse. Many believe the actual number of residents suffering abuse is much higher. Neglect and abuse may result in serious emotional, physical, and financial harm

Paul & Hanley’s legal team has produced some of the most notable verdicts and highest settlements in the United States. Over 500 of our clients have each obtained in excess of 1 million dollars. Over 250 have recovered multi-million dollar recoveries.

Malignant Pericadrial Mesothelioma

Pericardial Mesothelioma

Malignant mesothelioma of the pericardium is a rare cancer with an incidence of just 0.0022% in an autopsy series of five million cases.  The pericardium is the tissue surrounding the heart that forms a sac and allows the heart to move easily within the confines of the chest.  The annual incidence has been estimated at only 1 in 40,000,000.   An antemortem (before death) diagnosis was made in less than 1/3 of 150 reported cases in the medical literature.  This is because pericardial mesothelioma is difficult to diagnose.  It is very rare leading doctors to think it must be something else.

Pericardial mesotheliomas can occur at any age, but people from their 30s to their 60s are most likely to get it.  There is a two to one male to female ratio.

Symptoms

Patients generally present with a pericardial effusion (fluid around the heart), congestive heart failure, an anterior mediastinal mass (a mass in the front of the chest), or tamponade.  Cardiac tamponade, also known as pericardial tamponade, is an emergency condition in which fluid accumulates in the pericardium (the sac in which the heart is enclosed).  If the fluid significantly elevates the pressure on the heart it will prevent the heart's ventricles from filling properly. T his in turn leads to a low stroke volume.  The end result is ineffective pumping of blood, shock, and often death.  For more information on pericardial symptoms see the National Cancer Institute's page on cardiopulmonary syndrome.

Diagnosis

Like all mesotheliomas, diagnosis can be difficult because of the nonspecific presentation meaning the symptoms could be caused by many things, most of which are far more common than pericardial mesothelioma.  Also, chest x-rays may show only an enlarged cardiac silhouette.  Echocardiography can reveal evidence of an effusion, thickening of the pericardium, or mass involvement of the myocardium.  The myocardium is the muscle of the heart.

Treatment

Currently surgical excision (removal) is the treatment for primary pericardial mesothelioma.  It is not curative but used to palliate (lessen or ease) symptoms of constriction or tamponade

Additional Information

For more information on this rare cancer search the MedLine's massive PubMed database to read medical journal articles.

Paul & Hanley LLP has an outstanding track record of success, and our lawyers are known for their honesty, integrity and compassion.  If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with Mesothelioma or any asbestos related disease from asbestos exposure we can help you file a Mesothelioma lawsuit. We also handle car injury cases, wrongful death cases, product defect cases, premises liability cases, and work related injury cases. Our experienced legal team is here to help you get just financial compensation for your injuries.



    * More than 25 years of experience in Mesothelioma and Asbestos litigation.

    * More than 1 billion dollars in settlements.

    * Over 500 of our clients have recovered in excess of 1 million dollars.



Call us today at 800.281.9804 for a free and confidential consultation with an experienced Mesothelioma Lawyer.