Pericardial
Pericardial mesothelioma is a malignancy of the pericardium, the membrane that surrounds and protects the heart. It is an extremely rare form of mesothelioma caused by prolonged exposure to asbestos.
When taken into the body, microscopic asbestos fibers penetrate to the cellular level, interacting with the DNA of the cells comprising the pericardium, making them malignant and leading to excess fluid production and the growth of tumors.
When this excess fluid and tissue begins to crowd the heart, its function and integrity are disrupted, leading to the overt symptoms of the disease. Symptoms of pericardial mesothelioma include
- Chest pain
- Shortness of breath
- Heart palpitations
- Persistent coughing
- Extreme fatigue
The mechanism by which asbestos triggers the disease is unknown. Some researchers theorize that the tumors develop due to inhaled asbestos fibers flushed from the lungs into the bloodstream and ultimately into the pericardium, but this process has yet to be demonstrated experimentally.
If you have worked with asbestos or asbestos-containing products, particularly in the shipbuilding or construction fields, your exposure puts you at risk of developing mesothelioma. You may be entitled to compensation for your injuries, and you should consult an attorney at law specializing in the representation of those injured by asbestos.
Call our office to speak with one of our experienced mesothelioma lawyers for a confidential assessment of your case.
