Pericardial Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma is a rare disease that affects the lining of the chest cavity, heart, and abdomen. This form of cancer is closely linked to asbestos exposure. The common forms of mesothelioma are pleural, pericardial, and peritoneal mesothelioma. Mesothelioma manifests itself 20 to 50 years after exposure to asbestos. The available treatment options depend on the stage and location of the tumor, the patient's overall health, and type of cancer cell.

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What Is Pericardial Mesothelioma?

Pericardial mesothelioma is the rarest form of asbestos cancer. This disease attacks the protective layer covering the heart. Exposure to asbestos is the main cause of pericardial mesothelioma. Experts believe that this aggressive disease occurs when asbestos fibers are inhaled. It is not clearly understood how these tiny fibers make their way to the pericardium. Most people show the first symptoms of pericardial mesothelioma decades after exposure.

Pericardial Mesothelioma Causes

Statistics show that a significant percentage of people who worked with asbestos containing products are now suffering from some type of asbestos related diseases. The term "asbestos" refers to a group of six minerals that were commercially used in building materials, household products, textile garments, and fertilizers. Due to its increased resistance to fire, water, and corrosion, this material can be found in paint, clay, iron rests, thermal paper products, and cigarette filters.

People are more likely to develop mesothelioma when they are exposed to high concentrations of asbestos on a constant basis. As a naturally occurring mineral that could stand up to fire and heat, asbestos was heavily used in the automotive industry, the marine industry, and the manufacturing industry. A significant number of engineers, oil refinery workers, auto mechanics, and plumbers are diagnosed with asbestos cancer each year. Most companies manufacturing asbestos products were aware of the risks involved.

Symptoms of Pericardial Mesothelioma

Pericardial mesothelioma has non-specific symptoms that can indicate other heart conditions with less serious complications. Like pleural and peritoneal mesothelioma, this disease exhibits a long latency period. Patients diagnosed with pericardial mesothelioma may experience persistent cough, heart murmurs, extreme fatigue, arrhythmia, night sweats, shortness of breath, chest pain, and cardiac arrest. In general this rare form of cancer is diagnosed in advanced stages. A limited number of patients are eligible for surgical treatment.

Treatment Options

If a patient is diagnosed with pericardial mesothelioma, the doctor will recommend surgery, radiation, or chemotherapy. Surgery removes the pericardial tissue affected by cancer, or other organs where tumors are located. Mesothelioma doctors often use a combination of treatments that remove the fluid around the heart and alleviate pain. The available treatment options depend on how far the cancer has progressed. If the cancer is detected in early stages, doctors will remove cancerous tissue.

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