Mesothelioma Types > Pericardial Mesothelioma
Pericardial Mesothelioma
Pericardial Mesothelioma occurs when asbestos lodges itself in and around the heart. |
Pericardial Mesothelioma Treatments
Most people diagnosed with this form of mesothelioma are not good candidates for cancer surgery . However, there are rare cases where the cancer is diagnosed early, and surgery can be carried out to remove small, localized pericardial tumors. This type of surgery carries great risk, simply due to the proximity of the heart.Prognosis for those with pericardial mesothelioma is grim and palliative treatment is usually the only option for people diagnosed with pericardial mesothelioma. This type of treatment is performed to improve a patient's quality of life, and reduce the severity of symptoms caused by the build-up of fluid in the pericardium. Fine needle aspiration may be carried out to remove excess fluid as well. In some cases, radiation therapy may be an option. Unfortunately, the proximity of the heart and lungs make this a risky prospect.
Treatment for this type of mesothelioma is almost purely palliative. Roughly 50 to 60 percent of pericardial mesothelioma patients are claimed by the disease within six months of diagnosis. One patient survived five years following treatment of partial surgical resection and radiation. One other patient survived one year after a similar treatment approach.
Those diagnosed with pericardial mesothelioma usually have a number of questions about how to approach the treatment process. We offer a complimentary packet for pericardial mesothelioma patients containing information about their specific diagnosis, treatment options and top doctors. To receive this packet overnight, click here .
Pericardial Mesothelioma Symptoms
Symptoms for pericardial mesothelioma can be very similar to other heart conditions, making it diffucult to diagnose. |
Most pericardial mesothelioma symptoms are caused by the build-up of fluid and the thickening of pericardial layers. The following symptoms may indicate pericardial mesothelioma.
- Heart palpitations or irregular heartbeat (arrhythmia)
- Chest pain
- Mumurs
- Cough
- Difficulty breathing, even when at rest (dyspnea)
- Orthopnea (dyspnea which occurs when lying down)
- Fatigue
- Fever or night sweats
Pericardial Mesothelioma Diagnosis
A fast and accurate diagnosis of pericardial mesothelioma is difficult, due to the non-specificity of the symptoms of this type of cancer.X-Rays, CT Scans, and biopsys are often used to help diagnose pericardial mesothelioma. |
In sum, medical professional typically take a comprehensive approach to diagnosing this disease, recommending analysis of gross appearance, proteins of cancerous cells and electron microscopy.
How Does Asbestos Cause Pericardial Mesothelioma?
It has long been known that pleural mesothelioma , which develops in the lining of the lungs, is caused by inhalation of asbestos fibers. However, the way in which asbestos causes the development of pericardial mesothelioma is not very well understood. Scientific research has yet to reveal a clear correlation between this disease and exposure to asbestos, but a number of patients with pericardial mesothelioma have a history of asbestos exposure.Some experts believe that inhaled asbestos fibers travel via the bloodstream from the lungs to the heart, although there is no conclusive evidence to support this theory.
What is known is that asbestos fibers somehow become lodged in the pericardial membranes that surround the heart. When this occurs, the body experiences extreme difficulty in eliminating the asbestos fibers and they can remain stuck in the membranes. Over a long period of time, sometimes two decades or more, the asbestos fibers cause the cells of the pericardium to undergo changes that may result in cancer.
Once cells become cancerous they begin to divide more rapidly, without the restraint that regulates the growth cycles of normal healthy cells. As these malignant pericardial mesothelioma cells continue to grow they lead to the thickening of the pericardial membranes, and eventually cause tumors to develop. These changes in the pericardial membrane lead to the build-up of fluid between the pericardial layers, which, combined with the thickening of the layers, puts pressure on the heart.
Sources:
- Dodson, R. and Hammar, S. Asbestos: Risk Assessment, Epidemiology, and Health Effects. Taylor & Francis: Boca Raton. 2006.
- Galateau-Salle, Francoise. Pathology of Malignant Mesothelioma. Springer-Verlag London Limited: London. 2006.
- http://www.cancer.org/downloads/PUB/DOCS/SECTION28/89.pdf
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