Pericardial Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma is a rare caner that can affect different areas that line organs of the body. One of the most dangerous locations that mesothelioma can develop is within the sac that surrounds the heart. Those who develop pericardial mesothelioma are in advanced stages. Any type of mesothelioma is caused by in the exposure and inhalation of asbestos fibers. Many homes and businesses were contaminated with the substance and those who came in contact are developing complications more than thirty years later.
When mesothelioma attacks the pericardium (or the lining around the heart) it inhibits the lubricating fluid that develops to fill the chest cavity. Each beat of the heart is protected by this sac and once the lubricated fluid is disrupted, complications arise. The lining and fluid around the heart also aid in lessening the friction that can be produced between the heart and other organs that surround it. When the person begins to develop signs of pericardial mesothelioma, it is evident that there will be cancerous tissues (or scarring) that surrounds the heart. This is due to lodged fibers creating the scarring which eventually lead to the formation of cancerous cells.
Signs and symptoms of this form of mesothelioma are often delayed. At first, doctors may not determine that the cancer has affected the lining around the heart because most cases involve the scarring and inhibition of cancerous cells within the lining of the lungs. Cardiovascular disease symptoms are often mistaken for more serious complications of mesothelioma of the pericardium. Some symptoms felt by most patients include chest pain, cough, chest palpitations and an irregular heartbeat. If the patient has ever been exposed to asbestos at some point in their life and are experiencing these types of problems, it could be that mesothelioma has developed. It is important to be honest with the physician on past health and work history.
Like most cancers, mesothelioma is hard to diagnose and treat. If the cancer is found in later stages, treatments are very hard to administer. The doctor must first, however, determine the diagnosis. He or she may conduct a number of tests such as a CT scan or x-ray of the chest to determine where exactly the complication is coming from. These type of tests help the doctor determine where to go with a treatment process in the next stage. It also is a good indication that other complications (mostly related to cardiovascular diseases) are filtered out so proper cancer treatment can begin. Some doctors may try surgery to remove the cancerous cells, but the chance for a complete elimination of the diseased areas is rare. Radiation, chemotherapy and other medications are often designed to keep the patient comfortable during their procedures of battling the disease but are not 100% effective in eliminating the cancer.
Last modified: December 17 2007.
