Malignant mesothelioma
is a type of cancer that originates in the mesothelium, a thin wall of
cells that surround the body's organs and internal structures.
Pericardial mesothelioma originates in the lining of the heart. Other
locales of the disease are malignant pleural mesothelioma, which occurs in the lining of the lungs and malignant peritoneal mesothelioma,
which occurs in the abdomen wall. Pericardial mesothelioma is the
rarest of these malignancies and accounts for only an estimated 10
percent of all mesothelioma incidences annually.
What Causes Pericardial Mesothelioma?
Pericardial mesothelioma is an
asbestos cancer, meaning it's only known cause is
asbestos exposure.
Asbestos is a naturally occurring, but toxic, mineral that was used in
industrial capacities. While the precise route by which microscopic
asbestos fibers reaches the pericardial lining is not known,
mesothelioma doctors
surmise that inhaled asbestos fibers are absorbed into the bloodstream
and become entangled in the heart's lining as the blood processes
through the heart.
Malignant mesothelioma occurring in other parts of the body, such as in the pleura or peritoneum, can also metastasize to the pericardial lining.
How is Pericardial Mesothelioma Treated?
Prognoses are poor in cases of pericardial mesothelioma, just as nearly every
mesothelioma prognosis is. However, several treatment options exist to help patients manage the disease and maintain comfort. Chemotherapy and
radiation therapy are the most likely
mesothelioma treatment options for patients of this disease.
Mesothelioma surgery is typically not an option because of the location of the
disease and the risk of grave damage to the tumor area.
How is Pericardial Mesothelioma Diagnosed?
Physicians will often suspect pericardial
mesothelioma diagnosis
if the patient has trouble breathing, shortness of breath, or chest
pain. A comprehensive diagnostic and biopsy process will be undergone
through use of multiple body imaging scans.
What are a Patient's Options?
Patients of pericardial mesothelioma may be eligible for financial
compensation if they were wrongly exposed to asbestos. Anyone who worked
with
asbestos products is potentially at-risk and should fill out the brief form on this page to receive additional treatment and legal information.
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