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Pericardial Mesothelioma
This form of mesothelioma develops in the lining of the heart, known as the pericardium. About 5 percent of all mesothelioma cases are pericardial. Pericardial mesothelioma is normally caused by an extended amount of exposure to asbestos. Those who have been diagnosed with pericardial mesothelioma have developed cancerous tissues around the lining that surrounds the heart. The pericardium is an important function to the body because it acts as a fluid filled ‘sac’ that protects the heart. This lining is important for many reasons because it keeps the heart contained in the chest cavity as well as preventing the heart from over expanding when the blood flow increases. The cavity that is in between the protective lining produces fluid to keep the area lubricated and lessens the friction between the membranes.Development of Pericardial Mesothelioma
While Pleural mesothelioma is well known to be caused by Asbestos fibers that jam and chronically inflammate the lung linings of the heart, the cause for pericardial mesothelioma is not well known. Cancer scientists are unsure how durable asbestos fibers can get lodged up in the heart's serous lining (the pericardium). Just like peritoneal mesothelioma, there are 3 theories:
i) Inhaled asbestos fibers are transported through the lymphatic system to the pericardium (space between the parietal and visceral peritoneum layers).
ii) Asbestos fibers entered the body through foods & drinks that asbestos workers had whilst on the job. Asbestos dust & fibers in the air is common among workplaces such as factories, shipyards and metal works.
iii) Asbestos fibers are carried into the pericardial cavity & lining by being broken down into smaller pieces and transported through the bloodstream
Pericardial Mesothelioma Symptoms
When a person develops pericardial mesothelioma, they begin to exhibit cancerous growths along the tissues of the heart. Most of the signs and symptoms of this illness are similar to those of cardiovascular disease. This makes it difficult for a patient to determine what is making them feel sick. Since this type of mesothelioma is so rare, doctors find it hard to diagnose properly and determine how asbestos fibers have become lodged in that area. It is most likely that doctors will find other types of mesothelioma, such as secondary lung cancer.
The most prevalent pericardial mesothelioma symptoms include chest pain, cough, shortness of breath (as a result of increased pressure on the heart due to buildup of mass tumor) , chest palpitations, abnormal heart beats or heart palpitations (as a result of fluid buildup in the pericardium that makes it difficult for blood to flow into the heart and also makes it difficult for the ventricles to completely fill), fever and fatigue, night sweating.
Pericardial Mesothelioma Diagnosis
Diagnosing Pericardial mesothelioma involves assessing the patient's current symptoms, current medical conditions and past medical history. A thorough physical examination by a doctor is also required. Advanced imaging techniques such as Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), X-Rays or Computed Tomography (CT) scans are used to determine the exact location of any cancerous tumors. A biopsy may also be required to confirm the originating point of cancer. A biopsy will help in eliminating cancerous tissues or fluids (ascites) from the Pericardium. A laboratory test is then conducted to see if the patient has indeed developed mesothelioma
It is important to see a doctor about any of Pericardial mesothelioma symptoms. Only a doctor can make a diagnosis.
Pericardial Mesothelioma Treatment
Surgery is usually not a very good option for treating Pericardial mesothelioma. There are some rare cases where if the cancer is diagnosed early, surgery can be used to remove small pericardial tumors (cancerous tissues residing in the Pericardium between the parietal & visceral layers). Because the heart is so close to the Pericardium, performing such a surgery is very risky and should be avoided unless extremely necessary.