Pericardial mesothelioma is a form of mesothelioma that develops in the pericardium (the sac that surrounds the heart). As malignant or pleural mesothelioma, pericardial mesothelioma is also caused by tiny asbestos fibers. Pericardial mesothelioma is similar in development to peritoneal mesothelioma, because from the organ it started, pericardial mesothelioma spread to the lungs.
Pericardial mesothelioma patients, similar to any other type of mesothelioma, require proper diagnosis and treatment methods. Mesothelioma cases that have been diagnosed properly and also at an early stage of the cancer, have been known to live longer compared to other cases that have been diagnosed poorly or when the cancer has already developed into the second stage.
Pericardial mesothelioma symptoms
Pericardial mesothelioma is associated with symptoms similar to other forms of mesothelioma. This means that it also has similar symptoms to a large number of other diseases and conditions. In order to recognize it better, here are the common symptoms that you will experience if infected with pericardial mesothelioma:
- chest pain
- dry cough
- fatigue even if the person didn't exercise
- pain in the heart area
Other symptoms, usually associated with mesothelioma are not common to peritoneal mesothelioma, but there is a chance that they are exhibited if it is secondary mesothelioma. Tumors will be present, and their size and proximity allows doctors to stage the cancer accurately.
Pericardial mesothelioma treatment
The cancer tissue that develops around the heart is not usually removed by surgery because the risk of damaging vital tissue around the heart or even the heart. Other treatment methods that are used with other mesothelioma cancer types are also used with pericardial mesothelioma. Radiation therapy and chemotherapy combined can be used to stop the cancer from spreading to the heart or other organs.
Alternative methods are used to relieve pain and lessen the effects of symptoms or side effects developed as a result of chemotherapy drugs and agents. Pericardial mesothelioma patients commonly use palliative care and herbal treatments because these provide with a lot of positive effects, ranging from side effect relieving to psychological aid. It is vital that the person remains positive during treatment because it is known that the brain is an important tool for dealing with any kind of disease.
Please free to contact asbestosis and mesothelioma centers if you or a loved one has been infected with pericardial mesothelioma and need help or information about this rare form of cancer. It is completely free.
