Pericardial Mesothelioma
Working in an asbestos related environment is the main cause for the cancer known as mesothelioma. Asbestos when broken, releases microscopic fibers that can get lodged into the lining around organs that helps them expand and contract. These fibers can stay lodged into the body organs for decades as these can not be expelled by natural means. With time, the fibers lead to inflammation of the tissue and cause the development of cancer causing cells. As the symptoms appear after many years, the diagnosis of mesothelioma is quite difficult and the cancer mostly reaches the advanced stage by the time patient knows that he has got mesothelioma.
When the carcinogenic asbestos fibers get lodged in the mesothelium lining around the heart and cause obstruction in the movement, that kind of cancer is known as pericardial mesothelioma. Mostly when the asbestos fibers that are lodged into the lungs get broken and travel to the heart through the blood stream. As the blood passes through the heart, these fibers can get lodged in the lining around the heart and cause inflammation. This inflammation can further lead to formation of cancerous tumors that can obstruct the proper function of the heart and cause pericardial mesothelioma.
Symptoms of Pericardial Mesothelioma
The symptoms of pericardial mesothelioma are tough to detect because these are similar to many other types of cancer and the only definitive diagnosis can be made when the doctor knows the patients history with asbestos. The symptoms of pericardial mesothelioma can vary from patient to patient depending on the size of the tumors, placement in the heart and the health of the patient. The patient might experience severe chest pains, breath shortness, palpitations, constant coughing, and high fatigue even with small amount of exercise. These symptoms are mostly caused by accumulation of fluid in the heart cavity.
Treatment for Pericardial Mesothelioma
The treatment for pericardial mesothelioma varies for different patients, depending on the stage of the cancer and the health of the patient. In rare cases of pericardial mesothelioma, surgery might be done by the doctors to remove an infected piece of the heart. Surgery can also be carried out to remove the accumulated fluid around the heart. Radiation therapy or chemotherapy might also be done by the doctors to prevent the disease from spreading further and making the patient feel better.
As pericardial mesothelioma is tough to detect it is advised to take treatment from experienced doctors in the field of mesothelioma. At www.mesotheliomadoctorsgroup.com, you can find out more about various kinds of mesothelioma, mesothelioma treatments, and mesothelioma expert doctors.