Pericardial Mesothelioma
Pericardial mesothelioma is a rare form of cancer. Pericardial mesothelioma affects the lining that surrounds the heart [pericardium], and as it is caused by asbestos. The pericardium is known as the cells that produce a lubricating fluid which protects the heart and allow it to move freely when it pumps blood in other parts of the body.
Individuals who are afflicted with pericardial mesothelioma have cancerous growth of tissues in the lining surrounding the heart. Most of the time, the cancer has advanced to a stage where treatment is not very effective and can also lead to death.
Indication of Pericardial mesothelioma
In many cases, the symptoms are not recognized at an early stage. Due to long latency period, the symptoms become apparent much later, and it may take twenty to thirty years to show up. The following symptoms are common:
• Persistent cough
• Chest pain
• Palpitations
• Dyspnea
• Palpitations
• Breathing problems and labored breathing
• Fever
• Sweating
• Fatigue and weakens
• Weight loss
The symptoms may not appear soon after exposure to asbestos. It may take a long latency period and symptoms may be clear after a long time.
• Most of the symptoms resemble that of flu
• Stomach pains and fever
• Abdominal swelling may occur
• Due to swelling of abdomen, extreme pain in the internal organs may take place
• Shortness of breath accompanied by a persistent cough due to build up of fluid between the lining of the lungs and the chest cavity known as pleural effusion.
Causes
Asbestos is the only known cause of pericardial mesothelioma. Asbestos is a combination of several minerals held together by silky strands of fibers. These fireproof fibers do not burn and do not conduct heat or electricity. As asbestos does not conduct heat well and is resistant to melting or burning, it is used widely in all types of construction products. People who work in industries where asbestos is handled are in danger of getting pericardial mesothelioma.
Diagnosis
Patients who display symptoms of pericardial mesothelioma are checked with X-ray, CT scan or MRI scan to look for evidence of cancerous cells. With the help of these scans, detailed images of the body are obtained. These images contain the affected areas and it becomes easier for the doctor to treat the cancers.
A biopsy surgery can also be performed to diagnose pericardial mesothelioma in which a needle may be inserted into the affected area to obtain a sample of the cancerous issues. A small incision may be made, and the samples drawn are viewed under the microscope to check for the diseased cells.
A doctor who will review your medical history may carry out a physical examination. If you have a history of working in an asbestos work environment or inhaling asbestos, give your doctor complete information about it as it will help in diagnosis and treatment.
Treatment option Pericardial Mesothelioma
Surgery
In some cases, surgery is the most effective method to treat pericardial mesothelioma. The cancerous tissues will be removed surgically. In some cases, even some organs of the body have to be removed to ensure complete recovery.
Radiation therapy
It provides the benefit of treating the diseased area without exposing the healthy cells and tissues. It is a speedy and commonly used method to treat patients suffering from pericardial mesothelioma. It works through the placement of radioactive sources in the affected area, which gives off radiation to kill the abnormal cell growth. It can be used either alone or with other methods of treatment.
Chemotherapy
It can be administered either orally or in the form of intravenous injections. The drug that is given travels through out the body, finds the diseased part, and treats it.
Medicines
Some of the medicines have been approved by the FDA and have been known to treat symptoms of pericardial mesothelioma. They may be given either individually or in combinations with others. They are:
• Adriamycin (doxorubicin), which is the most effective single agent
• Pirubicin
• Carboplatin
• Detorubicin
• Pirarubucin
• Mitomucin
• Cisplatin.
Pericardial mesothelioma is a disease, which if one acquires, is very hard to treat and needs prompt action. This disease may be recognized by its symptoms that can take a long time to show up. It is advised that people working with asbestos or asbestos related industry maintain a periodical visit to their doctor to be on the safe side.
Individuals who are afflicted with pericardial mesothelioma have cancerous growth of tissues in the lining surrounding the heart. Most of the time, the cancer has advanced to a stage where treatment is not very effective and can also lead to death.
Indication of Pericardial mesothelioma
In many cases, the symptoms are not recognized at an early stage. Due to long latency period, the symptoms become apparent much later, and it may take twenty to thirty years to show up. The following symptoms are common:
• Persistent cough
• Chest pain
• Palpitations
• Dyspnea
• Palpitations
• Breathing problems and labored breathing
• Fever
• Sweating
• Fatigue and weakens
• Weight loss
The symptoms may not appear soon after exposure to asbestos. It may take a long latency period and symptoms may be clear after a long time.
• Most of the symptoms resemble that of flu
• Stomach pains and fever
• Abdominal swelling may occur
• Due to swelling of abdomen, extreme pain in the internal organs may take place
• Shortness of breath accompanied by a persistent cough due to build up of fluid between the lining of the lungs and the chest cavity known as pleural effusion.
Causes
Asbestos is the only known cause of pericardial mesothelioma. Asbestos is a combination of several minerals held together by silky strands of fibers. These fireproof fibers do not burn and do not conduct heat or electricity. As asbestos does not conduct heat well and is resistant to melting or burning, it is used widely in all types of construction products. People who work in industries where asbestos is handled are in danger of getting pericardial mesothelioma.
Diagnosis
Patients who display symptoms of pericardial mesothelioma are checked with X-ray, CT scan or MRI scan to look for evidence of cancerous cells. With the help of these scans, detailed images of the body are obtained. These images contain the affected areas and it becomes easier for the doctor to treat the cancers.
A biopsy surgery can also be performed to diagnose pericardial mesothelioma in which a needle may be inserted into the affected area to obtain a sample of the cancerous issues. A small incision may be made, and the samples drawn are viewed under the microscope to check for the diseased cells.
A doctor who will review your medical history may carry out a physical examination. If you have a history of working in an asbestos work environment or inhaling asbestos, give your doctor complete information about it as it will help in diagnosis and treatment.
Treatment option Pericardial Mesothelioma
Surgery
In some cases, surgery is the most effective method to treat pericardial mesothelioma. The cancerous tissues will be removed surgically. In some cases, even some organs of the body have to be removed to ensure complete recovery.
Radiation therapy
It provides the benefit of treating the diseased area without exposing the healthy cells and tissues. It is a speedy and commonly used method to treat patients suffering from pericardial mesothelioma. It works through the placement of radioactive sources in the affected area, which gives off radiation to kill the abnormal cell growth. It can be used either alone or with other methods of treatment.
Chemotherapy
It can be administered either orally or in the form of intravenous injections. The drug that is given travels through out the body, finds the diseased part, and treats it.
Medicines
Some of the medicines have been approved by the FDA and have been known to treat symptoms of pericardial mesothelioma. They may be given either individually or in combinations with others. They are:
• Adriamycin (doxorubicin), which is the most effective single agent
• Pirubicin
• Carboplatin
• Detorubicin
• Pirarubucin
• Mitomucin
• Cisplatin.
Pericardial mesothelioma is a disease, which if one acquires, is very hard to treat and needs prompt action. This disease may be recognized by its symptoms that can take a long time to show up. It is advised that people working with asbestos or asbestos related industry maintain a periodical visit to their doctor to be on the safe side.
posted by Amish at 2:35 AM
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