Pericardial Mesothelioma Causes
Pericardial mesothelioma can be diagnosed in less than 1 percent of patients suffering from mesothelioma. This rare form of asbestos cancer can often mimic other heart problems. This results in an inconclusive diagnosis.
Doctors diagnose pericardial mesothelioma through looking at the patient and reviewing their medical history. They may also order an ultrasound of the heart, which is known as an echocardiogram.
Asbestos Exposure
Pericardial mesothelioma occurs when asbestos fibers make their way from the lung to the pericardium, the thin membrane that surrounds the heart. The asbestos fibers can remain in the body for decades, irritating tissues that lining the organs. In time the irritation develops into cancerous tissue that forms tumors. These tumors can accumulate around the heart and limit its movement and cause chest pain as well as other symptoms. In addition, the buildup of fluid around the heart, also known as pericardial effusion can hinder the heart's ability to effectively pump blood.
It is challenging for doctors, because of its rarity, to diagnose pericardial pericardioma. This is because the most common mesothelioma symptoms, such as chest pain and breathing difficulties are often similar to the symptoms of other diseases, like heart disease. Patients who suffer from these symptoms should inform their doctor of any past exposure to asbestos immediately and inform them of any previous health conditions. In addition, mesothelioma symptoms can take as long as 60 years to develop, so patients should attend regular visits to their doctor and be ready to discuss their medical background.
The exposure to asbestos is the most common cause of mesothelioma. This dangerous material is used in construction and manufacturing and was banned in the United States in the mid-1980s. However, asbestos has continued to be found in a few products and construction sites. Workers could be exposed to asbestos if they remove asbestos-containing material or work in areas that contain asbestos that is old. When handling asbestos, it is important that workers in manufacturing and construction wear the appropriate safety equipment. This includes respirators and dust-masks.
Asbestos can be found in the walls, roof and floors of homes, schools offices, factories, and other structures. Workers are more likely to come in contact with asbestos when renovating or fixing these structures. Some homeowners might bring asbestos fibers back from these sites if they redecorate or move their homes. Residents who live in these buildings are at greater risk of mesothelioma danger.
Exposure to chemicals
A variety of different chemicals can cause mesothelioma. These chemicals can be breathed in or eaten, or absorbed through the skin. They can affect every system of the body including respiratory (nose air passages, nasal passages and lungs), digestive (throat, stomach, mouth, intestinal tract) and circulatory (heart, blood vessels, heart). Chemical exposure can harm organs such as the kidneys and liver, and also affect the reproductive system.
Asbestos-related exposure can lead to mesothelioma of the pericardium however it isn't the only cause of this rare condition. People who have been exposed to other types of asbestos and certain other substances could develop the condition too. Patients must always discuss their history of exposure with their doctor.
Pericardial Mesothelioma is a difficult condition to diagnose because the symptoms are similar to other heart ailments. This includes a buildup of fluid and a thickening of the lining around the heart, causing inflammation and pain. It is often misdiagnosed and only 10% to 25% of patients are diagnosed before they die.
When pericardial Mesothelioma cancer is discovered it's usually in an advanced stage. This means that the cancer has spread to lymph nodes and other areas of the body. Patients who receive a diagnosis in the later stages of the disease have less options for treatment than those who have earlier disease stages.
Most treatments for pericardial cancer are purely palliative. They reduce symptoms, but don't cure it. Chemotherapy such as cisplatin is the most common drug used for treating mesothelioma of this kind. It can be used to shrink pericardial tumors and alleviate symptoms. Surgery is a less common option, but it can be beneficial for certain patients. Doctors can remove the heart's pericardium or perform the procedure known as a pericardiectomy.
Researchers are attempting to develop more advanced therapies to eliminate cancerous cells and stop the recurrence of mesothelioma pericardial that is pleural. These newer methods are being evaluated in clinical trials, may include immunotherapy, gene therapy and photodynamic therapy. These newer methods are being tested against more conventional methods such as surgery and chemotherapy to determine which one works best for this type of mesothelioma.
Genetics
The nature of pericardial mesothelioma isn't fully identified, but researchers have a few theories. As with all cancers it develops as a result of an array of (mutations) that occur in the DNA of a cell over time. Asbestos is a known cause of these mutations, however it's also possible that other factors are involved. These include a person's age, health conditions and hereditary traits.
People exposed to asbestos are at an increased risk for pericardial mesothelioma. The asbestos fibers are thought to pass through the lungs to the pericardium, causing irritation. The cells are then able to transform and develop into tumors. The tumors may grow and enlarge the lining around the heart, causing chest pain and other symptoms.
Pericardial mesothelioma can be difficult to detect because its symptoms resemble the symptoms of other heart conditions. Typically, doctors will use imaging tests to determine fluid buildup and tumors around the heart. They can then test the blood of the patient in order to check for mesothelioma.
In certain instances, a biopsied may be required to confirm the diagnosis. A doctor will take a sample of the lining that is affected, and then examine it under an optical microscope. If the cancer is found, a pathologist will create an analysis of the biopsy that outlines the type of mesothelioma and its stage.
Doctors are advancing treatment options to combat this rare disease despite its poor survival rate. Multimodal therapy can be beneficial for patients suffering from pericardial mesothelioma. This treatment combines chemotherapy, surgery, and radiation.
Certain patients with pericardial cancer may have only palliative treatment options, such as surgery and chemotherapy. Radiation can shrink pericardial cancers and ease symptoms. Doctors can remove excess fluid out of the lining of the pericardial cavity using the procedure known as percutaneous balloon pericardiotomy, also known as pericardiocentes. Chemotherapy using cisplatin and other drugs can kill any remaining cancerous cells. Other treatments are being researched in mesothelioma clinical trials, such as immunotherapy, gene therapy and photodynamic therapy. Some of these are being tested in conjunction with one another to increase their effectiveness.
Smoking
Smoking is not directly related to mesothelioma, but it can increase the risk of pericardial asbestosis as well as other asbestos-related diseases. Asbestos is a carcinogenic element that was used in numerous construction materials and consumer products before scientists realized it was dangerous. Asbestos exposure has been linked to various kinds of mesothelioma, based on the location where asbestos lodged and caused malignant tumors. For instance, pleural mesothelioma affects the lungs, while pericardial mesothelioma impacts the heart the lining.
To ensure a timely diagnosis, patients must be aware of the symptoms of pericardial mesothelioma. The symptoms could include chest pain, trouble breathing, or an increased heart rate. Patients should consult their doctor with any of these symptoms and undergo suggested tests, including an Xray or CT scan. These tests can identify a buildup of fluid in the pericardium, and any tumors that might be present.
A biopsy is the only method to be able to determine the presence of pericardial msothelio. A biopsy is a surgical procedure where doctors remove a small sample of fluid or tissue for laboratory testing. This test can confirm a pericardial mesothelioma diagnosis and reveal the stage of the disease. The biopsy can also help determine the most effective treatment options.
Due to the low incidence of pericardial mesothelioma, a lot of cases are misdiagnosed. mesothelioma caused by radiation can occur because the symptoms of this kind of mesothelioma resemble those of other heart conditions. In certain cases the symptoms of a patient may be misinterpreted as tuberculosis.
Removal of the affected tissue and chemotherapy can improve the mesothelioma patient's quality of life. The treatments are not a guarantee that cancer will be eliminated or prevented from returning. Patients should consult a mesothelioma expert to discuss their case and decide on the most effective treatment strategy.
In addition to seeking treatment, patients should consider their mental and emotional health. Counseling can help to reduce any anxiety patients may be feeling about their diagnosis. Staying organized is important to keep track of appointments and medication. This can help patients to feel more in control of their life and less stressed.