Pericardial mesothelioma is one of the rarest and most dangerous forms of asbestos-related cancer. This form of cancer affects the pericardium surrounding the heart and may be mistaken for heart disease because the symptoms are very similar. Unfortunately, pericardial mesothelioma is a very serious disease with a grim prognosis.
Definition
Mesothelioma is a rare form of cancer that is caused by exposure to asbestos. In this disease, cancer cells target the mesothelium, the membranes that surround and protect bodily organs. There are a variety of mesothelium in the body, including the pleura surrounding the lungs, the pericardium surrounding the heart and the peritoneum for the stomach. Pericardial mesothelioma is cancer affecting the pericardium, the rarest form of this cancer. When asbestos enters the body, the pericardium has no way to rid itself of the mineral and tumors develop. According to the Mayo Clinic, researchers are still not entirely clear how asbestos finds its way into the pericardium.
Symptoms
Pericardial mesothelioma can progress unnoticed--and without symptoms for many years, or even decades. Once it is finally diagnosed, the disease is usually very far along. The initial symptoms may mirror those of heart disease, making it particularly difficult to diagnose. Since this form of cancer is so rare, doctors will usually not know to look for it unless the patient has a history of asbestos exposure. Patients with pericardial mesothelioma may experience heart palpitations, chest pain, coughing and shortness of breath, according to the Mesothelioma & Asbestos Awareness Center.
Treatment
Like many cancers, chemotherapy and radiation are the most common treatments for pericardial mesothelioma. Some patients may have surgery, but it is rarely used and primarily helps to alleviate symptoms. Doctors may also use a technique called fine needle aspiration, whereby a needle is inserted through the chest to drain the fluid in the pericardium. There is no cure for this disease, so most treatments are aimed at relieving symptoms and prolonging life.
Prognosis
The prognosis for pericardial mesothelioma is very grim. As with many other diseases, the prognosis is always better if the disease can be caught early in its development. Usually, by the time it is diagnosed the cancer has spread beyond the pericardium. According to the Mesothelioma & Asbestos Awareness Center, the vast majority of patients diagnosed with pericardial mesothelioma die within a year of their diagnosis. The medical journal Lung Cancer predicts most patients will die within 6 months, although radiation therapy and chemotherapy can prolong life.
Compensation
Some people diagnosed with mesothelioma may be entitled to receive financial compensation, although the specific amount may depend on the circumstances of exposure. According to asbestos.com, some mesothelioma sufferers have received small amounts and some have received millions of dollars. The Mesothelioma and Asbestos Awareness Center offers a free case evaluation to determine whether your specific case may be eligible for compensation. Visit its website to submit a request for this assistance.
