Pericardial Mesothelioma CancerThe diagnosis of pericardial mesothelioma can be challenging because it's rare and difficult to identify through imaging tests. Most cases are only diagnosed through autopsy.Doctors search for symptoms and signs using a physical examination and imaging tests such as an MRI or echocardiogram. They can also perform biopsy to obtain a sample of tissue or fluid for testing.DiagnosisA person who is diagnosed with pericardial asbestosis may suffer from breathing problems and pain, but may not know the root cause. The condition is extremely rare and doctors have to perform several tests to identify it. The first test is typically a chest CT scan, which can reveal the lungs and the heart. These scans can reveal a large tumor in the pericardial lining and can aid oncologists in deciding what to do next.Doctors can also conduct the needle biopsy that involves placing a long, thin needle through the chest's skin between the ribs and the pleura, and then removing tiny pieces of tissue. This is a simple and quick procedure that doesn't require a long stay in a hospital. However, this procedure only yields a small amount of blood that is not always enough to determine an accurate diagnosis. Doctors also use an echocardiogram, which is an examination that utilizes sound waves to demonstrate the movement of fluid within the heart. These tests can help doctors decide whether or not to eliminate the excess fluid referred to as a "pericardial effusion".When doctors drain the fluid, they are able to alleviate pressure on the lungs and the heart, but they cannot ensure that there won't be any cancer cells left behind. Ultimately, the only way to know if a patient has pericardial mesothelioma is to perform a biopsy. A biopsy is performed by a doctor who removes a small sample of tissue from the affected region and examines it with a microscope to look for mesothelioma.Patients aren't likely to receive treatment until the condition is too advanced, since asbestosis in the pericardium can be difficult to detect. Most people are diagnosed after the cancer has spread to the body. This is the reason why the survival rates are low.Researchers are in search of the cure for pericardial mesothelioma. Some of the experimental treatments include gene therapy and immunotherapy. These techniques are designed to enhance the immune response and eliminate cancerous cells, or to treat cancerous tissues by using a medication that makes them photosensitive. Although these methods are still experimental, they might offer new hope for some patients.Signs and symptomsPericardial mesothelioma, a rare asbestos-related cancer that develops in the lining of the heart. It is responsible for 1 to 5 percent of mesothelioma cases. It is often misdiagnosed due to its similar symptoms with other diseases such as tuberculosis or rheumatoid. This makes it difficult to treat and manage.People with pericardial asbestosis often suffer from chest pain, difficulty breathing, and weight loss. This is because the tumor and the resulting fluid accumulation in the pericardium could limit the heart's ability to pump blood. It is also possible to suffer from a fever and cough. They could also have a family history or blood, heart or lung disease.The patient will undergo a physical examination to determine if pericardial msothelioma is present. The doctor will ask about the patient's symptoms, and their work history, to determine what they may have been exposed to.Once an examining doctor has a thorough understanding of the patient's symptoms, they will request an imaging scan. These scans will show the pericardium, and will determine if there is fluid buildup or pericardial thickness. They will also check for any tumors that could be present in the pericardium. These scans may include an echocardiogram, which is an ultrasound of the heart or a CT, also known as computed tomography, scan. They could also include radionuclide imaging, which involves injecting the patient with a specific chemical that can be tracked by a radiologist to locate suspected cancer cells.Patients with mesothelioma usually require a biopsy to confirm the diagnosis. A biopsy is when the doctor will take a small piece of the affected tissue and send it to the lab for analysis. If the biopsy results show mesothelioma, the doctor will likely carry out the procedure known as the pericardiocentesis. It is an operation that removes fluid from around the heart to relieve symptoms and improve the patient's quality of life.The cost of treatment for mesothelioma can be expensive for patients and their family members. There are financial resources to aid patients with these expenses. Patients can talk to mesothelioma experts for more details and advice on how to cut down out-of pocket costs.TreatmentPericardial Mesothelioma, which is the most rare asbestos-related cancer, occurs in the pericardium (the sac-like lining around the heart). The lowest survival rate among mesothelioma types is due to the difficulty in diagnosing the condition and the proximity of the heart.Mesothelioma patients should seek medical attention if they feel chest pains or difficulty breathing. Doctors may use a combination of treatments to alleviate symptoms and improve the quality of life for patients with pericardial mesothelioma.Doctors may recommend imaging tests such as an X-ray or CT scan to determine the source of their symptoms. A mesothelioma biopsy is a more intensive test that will provide physicians with samples of the mesothelioma in order to confirm the diagnosis. Physicians may also drain fluid from the pericardial sac through the procedure known as percutaneous balloon pericardiotomy.As with all mesothelioma treatments the majority of mesothelioma pericardial procedures are palliative in their nature. These treatments can help ease symptoms and prolong life, but they do not cure the disease.A pericardiocentesis treatment is a procedure that uses needles to eliminate excess fluid from the area. During this procedure, surgeons use an echocardiogram to locate the location where fluid has accumulated in the pericardial pouch. A catheter is then connected to a needle and used to eliminate the excess fluid which can relieve pressure that could interfere with the heart's ability to function.A pericardiectomy is an alternative. This is the process of removal of a portion or all of the pericardium. This procedure is designed to reduce inflammation that causes pericardial effusions. It also helps ease constriction in other thoracic organs like veins and lungs.The root causes of pericardial mesothelioma have not been established in full, but it is believed to be linked to asbestos exposure just like mesothelioma of the pleural region. It isn't clear how asbestos fibers get from lung tissue to the pericardium however, there are theories that suggest the migration of the mesothelioma cells from the lung to the heart and vice versa. pleural mesothelioma lung cancer to its rarity, there is no formal staging system for pericardial pleural mesothelioma. Doctors employ general cancer staging guidelines to determine the severity of their patient's condition.PrognosisPericardial Mesothelioma is an uncommon cancer that has symptoms similar to those of other heart conditions. This makes it difficult for doctors to diagnose. It can take anywhere from 10 to 50 years for asbestos exposure to trigger pericardial mesothelioma and the disease is usually discovered in advanced stages by doctors in light of the patient's medical history and symptoms.Doctors can use imaging tests when a patient exhibits symptoms such as chest pain, difficulty in breathing, or heart palpitations in order to determine the condition of the lungs, the heart and other areas of the human body. These tests comprise X scans, CT scans, and echocardiograms. Doctors look for the presence of fluid around the heart (pericardial effusion) or visible tumors to identify mesothelioma pericardial. Blood tests can also be used to confirm the diagnosis and help doctors determine the staging of mesothelioma in a patient.The stage of mesothelioma determines the treatment options and the success of surgery. However, due to the rarity of mesothelioma pericardial doctors don't have a formal stage system for this type of mesothelioma and often use general cancer-staging guidelines.In some instances, pericardial smetoloma can be successfully treated by combining the use of chemotherapeutic and surgical treatments. Patients in the late stages of the disease have limited options for treatment, and could also have a negative outlook.Men are more likely to suffer than women between 50 and 70. Veterans who were exposed on military bases to asbestos are also more likely to develop the disease.Veterans who suffer from mesothelioma are eligible for financial assistance for their treatment through the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. VA benefits can also be used to pay for accommodation, travel, and other caregiving costs for the patient and their loved family members. This aid can alleviate the financial burden mesothelioma treatment and enhance the quality of life for patients. To find out more about how you can access these benefits contact the VA or visit an local VA office. The VA also offers support groups for patients suffering from mesothelioma as well as their families. These support groups can offer emotional and practical advice on how to deal with mesothelioma-related diagnosis.