Pericardial Mesothelioma CausesLess than 1 percent of mesothelioma patients are diagnosed as having mesothelioma of the pericardial region. The symptoms of this rare form of asbestos cancer are often similar to those of other heart ailments, contributing to late diagnosis.The majority of doctors detect pericardial mesothelioma by conducting a physical exam and assessing a patient's medical history. They can also request a heart ultrasound, called an echocardiogram.Asbestos ExposurePericardial mesothelioma is a condition that occurs when asbestos fibers travel from the lung to the pericardium, the thin membrane that surrounds the heart. These asbestos fibers may remain in the body for a long time and cause irritation to the tissues that line the organs. Over time, the irritation turns into cancerous tissue, which forms tumors. These tumors may grow around the heart and limit its movement, which can cause chest pain and other signs. The accumulation of fluid or pericardial effusion around the heart can also affect the heart's ability pump blood.Due to the lack of mesothelioma of the pericardium, it can be difficult for doctors to recognize it. This is due to the most common mesothelioma symptoms like chest pain and difficulty breathing frequently resemble those of other conditions such as heart disease. Patients who experience these symptoms should tell their doctor about any past exposure to asbestos right away and inform them of any previous health issues. Additionally, mesothelioma-related symptoms can take up to 60 years to develop, which is why patients should attend regular doctor's visits and be prepared to discuss their medical history.The most well-studied cause of mesothelioma is the exposure to asbestos. This hazardous material was used in construction and manufacturing and was banned in the United States mid-1980s. Despite this asbestos, it is still used in a wide range of construction and manufacturing sites. Asbestos exposure can occur when workers break up and remove asbestos-containing products or when working in areas where asbestos is present. When working with asbestos, it is crucial that construction and manufacturing workers wear the appropriate safety gear. This includes respirators and dust-masks.Asbestos can be found on the walls, roofs and floors of schools, homes offices, factories, and other buildings. Workers are more likely to come into contact with asbestos when they renovate or repair these structures. In some instances, homeowners may bring home asbestos fibers from these locations when they relocate or redecorate their homes. Due to this, those living in these homes are at a higher risk for mesothelioma.Exposure to chemicalsThere are many different chemicals that can cause mesothelioma. These chemicals can be inhaled, consumed or absorbed by the skin. They can affect any area of the body, including respiratory (nose and air passages), digestive (throat and mouth, stomach and intestinal tract) and circulatory systems (heart and blood vessels). Chemical exposure can also cause damage to organs like kidneys and the liver, as well as the reproductive system.The exposure to asbestos is the most likely risk factor for pericardial mesothelioma. However, it's not the sole cause. Other types of asbestos as well as certain other substances, can also cause the condition. Patients must always discuss their history of exposure with their doctors.Pericardial mesothelioma can be difficult to identify, since the symptoms are similar to those of other heart conditions. is asbestos the only cause of mesothelioma includes a buildup of fluid and a thickening in the lining around the heart, which can cause inflammation and pain. It is often misdiagnosed, and only 10% to 25% of patients are diagnosed before they die.When it is diagnosed, pericardial mesothelioma is typically in an advanced stage. This means that the cancer has spread to lymph nodes or other parts of the body. Patients who receive a diagnosis in the later stages of the disease have less treatment options than those with earlier disease stages.Most treatments for pericardial cancer are purely palliative. They can reduce symptoms, but do not cure it. Chemotherapy, including cisplatin is the most popular drug used to treat this type of mesothelioma. Radiation therapy is another common option, and it can reduce the size of pericardial tumors and ease symptoms. Surgery is a less popular option, but it can be beneficial for some patients. Doctors can remove the heart pericardium or perform the procedure known as a pericardiectomy.Researchers are using more advanced methods to kill cancer cells and prevent recurrence in pericardial mesothelioma patients. These newer methods, which are being tested in clinical trials, may include immunotherapy, gene therapy and photodynamic therapy. These newer methods are being compared with more traditional techniques like surgery and chemotherapy to determine which is the best for this kind of mesothelioma.GeneticsThe exact cause of mesothelioma of the pericardium isn't understood, but scientists have a few theories. Like all cancers, it is triggered when several changes (mutations) in the DNA of a cell occur over time. Asbestos is known to cause these mutations, but it's possible that other factors are involved. This includes the age of the person and other health issues.People exposed to asbestos are at greater risk of developing pericardial mesothelioma. The asbestos fibers are believed to move from the lungs to the pericardium, which causes irritation. The cells are then able to change and grow into tumors. The tumors may thicken and enlarge the lining of the heart, causing chest pain and other symptoms.Pericardial mesothelioma is often difficult to diagnose due to its symptoms that resemble the symptoms of other heart diseases. Doctors will typically perform imaging tests to look for tumors and accumulation of fluid close to the heart. Then, they will examine the blood of the patient to determine mesothelioma markers.In certain cases the need for a biopsy may be required to confirm the diagnosis. A doctor will take a sample of the affected lining, and then analyze it with a microscope. If the cancer is found by a pathologist, they will prepare an analysis of the biopsy that outlines the type of mesothelioma as well as its stage.Doctors are advancing treatments to fight this rare disease despite its poor survival rate. Multimodal therapy can be beneficial for patients suffering from pericardial cancer. This treatment involves chemotherapy, surgery, and radiation.Certain patients suffering from pericardial pleural mesothelioma have only palliative options such as chemotherapy and surgery. Radiation therapy can shrink pericardial tumors and relieve symptoms. Doctors can flush excess fluid from the lining of the pericardial cavity using a procedure called percutaneous balloon pericardiotomy or pericardiocentesis. Chemotherapy using cisplatin and other drugs can help kill any remaining cancerous cells. In mesothelioma trials, other treatments, including gene therapy, photodynamic therapy and immunotherapy, are being studied. Certain of these treatments are being tested in conjunction to boost their effectiveness.SmokingAlthough smoking cigarettes isn't directly linked to mesothelioma it can increase the risk for pericardial mesothelioma and other asbestos-related ailments. Asbestos is a carcinogenic mineral that was used in numerous products for construction and consumer use before scientists knew it was dangerous. Asbestos exposure has been linked to different types of mesothelioma depending on the location where asbestos lodged and caused malignant tumors. For instance, pleural and pericardial cancers affect the heart's lining while pleural mesothelioma can be found in the lungs.Patients should be aware the signs of pericardial mesothelioma to ensure a prompt diagnosis. Chest pain, breathing problems or an increased pulse are all indications. Patients should consult their physician with any of these symptoms and undergo recommended tests, including an X-ray or CT scan. These tests can identify a buildup in the pericardium and also any tumors.A biopsy is the only definitive method of diagnosing mesothelioma of the pericardium. A biopsy is a procedure in which doctors take a small amount of fluid or tissue from the affected region for lab testing. This test can confirm the diagnosis of pericardial pleural melanoma and reveal the stage. The biopsy can also help to determine the best treatment options.Due to the low incidence of pericardial mesothelioma, many cases are not diagnosed correctly. This can occur because the symptoms of this kind of mesothelioma resemble those of other heart conditions. In some instances the condition of a patient could be misinterpreted as tuberculosis.The removal of affected tissue and chemotherapy may improve the mesothelioma patient's quality of life. These treatments do not guarantee that cancer will be eliminated or prevented from returning. Patients should find a mesothelioma specialist to discuss their situation and determine the most effective treatment plan for them.In addition to seeking treatment, patients should take into consideration their mental and emotional health. For instance, they can seek counseling to alleviate any anxieties they might be experiencing regarding their diagnosis. It is also important to to keep track of appointments and medication. This will help patients feel more in charge of their situation, and help them manage their stress.