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Is Pericardial Mesothelioma Related to Asbestos Exposure?
Pericardial mesothelioma is
also known as cancer of the heart lining. Pericardial mesothelioma is an
extremely rare asbestos-linked cancer. However, it is the most common
primary malignant pericardial tumor. There have only been 200 reported
cases with pericardial mesothelioma. Individuals with pericardial
mesothelioma have cancerous growths in tissues surrounding the heart.
Because this cancer is so rare, pericardial mesothelioma has not been
definitely associated with asbestos exposure, although there are strong
links between asbestos exposure and pericardial mesothelioma. Once diagnosed with
this disease, the chances for survival is slim and ranges from 6
months to 15 months.
As with pleural mesothelioma, pericardial mesothelioma can be
diagnosed by
using a thoracoscope, which means the doctor removes the tumor by opening up
the chest cavity.
After the diagnosis, it's vital to assess the extent to which the disease
has spread and to what degree it has advanced. This is usually determined by
imaging by using a CT Scan or MRI Scan. From the results based on CT Scan
and MRI Scan, it can be determined what sort of
treatment can be considered.
In addition to this, the patient�s medical condition and age, as well as
past medical history will also be taken into account when deciding upon a
course of treatment.
The early symptoms indicating pericardial mesothelioma include chest pain,
persistent coughing, dyspnea, shortness of breath cough, and palpitations.
If you experience any of the above and you have worked in environments where
you have been exposed to asbestos, you need to seek a doctor to perform a
diagnose immediately. Pericardial mesothelioma can be treated with surgery,
but the two most popular forms are radiation therapy and chemotherapy. Of
these two forms of treatments, radiation therapy has been the most
successful and common method to treat pericardial mesothelioma.
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