Malignant mesothelioma is a type of cancer that occurs in the linings of the body's internal organs. This lining is known as the mesothelium. Malignant pericardial mesothelioma occurs in the lining of the heart. It is the rarest variety of mesothelioma and accounts for only 10% of cases each year. Mesothelioma is an aggressive cancer, and pericardial mesothelioma is even more so. There is no cure for malignant mesothelioma in any of its varieties and treatment options can be quite limited, depending on the stage of the disease.
Diagnosis of malignant pericardial mesothelioma can be difficult in that symptoms of the disease are relatively minor until the disease has reached a later stage. However, it is possible that the disease will be stumbled upon during another type of exam, such as an X-ray or Computer tomography scan, which may reveal an effusion in the heart cavity. If an effusion is detected, the patient will likely be ordered to undergo a biopsy. During a biopsy, a physician will insert a small needle into the affected area, thereby extracting some fluid for testing. If cancer is discovered, a treatment cycle will likely begin immediately.
Treatment options for malignant pericardial mesothelioma can be limited by the location of the cancer. Surgical resection is almost never an option simply because the cancer's origins are directly in the vicinity of the heart. However, other treatments are available, including chemotherapy and radiation therapy. Radiation therapy uses focused concentrations of radioactive particles in the vicinity of the tumor. These particles disrupt the growth of the cancer and shrink the tumor. Chemotherapy uses cancer cell killing drugs that slow the growth of the cancer and keep it manageable quantities within the body. As said before, mesothelioma has no cure and theses treatments will likely only be administered in a palliative capacity.
Malignant pericardial mesothelioma is only known to be caused by exposure to asbestos fibers. Once inhaled these fibers access the pericardium via newly oxygenated blood from the lungs. The fibers then become lodged in the pericardium, causing a sustained tissue damage which can lay the groundwork for mesothelioma. Early detection of mesothelioma, in any of its forms, is paramount to having treatment options available to patients. If you or someone you love may have been exposed to asbestos, it is important to closely monitor respiratory health. Bloated chest, or chest pains may be indicative or a tumor and any symptom should be reported to a physician immediately.