Pericardial Mesothelioma
Pericardial mesothelioma is a type of asbestos cancer that affects the tissue lining the heart (pericardium). The pericardium, or “heart sac,” is a membrane composed of mesothelial cells. It has two distinct layers: the serous pericardium and the fibrous pericardium. The layers work together to protect and lubricate the heart in order to ensure optimal functionality.
The only known cause of pericardial mesothelioma is exposure to a carcinogenic mineral called asbestos. Pericardial mesothelioma occurs when asbestos fibers become lodged in the pericardium. While researchers are uncertain as to how the fibers become lodged, the path they take en route to the pericardium is better understood. Mesothelioma researchers believe that when asbestos fibers are inhaled, they initially make their way to the lungs. From there, some researchers believe, they migrate to the bloodstream and are circulated to the heart, where they can become lodged in the pericardium and cause mesothelioma.
Pericardial mesothelioma is the rarest type of malignant mesothelioma. Of the approximately 2,000 new cases of malignant mesothelioma diagnosed each year, less than 10 percent are associated with the pericardium. Pericardial mesothelioma is one of three types of malignant mesothelioma, the other two of which are pleural mesothelioma, which affects the tissue lining the lungs, and peritoneal mesothelioma, which affects the tissue lining the abdomen.
Pericardial Mesothelioma Symptoms
Pericardial mesothelioma can take anywhere from 30 to 50 years to fully develop and become symptomatic. The signs and symptoms are somewhat similar to those associated with pleural mesothelioma. The most common pericardial mesothelioma symptom is chest pain. This is caused by the growth of mesothelial tumors on the pericardium, which leads to an accumulation of fluid within the pericardial space.
In addition to causing chest pain, the accumulation of fluid in the pericardial space can interfere with heart functionality, potentially causing an irregular heartbeat (arrhythmia) and shortness of breath (dyspnea). Pericardial mesothelioma patients may also experience a chronic cough, though this symptom is less common.
It is important to visit a doctor following development of the aforementioned symptoms. If a case of pericardial mesothelioma is diagnosed early, a specialist will have more options when planning treatment.
Pericardial Mesothelioma Prognosis & Treatment
Pericardial mesothelioma is an aggressive cancer that has thus far proven incurable. Median survival times vary based on the type of malignant mesothelioma. Studies have determined that the median post-diagnosis survival time for pericardial mesothelioma is approximately one year. Although current treatments do not cure the disease, they can extend survival time well beyond the median. Patients who undergo intensive treatments with a mesothelioma specialist may see their survival rate increase significantly.
Traditional treatments for pericardial mesothelioma are the same as those used to treat other cancers. These traditional treatments include surgery, chemotherapy and radiation therapy. Traditional treatments are often used in conjunction with one another (multimodal therapy) to enhance their effect. In certain cases, all three treatments are used (trimodal therapy) to remove and destroy as many mesothelioma cells as possible.
There are a number of newer, non-traditional mesothelioma treatments that are often used in the treatment of pericardial mesothelioma. Faced with the grim prognosis associated with pericardial mesothelioma, many mesothelioma patients choose to undergo these treatments. Some of the newer mesothelioma treatment options include:
- Intensity modulated radiation therapy (IMRT)
- New mesothelioma chemotherapy agents
- Immunotherapy
- Gene therapy
Pericardial Mesothelioma Victims’ Rights
Pericardial mesothelioma victims are advised to consult with an attorney. A mesothelioma attorney can help trace a case of pericardial mesothelioma to the source of asbestos exposure. Asbestos litigation is designed to compensate those who have been affected or injured by asbestos exposure. A mesothelioma lawsuit can help to defray the costs associated with treatment, loss of work and pain and suffering.
Our attorneys are gifted California mesothelioma lawyers who have filed a number of asbestos lawsuits in California and across the country. These lawsuits have helped our clients to receive compensation for the devastating illnesses caused by asbestos exposure.
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