Pericardial mesothelioma is a very rare form of mesothelioma and accounts for approximately 5% of all mesothelioma cases. This form of mesothelioma affects the lining that surrounds the heart and is a deadly cancer if not treated agressively in its early stages.The cause of pericardial mesothelioma is exposure to asbestos dust and fibres. As little as a couple of months of exposure to asbestos fibres can lead to pericardial mesothelioma between 30-50 years later. Due to this long latency period of the disease, it is very difficult to diagnose before the cancer has developed and matured fully. Those suffering from mesothelioma are elderly men aged 60-70 because this was the generation that worked with asbestos with little protection from its dust and fibres. The symptoms of the cancer have just started to show for these men due to the long time that the effects of mesothelioma take to come out. Many of these men are now lodging multi-million dollar lawsuits against the companies who exposed them to asbestos without sufficient protection. Asbestos fibres reach the lining of the heart by being inhaled and then getting lodged in the lungs. From the lungs they can either move into the lymphatic system and get transported to the lining of the heart or they can just pass slowly to the lining of the heart over time. Over a long period of time being exposed to asbestos, these fibres build up and once enough have accumilated in the lining heart, pericardial mesothelioma is a possibility.

There are a number of symptoms assosiated with pericardial mesothelioma. However, these are only felt when the cancer has matured and is in its late stages of development. These symptoms include, persistent coughing, shortness of breath, chest pain and palpitations. Other symptoms typical of all types of mesothelioma include loss of appetite, nausea and weight loss. Anyone who recognises that they have these symptoms or know someone who does then is encouraged by all leading medical advisors to seek medical help immediately.

There is no certain cure to pericardial mesothelioma and all of the treatment methods used have a poor success rate. The chances of survival of a patient depend strongly on how early and aggressively the cancer is treated. This is why it is important to receive a diagnosis for pericardial mesothelioma as soon as possible. Treatment methods include chemotherapy, radiation therapy and surgery.

Research into cures for pericardial mesothelioma is being conducted in labs all over the United States and many pharmaceutical companies are also investigating new drugs. As yet, research has only discovered a limited amount.

Mesothelioma is the name given to the asbestos-caused cancer affecting the lining around the lungs and abdomen. There are three types of Mesothelioma, ranging from somewhat moderate to fatal. All three share similar symptoms and, in all three cases, it may take decades for the symptoms to show themselves following the initial long-term asbestos exposure.Pleural Mesothelioma

This is the most common form of Mesothelioma and directly affects the protective lining (pleura) and cavity of the lungs. Mesothelioma occurs here when there is a build up of fluid between the lung lining and the chest cavity. Symptoms of Pleural Mesothelioma can include:

• Difficulty breathing
• Difficulty swallowing
• Shortness of breath
• Persistent coughing
• Weight loss
• Fever
• Hoarseness or a raspy voice
• Coughing up blood

Peritoneal Mesothelioma

This is a more rare form of Mesothelioma affecting the stomach and abdominal area. Although the cancer can spread from the abdomen to other parts of the body, the initial tumors that press against the abdomen can cause any of the following symptoms:

• Abdominal pain
• Abdominal swelling
• Nausea
• Loss of appetite
• Vomiting
• Breathing problems
• Chest pain
• Bowel obstruction
• Fever
• Blood clotting abnormalities

Pericardial Mesothelioma

Pericardial Mesothelioma is the rarest of the mesothelioma cancers. This cancer affects the heart and the area surrounding it known as the pericardium. Symptoms of Pericardial Mesothelioma can include:

• Chest pain
• Shortness of breath
• Trouble breathing
• Persistent cough
• Heart palpitations

If you look through the list of symptoms for all three of these types of mesothelioma, you will see that it can be difficult to determine which type you may have. These are known as non-specific symptoms. In fact, many of these same problems, such as shortness of breath and chest pain, are also symptoms of pneumonia. That is why it is vital that you inform your physician of any possible asbestos exposure during any visit for the above symptoms.

Early detection is always beneficial but it can take decades for any of these symptoms to appear. Smokers who have been exposed to high levels of asbestos greatly increase their risk of the disease being fatal.

Malignant mesothelioma, also known as mesothelioma cancer is a deadly cancer that affects the lining of the lung (pleura), the lining of the abdominal cavity (peritoneum), and the lining of the heart (pericardium). The most familiar type of mesothelioma is pleural mesothelioma, while pericardial mesothelioma and peritoneal mesothelioma are less frequent. Most people who develop mesothelioma have worked on jobs where they inhaled asbestos particles. The main cause of mesothelioma is exposure to asbestos, although other factors such as smoking may result in additional complications.Smoking modern cigarettes does not seem to enlarge the risk of mesothelioma. Simian virus 40 (SV40) may act as a cofactor in the development of mesothelioma. There are five common types of mesothelioma. Four of are malignant cancers, and one is a benign condition. Pleural Mesothelioma type of mesothelioma develops in the lining of the lungs, known as the pleura. It is the most common form of malignant mesothelioma. Peritoneal Mesothelioma form of mesothelioma develops in the lining of the abdominal cavity. Pericardial Mesothelioma form of mesothelioma develops in the lining of the heart, known as the pericardium.

Testicular Mesothelioma is the infrequent type of malignant mesothelioma; to date, there have been less than 100 proof cases. Testicular mesothelioma develops in the tunica vaginalis of the testicles. Benign Mesothelioma benign form of mesothelioma most commonly develops in the pleura. This is the only form of mesothelioma for which full cure and recovery is a probable outcome, though it may be a precursor of future asbestos-related problems. Symptoms of peritoneal mesothelioma include weight loss and abdominal pain and swelling due to a buildup of fluid in the abdomen.

Other symptoms of peritoneal mesothelioma may comprise bowel obstruction, blood clotting irregularities, anemia, and fever. Treatment for mesothelioma depends on the sites of the cancer, the phase of the disease, and the patient’s age and normal health. Surgery is a common treatment for mesothelioma. For cancer of the pleura (pleural mesothelioma), a lung may be removed in an operation called a pneumonectomy. Sometimes part of the diaphragm, the muscle below the lungs that helps with breathing, is also removed. Radiotherapy may be used as part of treatment to try to cure mesothelioma.

Pericardial mesothelioma is the cancer that affects the pericardium of the heart. The disease is mostly associated with those that are exposed to asbestos-related environment. It is not known exactly how the asbestos particles get embedded on the membranous lining of heart. But believed that asbestos particles mostly travel from lungs through the bloodstream into the heart. Once these particles get embedded, it becomes difficult to remove them from body. These particles affect changes inside the pericardium eventually causing uncontrolled cell growth. With the growth of cancerous cells inside the pericardial membrane, the membrane gets filled with excess fluid exerting pressure on the heart and creating various symptoms and also intervenes with the function of heart.

Common warning symptoms of a pericardial mesothelioma:
* Intense chest pain
* Irregular heartbeat and palpitations
* Difficulty in breathing
* Continuous coughing
* Fatigue with little exertion

However, the symptoms vary with patients as well as with the stages of this disease. A thorough history of the patient is essential to arrive at the correct diagnosis.

Tests and Diagnoses:
It is difficult to have correct diagnosis of the pericardial mesothelioma as the symptoms coincide with other conditions as well. Apart from medical history, some examinations need to be undertaken such as series of imaging tests to determine the exact location and nature of the pericardial mesothelioma. However, the final stage of this cancer is only determined by a biopsy. Either fluid is removed from the pericardium or some tissue is taken and studied under lens.

Treatment Of Pericardial Mesothelioma
If the Pericardial Mesothelioma is in its early stages, then surgical removal of localized tumors is opted. However, it is associated with greater risk because of its proximity with heart. However, not all cases can be treated with surgery. In most cases, due to advanced stages of this disease, palliative treatment remains the only option. This approach helps to improve the quality of living of those enduring pericardial mesothelioma. Chemotherapy is not a viable option in this case.

Latest Treatment
Research is still underway to find cure for this deadly disease. Several studies and clinical trials are in progress to find ways to increase the lifespan of the cancer patients. Alternative therapies such as yoga, massage, acupuncture, nutritional supplements and meditation coupled with either gene therapy or immunotherapy can be beneficial.

The term “Mesothelioma” in medical terms is defined as form of cancer that proliferates at a very fast rate after it has been diagnosed, which affects the mesothelial cells in the body. After detailed study of this disease by several scientists all over the world, it has been concluded that in most of the cases the reason is the direct contact with loose asbestos particles. This disease is generally known to be derived from an abnormality that arises from inhaling the loose asbestos particles suspended in the air for a very long time. The chances of the patients, diagnosed of mesothelioma, have very bleak chances of survival which is not more than one or two years and if it has been detected long back and rigorous medication has been started on the patient then the patient is likely to live for about five years. There are three types of mesothelioma but the symptoms of the diseases depend on their kinds. The symptoms vary from one-another but the general symptoms that are found in patients suffering from different types of mesothelioma are weight loss, chest pain, loss of appetite, short breath , plain cough and cough with blood. Diagnosing mesothelioma in its initial stages is not possible because symptoms surface very late and that, these symptoms are no special signs indicating the particular disease but are common for other diseases too. Generally the symptoms of mesothelioma resemble to that to any other normal lung diseases. Most of the symptoms arise in the lungs, where the mesothelial cells covering the lungs and the cavity between them are affected due to prolonged inhalation of asbestos fibers. Consulting with the physician is very necessary from time to time and necessary test must be conducted to detect the disease. The main symptom of mesothelioma is a constant pain in the chest which is followed by short breaths and difficult breathing because of accumulation of fluid in the chest, which makes breathing all the more difficult. Some of the other symptoms of the disease include abnormalities in the lungs, which can be diagnosed under proper supervision of the doctor with a chest CT-scan.Basically, the disease of mesothelioma advances in four stages. In the first stage, begins the formation of the tumor in the area of lining of the lung and doesn’t exceed from one side of the lung. And then in the second stage the tumor extends to other organs in the chest cavity, such as heart. Then in the third stage its extents to the other abdominal organs affecting all the other organs too. Finally in the fourth and the last stage the tumor extends to all parts of the body and affects all the parts adversely. These are some of the symptoms of the disease of mesothelioma, by which the disease can be tracked in the initial stages of its occurrence.

What Is Asbestos?Asbestos disease, mesothelioma cancers, lung cancers and asbestosis are the diseases caused because of asbestos exposure. Asbestos constitutes different naturally occurring fibrous minerals in some rocks and soil. It has found widespread use in industries and building materials such as fireproofing, roofing shingles, electric insulation, furnace, hot pipe covering, and friction products.

Mesothelioma cancers are the cancers affecting these membranes. The names of the cancers depend on the tissue or linings they affect. Peritoneal mesothelioma, pleural mesothelioma and pericardial mesothelioma are the names of cancers of linings of abdomen, lungs and heart, respectively. Pleural mesothelioma is the most common of all mesothelioma cancers and is found in 70 % of the mesothelioma patients. Peritoneal mesothelioma constitutes 10% to 20% of the mesothelioma patients while third type pericardial mesothelioma, is rare.

Serious Effects Of Asbestos Disease

Mesothelioma is the most serious of several asbestos-related diseases detected so far. This is because of the carcinogenic effect of asbestos particles. Asbestos can cause cancer of the lungs, esophagus, colon, rectum, stomach, vocal chords, and kidneys. About 70 percent to 80 percent of all cases of asbestos disease mesothelioma - a rare type of cancer of the mesothelium, the membrane that covers and protects most of the body internal organs -are the result of asbestos exposure at work. Asbestos disease mesothelioma may not immediately manifest.

The asbestos particles can lie dormant in the body for several years and manifest later, when the prognosis is very grim. It is possible that by the time the disease is diagnosed, the cancer may have already spread significantly. In view of health concerns all new uses of asbestos in the manufacturing industries have been banned in the United States from July 1989 onward. In particular, the use of asbestos in hand-held hair dryers was voluntarily stopped in 1979. Schools are required to test for use of asbestos roofing and it is removed or covered up.

One alarming fact about the mesothelioma cancers is its extended latency period. These cancers may remain asymptomatic in the body for even up to 50 years. Chances of survival for mesothelioma patients are rare and the average survival period after diagnosis is not more than 12-24 months. Surgery if diagnosed early, chemotherapy and radiation therapy are some common treatments for all types of mesothelioma cancers. People suffering from mesothelioma cancers can file lawsuits to recover damages for medical expenses and other damages. They can file the lawsuits against the persons and companies responsible for causing asbestos exposure.

http://mesothelioma-cancer-articles.blogspot.comMesothelioma in itself is one of the deadliest diseases ever to have been discovered by mankind. Medically, Mesothelioma as a word itself means a tumor that is more likely to transform in a fast proliferating cancer which affects the mesothelial cells of an organ, which form the protective thin covering over the organs like heart, lungs and abdomen.

Whatever is the verbal definition given out to this deadly disease, but those can never for sure weigh the deadliness of this fatal disease. It is an absolutely fatal disease which has taken many a people into its deadly grip. The maximum period of survival after the disease has been diagnosed, has come to the most of a year or two. It is worse form of cancer which is not curable. However, recent studies have suggested that if the disease can be diagnosed at a very early stage then the life of the individual who gets affected by this deadly disease, can be stretched till at the most of 5 years.

The treatment of this disease is very expensive but the treatment doesn’t assure life but a few more days, to procure the huge lump-sum required for the treatment, people also file lawsuits to cover the huge incurring expenses for the treatment.

The main cause of mesothelioma has been detected as to the prolonged exposure to asbestos. Most of the patients that have been diagnosed with the disease, had acquired the disease cause of prolonged exposure to asbestos. The statistics of the mesothelioma patients has revealed the connection between the asbestos and the dangerous cancer syndrome.

And usually this disease is found to affect people and workers who work in industries. Usually, industries use asbestos as an imperative input for carrying on different processes; it is being used in factories, automobile, shipyard and construction. Direct exposure to loose asbestos fibers can develop the symptoms of mesothelioma, but the infected cells can remain dormant in the body for a long period of about 15-20 years.

But the worst par of the disease is the fact that this disease generally gets detected in older days i.e. at the age of 50-60 years and also mostly in the last stage. Thereby, reducing the chances of the individual’s recovery. So this is very necessary that people who are likely to take in much asbestos particles should be scanned regularly for any symptoms of mesothelioma.

Government policies have empowered the mesothelioma patients to claim for compensation. They can file lawsuits with the help of their attorneys for claiming such compensation. The mesothelioma victims can sue the company in which he had been employed into, for not being socially rational, but being more inclined towards the flowing profits, and not undertaking any steps to slacken the use of asbestos or using in a more protective way which has resulted in endangering the lives of the employees.

A group of scientists in Australia have discovered a new potential treatment for mesothelioma cancer victims with the application of two treatments normally reserved for skin cancer patients.During several tests conducted on laboratory mice with advanced mesothelioma tumors, a skin cancer cream known as Imiquimod was combined with an anti-cancer drug, antiCD40. The two were applied to the mesothelioma mice and, according to researchers, 50 percent of the mice receiving the treatment therapy went into remission following treatment.

The study, conducted by researchers from the Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital in Australia, is considered “breakthrough” according to a PerthNow news article. Additionally, scientists feel that this potentially new mesothelioma treatment may be more readily available than other treatments being researched and tested, as one of the drugs is “already commercially available and the other is currently being tested in clinical trials,” according to lead researchers of the study.

Mesothelioma Defined

Mesothelioma is a cancer that affects thousands of individuals worldwide. It has largely been classified as a relatively rare condition, although many physicians and scientists predict a large increase of victims in the near future because of the dormant nature of the cancer. Mesothelioma cancer is caused by exposure to varied levels of asbestos fibers and dust.

During the early part of the 20th century asbestos, which derives from vermiculite, was mined and used in a plethora of products and much more heavily within the construction industry leading to the diagnosis of many construction-related workers.

Mesothelioma cancer commonly remains dormant for 10 to 30 years until symptoms begin to appear, at which point, treatment is almost non-existent.

Patients of mesothelioma cancer are advised to speak with a medical professional immediately and those who suspect they may suffer from asbestos-related conditions can also suggested to contact a medical professional and experienced mesothelioma attorney for additional information.

Diagnosing Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma is a growing condition in not only America, but around the world. A mesothelioma diagnosis is often a grim and bitter situation for not only a victim, but for family members and friends.

Once an individual has been informed of their condition, they will need to take immediate steps to ensure the best quality of care is received. By determining this, an individual increases their chances of receiving monetary compensation for their disease through the development of a mesothelioma lawsuit.

Such compensation can assist a victim with paying for costly medical treatments including chemotherapy treatments, which can range in the thousands. Speaking with a knowledgeable mesothelioma lawyer can provide insightful information as to a potential lawsuit.

Mesothelioma is cancer that affects the mesothelium which is the lining or membrane that protects and covers most of the internal organs in the body cavity. The first layer encircles the organ and the second layer forms a sac for protection. There is a lubricating fluid present between the layers to facilitate movement. The mesothelium is called pericardium when it covers the heart, pleura when covering the lungs and peritoneum when covering the abdominal organs.In mesothelioma there is uncontrolled cell division which leads to the extra cell masses invading the nearby tissues and organs and causing damage. Mostly it is observed that mesothelioma begins in the pleura or the peritoneum. The cancer then metastasizes to other parts of the body.

Mesothelioma occurs mostly due to exposure to asbestos. This is considered to be the major risk factor. 70% to 80% of sufferers have a history of exposure to asbestos. There are exceptions to this and cases have been reported where asbestos exposure was found not to exist. The condition is more common in men as compared to women. It has also been found that risk increases with age.

Mesothelioma is a very rare. Mostly said to be associated with workplace exposure to asbestos. Asbestos is a collection of minerals that can be made to exist as strong masses of sheets or flexible fibers. It is widely used in industrial products like cement, roofs, flooring products, textiles, brake linings and insulation. Tiny particles of asbestos float in the air and can be inhaled or swallowed by the people exposed to it like the workers in manufacturing companies etc.

Continuous exposure over a period can lead to asbestosis. Exposure to asbestosis increases the risk of developing mesothelioma and other types of cancer like that of kidney and larynx. There are acceptable levels of asbestos exposure that have been brought into effect in workplaces using the mineral. Another very interesting aspect of mesothelioma is that family members of people exposed asbestos in their work place show an increased incidence of this cancer as compared to others. This has been attributed to the fact that the remnants of asbestos particles adhering to the clothes, hair etc when brought home can expose the family members to it.

The cancer takes around thirty to forty years to surface. The initial symptoms include shortness of breath, and pain in the chest if it is the pleura that are affected. If the cancer is in the peritoneum then there is weight loss, abdominal swelling and pain, fluid accumulation in the abdomen, bowel obstruction. Fever, anemia and blood clotting irregularities have also been observed. In severe cases there is swelling of the neck and face, trouble swallowing and severe pain.

Diagnosis of mesothelioma is very difficult since there are no specific symptoms. A medical history review would be very valuable since asbestos exposure needs to be determined. X rays of chest, abdomen, lung function tests, scans, MRI are the usual tools that help in confirming the diagnosis. Biopsy is done for the final confirmation and treatment includes chemotherapy and radiations.

To Your Health!

DefinitionThe most thorough definition of mesothelioma describes it as a rare cancer caused by asbestos fibers that have been lodged in the mesothelium for many years. The mesothelium is the membrane that encases organs such as the lung, the heart and those of the abdomen. Although it takes many years, these fibers can cause cancer cells to grow in the membrane tissue surrounding the fibers.

Mesothelioma most often develops in the membrane surrounding the lung, and results from inhaled asbestos fibers. This mesothelial membrane is called the pleura. Because lung tissue is so soft and porous, the motion of breathing massages the fibers through the lung tissue to the membrane. The consistency of the membrane is such that the fibers penetrate the pleura and remain trapped there.

Occasionally, fibers that are swallowed follow a similar path through the stomach wall where they become lodged in the lining around the stomach, called the peritoneum. With less frequency, fibers can pass through to the lining around the heart, called the pericardium. Mesothelioma can grow in any of these membranes.

Symptoms

Pleural mesothelioma symptoms can include thickening of the pleura, pleural effusion (fluid collecting in the pleural space), which in turn compresses the lung in that area reducing the amount of oxygen that can get into the blood. This causes shortness of breath along with some pain due to inflammation and, sometimes, infection. Persistent cough is common.

Symptoms of peritoneal mesothelioma might include stomach pain or swelling, bowel obstruction, foot swelling, nausea, weight loss, and pain.

Fever, night sweats, or anemia might also be symptoms of either form of mesothelioma. Diagnosis involves specific testing to differentiate it from other diseases, many of which have similar symptoms.

Diagnosis

There are a number of diagnostic tests that are used together with the results of a physical exam to make a diagnosis of mesothelioma. These tests differentiate between diseases and allow the doctor to rule out other diseases and cancers, identifying mesothelioma as the one that matches all of the diagnostic criteria. These include:

• X-rays - X-rays can reveal pleural effusion, pleural calcification, and scarring
• CT or CAT Scan (Computed Axial Tomography) - CT Scans identify tissue density and can identify pleural effusion, pleural thickening and calcification, but it can’t differentiate between mesothelioma and other disease.
• MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) - An MRI is more sensitive than CT or X-ray, and is useful for more accurate identification of tissue changes during the course of treatment, and evaluating for surgery.
• PET Scan (Positron Emission Tomography) - PET Scans measure cellular activity. Cancer cells are more active than healthy cells, and this activity shows up in PET Scans.
• Biopsy - A biopsy involves taking a sample of the suspect tissue, either with a needle or through a small incision, and sent to the lab for analysis.
• PFT (Pulmonary Function Testing) - PFT involves a set of breathing tests to measure your lung volume, elasticity, airflow, and gas exchange into your bloodstream. These measurements reveal whether areas of your lung have a reduced volume or are not exchanging gas (i.e., from pleural effusion and resulting atelectasis, aka collapsed lung,) restrictive lung disease, or reduced airflow from obstructive lung disease.
• CBC (Complete Blood Count) - CBC shows the number of red and white blood cells and platelets, the amount of hemoglobin, and the percent of blood that is red blood cells. It also tests other common blood factors that indicate health and illness.
• Bronchoscopy - A bronchoscope is inserted into the patient’s lungs through the throat that allows the doctor to view the trachea and upper airways. The scope has the ability to take a tissue sample that can be examined under a microscope, in the same was as tissue collected from a biopsy.
• Cytology - A pathologist microscopically examines cells drawn from fluid near the site of the suspected disease.

The U.S. Department of Labor gives links to OSHA’s standards and guidelines for evaluating exposure to asbestos. These links include medical questionnaires, X-ray interpretation standards, medical surveillance for asbestos and more.