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7 FAQs on Pericardial Mesothelioma

Catherine A. Murphy

Pericardial mesothelioma is a disease that is little under stood by many individuals. This is compounded by the fact that most of its early symptoms are similar to those of other respiratory diseases. Therefore, by the time it is diagnosed the disease is already in an advanced stage. Here, we will attempt to dispel some of the mystery surrounding pericardial mesothelioma.

1. What is Pericardial Mesothelioma?

This is a rare form of the original mesothelioma cancer strain. Actually, it accounts for only 5% of all mesothelioma cases. In this type of mesothelioma, the cancerous cells build up on the lining of the heart.

2. What is the main cause of Pericardial Mesothelioma?

All mesothelioma cancer diagnosis has its roots in the exposure to asbestos. When individuals become exposed to asbestos over an extended period, the fine particles of the asbestos is inhaled and becomes lodged into the walls of the lungs. From there, they migrate through the lymphatic system and transported to the lining of the heart over time.

3. Who is most at risk of Pericardial Mesothelioma?

Those at the highest risk of developing pericardial mesothelioma are those individuals who used to work in the manufacturing and construction industry prior to regulatory changes that were ushered in during the seventies. These rules were designed to eliminate the use of asbestos after its effects were proven in court in the late 1960s. The disease has a long incubation period, so if your exposure was 20 to 30 years ago, be on the lookout.

4. How much exposure does it take to develop Pericardial Mesothelioma?

There is no direct statistics on the level of exposure required to develop pericardial mesothelioma. It all boils down to your body’s immune system and its ability to fight the growth of the cancerous cells. Naturally, those with more concentrated exposure will be at a higher risk of early development but studies are still inconclusive. Some researchers have narrowed it down to exposure of just over a few months.

5. What are the symptoms of Pericardial Mesothelioma?

As mentioned before, all forms of mesothelioma in its early stages present itself with similar symptoms of regular respiratory diseases. As a result, patients experience prolonged coughing, weight loss, nausea, loss of appetite, shortness of breath, excruciating chest pains and palpitations.

6. What is the latency period of Pericardial Mesothelioma?

Pericardial mesothelioma is a slow developer. Most patients begin complaining of the major symptoms after 30 to 50 years after exposure. As a result, the disease has been given the label the “old people disease”. Hence, many senior citizens have been living with the disease for most of their life long before it is diagnosed.

7. What is the prognosis for Pericardial Mesothelioma?

The prognosis for pericardial mesothelioma patients depends highly on how early the disease is detected and how aggressive the disease is attacked. If minimal treatment is administered when the disease is at an advanced stage, the chances of survival are very slim, with the patient’s demise coming within a few months of detection.

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