The rarest form of asbestos-related cancer is called pericardial mesothelioma. This disease affects the pericardium, also known as the tissue lining the heart. Approximately 200 of the 2,000 new cases of mesothelioma every year are diagnosed as pericardial mesothelioma. The low incidence compared to other types of mesothelioma may be due to the fact that pericardial mesothelioma is difficult to diagnose and initially may be diagnosed as cardiovascular disease since symptoms are similar for both diseases.
Causes and Symptoms of Pericardial Mesothelioma Cancer
The primary cause of pericardial mesothelioma is exposure to asbestos
materials for an extended period of time. Small asbestos fibers enter
the body and eventually become wedged in the pericardium causing inflammation
and over time scar tissue develops and leads to cancerous tissue growth.
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on Symptoms.
Development of Pericardial Mesothelioma Cancer
Since there is no direct pathway for asbestos fibers to pass through to the pericardium, it is suspected that the fibers are transported via the bloodstream or make their way through the lining of the lungs.
The asbestos fibers are carried through the air and inhaled by a person.
It is common for a person to be unaware that he or she has inhaled the
dangerous fibers. Over a period of time, the fibers get trapped in the
organs and the cycle of cancer development begins. A person that develops
pericardial mesothelioma may not know for many years since it can take
several years, even decades before health problems begin to appear. This
may lead to a diagnosis of the disease when it is already in its late
stages. Another reason for late diagnosis may be that pericardial
mesothelioma symptoms may be similar to those of other diseases.
Treatment of pericardial mesothelioma.