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Tuesday 6 January 2009

Understanding Pericardial Mesothelioma

There are three forms of mesothelioma. Among the three forms, pericardial mesothelioma is rarest and also very risky. Nearly 10% of the patients are suffering from pericardial mesothelioma. At present nearly 2000 new cases of mesothelioma is registered yearly. Out of which 200 cases are pericardial mesothelioma.

What is Pericardium?

Pericardium is nothing but the protective sac that surrounds the heart. It contains fluid called pericardial fluid, which provides lubrication as well as prevents shock caused by any external impact. Pericardium helps the heart to beat properly.

It is really obscure how the asbestos particles lodged into pericardium.

Symptoms

Although the symptoms of pericardial mesothelioma is similar to other mesothelioma forms, it is difficult for the health care provider to diagnose. The main differential diagnosis of this form of mesothelioma from other forms is heart palpitations. Some of the pericardial mesothelioma suffers may exhibit symptoms like cough, fever, and dyspnea (Difficult in breathing).

Treatment

If the symptoms of pericardial mesothelioma is exhibited, the cancer might have progressed to advance stage. It is not all possible to treat conventionally other than providing temporary relief of symptoms.

Prognosis

Prognosis is poor and the patient will usually die within six months of onset of pericardial mesothelioma. This is mainly due to the fact that diagnosis in early stage is really impossible in case of pericardial mesothelioma.

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