Malignant Mesothelioma, Mesothelioma Awarenes

Mesothelioma typically begins in the mesothelial lining, but rapidly spreads to other nearby organs and tissues, eventually spreading in the bloodstream to the lymph nodes and throughout the body. As the cancer spreads, victims will have additional symptoms.

A pericardial mesothelioma diagnosis typically comes months after symptoms have been present and the patient has been seeing a doctor. Blood tests and diagnostic procedures such as x-rays and MRI are usually conducted. Once these indicate a build up of fluid or a mass, it is common for a biopsy to be done.

A biopsy is a short surgical procedure in which the doctor removes samples of tissue or fluid from a suspect area. The sample is then sent to a laboratory to be examined. When cancer of the mesothelial cells around the heart is detected, and it is believed that is where the cancer began, a pericardial mesothelioma diagnosis is made.
Treatment

Treatment for pericardial mesothelioma depends on a number of factors:

    * The age and general health of the patient.
    * What mesothelioma stage the patient is in.
    * The treatment team's recommendations.
    * The center the patient chooses to receive treatment.
    * The patient's wishes and those of their family.

There is currently no cure for pericardial mesothelioma. Three types of treatment are being used:

Palliative treatment - palliative treatment is meant to ease the patient's discomfort or pain through pain medication, removal of large tumors that are putting pressure on other organs, or by draining fluid that also causes painful pressure and swelling.