Pericardial Mesothelioma, Peritoneal Mesothelioma

A fast and accurate diagnosis of pericardial mesothelioma is difficult, due to the non-specificity of the symptoms of this type of cancer.

X-Rays, CT Scans, and biopsies are often used to help diagnose pericardial mesothelioma.
To diagnose pericardial mesothelioma, a patient's symptoms, medical history, and current medical condition must all be assessed. The initial stages of diagnosis involve taking a medical history and undergoing a thorough physical examination.

Following these initial steps, a variety of imaging tests may be required to determine exactly where cancer is located. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has been found to be the most effective at assessing the disease and determining the extent of its development. The final stage of diagnosis typically involves a biopsy to confirm the point of origin of the cancer. A biopsy involves the removal of tissue or fluid from the pericardium, followed by laboratory tests of the tissue and fluid to confirm the presence of mesothelioma.

In sum, medical professional typically take a comprehensive approach to diagnosing this disease, recommending analysis of gross appearance, proteins of cancerous cells and electron microscopy.
How Does Asbestos Cause Pericardial Mesothelioma?

It has long been known that pleural mesothelioma , which develops in the lining of the lungs, is caused by inhalation of asbestos fibers. However, the way in which asbestos causes the development of pericardial mesothelioma is not very well understood. Scientific research has yet to reveal a clear correlation between this disease and exposure to asbestos, but a number of patients with pericardial mesothelioma have a history of asbestos exposure.