Pericardial Mesothelioma |
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| Pericardial mesothelioma is the rarest form of mesothelioma and accounts for
approximately 10% of all mesothelioma incidences per annum. As with the other mesothelioma conditions typical
pericardial mesothelioma symptoms can often be mistaken and therefore misdiagnosed for something more familiar.
For example symptoms such as shortness of breath, persistent chest pain and palpitations, extreme fatigue can
typify those of a heart attack.
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| Pericardial mesothelioma, as the name suggests, affects the lining that
surrounds the heart and is associated with long term exposure to asbestos fibres. The symptoms of pericardial
mesothelioma, as with other types of mesothelioma, can take many years to manifest.
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| To diagnose pericardial mesothelioma a patient’s symptoms, medical history and
work history are assessed and a thorough physical examination undertaken. It is essential to establish the extent
to which the pericardial mesothelioma has spread and this is often achieved by imaging.
A CT or MRI scan can normally indicate to what stage the disease is at.
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| The two most common forms of treatment for pericardial mesothelioma are
radiotherapy or chemotherapy. ‘Fine needle aspiration’ is another low risk procedure which simply drains off
the excess fluid that has built up within the cavity. Pericardial mesothelioma can occasionally be treated with
surgery but more often than not because of its nature the cancer is usually very advanced at the time of diagnosis.
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| If you would like to make a claim for Pericardial Mesothelioma or for any
questions about the symptoms of Pericardial Mesothelioma please call us on freephone 0800 783 9535. and ask
to speak to Lynne Manners or Warren Miller |
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