Diagnosis and Treatment

All forms of mesothelioma can be difficult to diagnose, and the pericardial variety is certainly no exception. The first line of diagnosis is usually the traditional x-ray, which will give doctors a cursory glance at the heart. Because the diagnostic abilities of traditional x-rays are limited, doctors will usually order a more sophisticated test that gives them a better look at the internal organs, such as a CT scan or MRI.

The CT scans and MRIs can lead doctors to their next step in diagnosing the disease. If these tests seem to indicate the presence of mesothelioma, the doctor will most likely order a tissue biopsy. A biopsy is a medical procedure that uses a thin needle to remove tissue from the affected area. In this case, a biopsy of the pericardium - the lining around the heart - would be performed. While the test may sound frightening and can be uncomfortable, it takes just a few minutes and doctors will do everything possible to lessen any discomfort. Results of the biopsy - which can sometimes take more than a week - will confirm or deny the diagnosis of mesothelioma.

If tests are positive for mesothelioma, patients will probably be given a choice of just a few options. Because the disease is usually diagnosed in its late stages, due to the fact that it can lay dormant for up to 40 or 50 years, options are less than for cancers that can be diagnosed early.

Surgery is rarely recommended in the case of pericardial mesothelioma. If it is suggested, it may be used to remove a small piece of the affected pericardium or to remove the fluid around the heart.

Because there is no cure for this or any type of mesothelioma, oncologists will usually suggest mesothelioma treatment options that relieve symptoms, reduce pain, or improve the overall quality of life for the patient. These treatments include radiation, which is used to reduce the build up of fluid. Chemotherapy is also suggested for this type of cancer, but patients will want to consider this option carefully as it can greatly compromise one's quality of life while providing little or no chance for a cure.