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Mesothelioma is a sort of cancer that is almost always caused by getting exposed to asbestos. In this disease, malicious cells develop in the mesothelium, a protective lining that covers most of the body’s internal organs. Its most common site is the pleura ( outer liner of the lungs and internal chest wall ), but it might also happen in the peritoneum ( the liner of the abdominal cavity ), the heart, the pericardium ( a sac that surrounds the heart ) or tunica vaginalis.

Depending on the nature of infection, asbestos cancer or mesothelioma is categorized into three groups. The peritoneal and pleural forms of mesothelioma are responsible for more than ninety percent of the cases. Mesothelioma pericardial accounts for only five percent and it affects the protective membrane surrounding the heart. But in comparison to the other two forms, mesothelioma pericardial is found to be extremely dangerous. The chances of survival after getting affected by this form of cancer are nil.

In the case of mesothelioma pericardial, the stress is given to improve the quality of life of the patient than burdening him with treatment procedures and surgeries. Like other forms of mesothelioma cancer, this type of cancer is also diagnosed very late. The symptoms appear at a later stage and the diagnosis takes place only ten to fifty years after a person contracts the disease. This makes the treatment process futile. Commonly it is observed that a patient dies within six weeks to one year after detection. The main symptoms are shortness of breath, heart palpitations, persistent cough, pain in and around chest, etc.

But there is a glimmer of hope here as recent researches have come up with alternate therapies and treatment strategies which may be able to prolong the lives of mesothelioma pericardial patients. Immunotherapy, which seeks to improve the immunity of the body and gener therapy are two such therapies. However, it is always better to taking preventive measures than curing the disease later. Therefore, anyone who had been exposed to asbestos for more than ten years should invariably get checked thoroughly to detect any trace of asbestos infection. Family members of such people also need to be extra careful.

The government has been compassionate to the victims. Laws are enacted through which the patients can demand for compensation. Regulations on the use of asbestos have also come into existence. Patients can avail the help of attorneys and lawyers experienced in mesothelioma cases to get a handsome compensation within a short duration of time. It would be a great relief to the victims of mesothelioma pericardial and their family members of struggling to meet both ends.

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