Pericardial Mesothelioma

Pericardial mesothelioma is a type of cancer that attacks the protective lining around the heart. It is an extremely rare disease, striking only about 5 percent of all mesothelioma victims. The only known cause for pericardial mesothelioma is asbestos exposure, but it is not known exactly how the deadly asbestos fibers make their way to the heart. The most popular theory is that inhaled asbestos fibers travel through the bloodstream and become lodged in the pericardial sac. This type of mesothelioma is so uncommon that not enough evidence has been collected to prove or disprove the dispersal theory with certainty, but a significant number of patients have reported asbestos exposure.

Once asbestos enters the body, the tiny fibers lodge in the protective coverings of the lungs, abdomen, or in the case of pericardial mesothelioma, the heart. These coverings have a dual layer, and part of their function is to excrete a lubricating liquid that eliminates friction between organs and bones inside the body. This lubrication allows the body to move freely without damaging the organs.

The diagnosis of pericardial mesothelioma is so rare that most doctors would be likely to miss it until every other possible option was ruled out. There are no symptoms until the end stages of the disease, when the tumors block drainage and the lubricating liquid is trapped in the pericardial sac, putting pressure on the heart.

When pericardial mesothelioma is diagnosed, the patient is usually near death. If there are identifiable symptoms, it is usually too late to effectively exercise surgical or medical solutions. Proximity to the heart and the average age of mesothelioma patients rules out aggressive treatments and surgeries. Hospice or palliative care is the only viable option for most patients.

How Pericardial Mesothelioma Develops

Pericardial mesothelioma is a type of malignant cancer that attacks the protective covering over the heart, or the pericardium. The pericardium has two layers of specialized mesothelial cells that secrete lubricating liquid.

Asbestos fibers become lodged in the pericardial membrane and inflame the tissues. Eventually, the tumors become large enough to block the flow of liquids and cause the sac around the heart to swell. This puts pressure on the heart, impeding its natural rhythm and resulting in various symptoms.

Pericardial Mesothelioma Symptoms

• Irregular heart palpitations (arrhythmia)
• Pain and pressure in the chest
• Heart murmur
• Dry, hacking cough
• Breathing difficulty, even when resting
• Difficulty breathing in a prone position (lying down)
• Unusual fatigue
• Night sweating and fever