What Is Pericardial Mesothelioma and How Does It Affect Me?

Pericardial mesothelioma is an asbestos cancer that affects the membrane surrounding the heart, which is called the pericardium.  Mesothelioma in the heart is a rare form of mesothelioma, much rarer than pleural (lung) or peritoneal (abdominal) mesothelioma.

A mesothelioma study from the American Society of Clinical Oncology showed that 0.4 percent of all mesothelioma cases for males and 1.5 percent for women were pericardial mesothelioma—both very low percentages.  The study indicated that women were more vulnerable than men to developing pericardial mesothelioma.

What is the pericardium?

The pericardium is the membrane that surrounds the heart.  Similar to the lungs, there are two layers of pericardium.  The visceral layer encloses the heart, and the parietal layer lines the heart cavity wall.  The pericardium protects the heart and secretes a fluid that lubricates, reduces friction, and allows the heart to expand and contract smoothly when pumping blood.

What happens with mesothelioma in the heart?

Asbestos fibers can be found lodged in the pericardium, and they create a similar cycle of disease as when found in other bodily membrane areas.  The pericardium has difficulty breaking down the fibers, cells die, scar tissue accumulates, and eventually mesothelioma cancer cells develop.  As the pericardial layers thicken and fluid builds up in the pericardium, it puts pressure on the heart, often experienced as chest pain, heart palpitations, and difficulty breathing.

Diagnosing pericardial mesothelioma

Just like other types of mesothelioma, pericardial asbestos cancer symptoms mimic other diseases. Thus, it is difficult to diagnose, especially since pericardial mesothelioma is so rare.  Diagnosis begins with a physical examination, followed by CT scans, MRIs, and a biopsy to analyze fluid or tissue for mesothelioma cells.

Using surgery to treat pericardial mesothelioma may be difficult because the proximity to the heart makes it too risky.  The most commonly used treatment for pericardial mesothelioma is radiation.  In contrast to pleural and peritoneal mesothelioma, the six-month life expectancy for pericardial mesothelioma is the shortest.