Pericardial mesothelioma is cancer that begins in the mesothelium around the heart. It is the rarest of the types of mesothelioma and accounts for only a small percent of the 2000 – 3000 mesothelioma cases that are diagnosed each year.
How does Pericardial Mesothelioma Form?
How does Pericardial Mesothelioma Form?
As is the case with other types of mesothelioma, pericardial mesothelioma is primarily caused by asbestos exposure. In some people, the fibers migrate to the mesothelial lining where, over years, they cause changes to the cells that eventually lead to mesothelioma. In pericardial mesothelioma, fibers that were breathed in or swallowed migrate from the esophagus, trachea, lungs or stomach to the heart.
Diagnosis and Treatment
As is true for other types of mesothelioma, such as pleural mesothelioma and peritoneal mesothelioma, pericardial mesothelioma is rarely detected early. Early detection is important because it usually offers the patient more treatment options that may help them survive longer and have a better quality of life.
Because mesothelioma is so rare, and pericardial mesothelioma is even rarer, it can take months for the disease to be diagnosed.
Symptoms
Those with pericardial mesothelioma may experience some or all of these symptoms:
* Discomfort, pressure or pain in the chest
* Shortness of breath
* Persistent cough
* Heart palpitations
* Fatigue
* A general feeling of being unwell
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