Family Learning Center

Pericardial mesothelioma is a form of mesothelioma that affects the lining of the heart,

(pericardium).

Mesothelioma affects various body organs and therefore has several forms including pleural mesothelioma (affecting the lining of the lungs) and peritoneal mesothelioma (affecting the lining of the stomach). However, pericardial mesothelioma, affecting the lining of the heart, is the rarest form of mesothelioma.

Pericardial mesothelioma is the most rare form of mesothelioma, found in less than 10% of Mesothelioma cases (about 200 new cases yearly). Because it is so rare, little research has been conducted to better understand the symptoms of this disease and how it progresses.

In pleural mesothelioma, tiny asbestos fibers are inhaled and lodge in the lungs. However, it is not clear how these tiny fibers reach the lining of the heart. One theory is that the asbestos pieces that are inhaled and lodged in the lungs break down and are carried through the bloodstream, lodging in the heart lining. Once this occurs, chronic inflammation leads to the development of cancerous tissue.

Once cancer tumors begin to develop, the tissue expands and fluid accumulation occurs, resulting in:

· Irregular heartbeat

· Chest pain

· Shortness of breath

· Persistent cough

Malignant mesothelioma is an uncommon cancer, difficult to diagnose, and poorly responsive to treatment. By the time symptoms appear and the cancer is diagnosed, the disease is often advanced. The average survival time is about one year. However, if the cancer is found early and treated aggressively, almost half of the patients reach the two-year mark, and about 20% survive five years.