Pericardial Mesothelioma - Causes, Symptoms and Diagnosis

Pericardial mesothelioma is the rarest form of mesothelioma that originates in the pericardium, which is a membrane of the heart. Recent studies suggest that pericardial mesothelioma accounts for approximately 1 to 6 percent of all types of mesothelioma cases. Approximately, 150 cases have been presented in medical history and approximately 200 cases have been reported worldwide so far. According to scientists, pericardial mesothelioma is more serious than other forms of mesothelioma, as the cancer occurs in the area around the heart.

Causes of Pericardial Mesothelioma

Researchers continue to investigate as to how this cancer develops; however, experts believe that asbestos fibers are the major causes of this pericardial mesothelioma. Asbestos is a naturally occurring toxic mineral that was used in industries. Inhaled asbestos fibers are absorbed through the bloodstream from the lungs to the heart and become lodged in the pericardial membrane. Once lodged in the pericardium, chronic inflammation process and formation of tumors occur, similar to what occurs in the more common pleural mesothelioma.

Symptoms of Pericardial Mesothelioma

Symptoms of pericardial mesothelioma do not typically manifest in the patients until the later stages of the disease, because symptoms of pericardial mesothelioma are associated with other heart conditions, making the cancer difficult to accurately diagnose. In addition, the extreme rarity of pericardial mesothelioma makes pericardial mesothelioma diagnosis a difficult process.

The growth of tumors in the pericardial region causes the expansion of tissue and allows fluid to accumulate around the heart that causes thickening of pericardial layers. The fluid can impede the functioning of the heart. Some common symptoms are:

  • Chest pain
  • Shortness of breath
  • Heart palpitations(arrhythmia)
  • Persistent coughing
  • Extreme fatigue
  • Heart murmurs
  • Fatigue
  • Fever or night sweats
  • Difficulty breathing (dyspnea)
  • Orthopnea (dyspnea which occurs when lying down)

Symptoms can vary from patient to patient and are influenced by various factors such as location and size of the tumor and the overall health of the patient. Like other types of mesothelioma, symptoms do not typically arise until the advanced stage of cancer. However, an early diagnosis is often attained when mesothelioma is detected before the symptoms arise.

Pericardial Mesothelioma Diagnosis

Since symptoms of pericardial mesothelioma can be very similar to other heart conditions, therefore physicians often fail to carry out pericardial mesothelioma diagnosis. A pericardial mesothelioma diagnosis includes a variety of tests such as X-rays, MRI, and biopsy to confirm the presence of cancer. Patient's symptoms, medical history and current medical condition also assists with the diagnoses of the disease.

Treatment Options for Pericardial Mesothelioma

Unfortunately, poor prognosis of pericardial mesothelioma makes the diagnosis process extremely difficult. Approximately, over half of the patients with pericardial mesothelioma die within the first half year after a diagnosis. Since there is no cure for pericardial mesothelioma, oncologists usually suggest several treatment options for pericardial mesothelioma that help patients manage the disease, maintain comfort and improve the overall quality of life for the patient.

Chemotherapy is the treatment option for pericardial mesothelioma patients. It is recommended to carefully consider this option as it can greatly compromise one's quality of life while providing little or no chance for a cure. Pericardial mesothelioma patients may experience a response rate as high as 40% to the chemotherapy drug Gemcitabine.

Radiation therapy is another treatment method for pericardial mesothelioma, used to reduce the buildup of fluid.

Surgery is the best option for treating pericardial mesothelioma if the tumor is localized to the pericardium. However, it is rarely suggested, because of the location of the disease and the risk of grave damage to the tumor area. Surgery may be used to remove a small piece of the affected pericardium or to remove the fluid around the heart.

As pericardial mesothelioma is usually diagnosed in its advanced stages, most patients die within a year. Diagnostic treatments and methods are recently being tested in clinical trials to prolong a patient's life expectancy. Moreover, pericardial mesothelioma patients may be eligible for financial compensation if they were exposed to asbestos at their workplace.