Pericardial mesothelioma originates in the pericardium,an extremely rare form of cancer that develops in the lining around the heart (the pericardium). Caused by asbestos,
It is a rare form of mesothelioma and only accounts for 1 percent of all diagnoses.
The cause of this tumor is unknown and it has a very poor prognosis. Exposure to asbestos is correlated with the onset of pleural and peritoneal mesothelioma; however, the role of asbestos in pericardial mesothelioma is unclear. Here we highlight the radiological features of this rare tumor and its correlative pathological confirmation
When a mesothelioma tumor forms anywhere in the pericardial cavity, it will, over a long period of time, grow, become malignant, and eventually metastasize to other parts of the chest and abdomen. This cancer will eventually affect the cardiovascular system once it develops, with devastating consequences to the heart and lungs
It is a rare form of mesothelioma and only accounts for 1 percent of all diagnoses.
Pericardial Mesothelioma
But there are surgical and chemotherapeutic options that can extend survival timeThe cause of this tumor is unknown and it has a very poor prognosis. Exposure to asbestos is correlated with the onset of pleural and peritoneal mesothelioma; however, the role of asbestos in pericardial mesothelioma is unclear. Here we highlight the radiological features of this rare tumor and its correlative pathological confirmation
Pericardial mesothelioma gets its name from the part of the body where it is found, the pericardium. The pericardium is the protective double-walled sac which surrounds the heart. This sac contains pericardium fluid, which protects the heart and its associated veins and arteries from external jolts or shocks.
When a mesothelioma tumor forms anywhere in the pericardial cavity, it will, over a long period of time, grow, become malignant, and eventually metastasize to other parts of the chest and abdomen. This cancer will eventually affect the cardiovascular system once it develops, with devastating consequences to the heart and lungs
pericardial mesothelioma less than pleural or peritoneal types. As more cases of pericardial mesothelioma surface, researchers will develop more treatment options
symptoms of pericardial mesothelioma
- Chest pains
- Cough
- Pericardial effusion
- Irregular heartbeat
- Murmurs
- Heart palpitations
- Difficulty breathing
- Constant and acute cough
- Fluid in the pericardial space
- Fever and night sweats
- Paradoxical pulse
- Weight loss
- Generalized weakness
Causes
- When people come into contact with asbestos
- by directly handling materials that contain asbestos
Researchers confirm the pleural and peritoneal types of the cancers are primarily caused by exposure to asbestos, yet the causes of the pericardial type are less definitive
Diagnosis
use imaging tests, such as a CT scan or MRI, to locate the source of the symptoms
- X-ray, CT scan or MRI
- Pericardiocentesis
- Pericardioscopy
- Echocardiogram
Treatment
- Pericardiectomy
- Chemotherapy
- Clinical trials