Pericardial mesothelioma affects the pericardium, the tissue that surrounds the heart that supports and protects the organ. It is highly fatal, but fortunately, it is very rare. It accounts for only an estimated six percent of all mesothelioma incidences annually.
What Causes Pericardial Mesothelioma?
The primary cause of pericardial mesothelioma is thought to be asbestos inhalation. It is highly lethal, but fortunately rare. Asbestos is a naturally occurring, but toxic, mineral that was used in industrial capacities. While the precise route by which microscopic asbestos fibers reaches the pericardial lining is not known, mesothelioma doctors surmise that inhaled asbestos fibers are absorbed into the bloodstream and become entangled in the heart's lining as the blood processes through the heart. Malignant mesothelioma occurring in other parts of the body, such as in the pleura or peritoneum, can also metastasize to the pericardial lining.
How is Pericardial Mesothelioma Diagnosed?
Pericardial Mesothelioma Symptoms at a Glance
- Heart palpitations or irregular heartbeat (arrhythmia)
- Chest pain
- Heart murmurs
- Dry cough
- Difficulty drawing a breath, even at rest
- Orthopnea (struggling to breathe when lying down)
- Fatigue
- Fever
- Night sweats
The diagnosis of pericardial mesothelioma is based on the patient's medical history and symptoms. In the initial stages, diagnosis involves physical examination and medical history. Different imaging tests can be required to confirm the cancer location. X-Ray and MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) effectively detect the disease and show the extent of its development. Diagnosis of pericardial mesothelioma in its final stage usually consists of biopsy to confirm the cancer's origin. Biopsy involves the fluid (pericardiocentesis) or tissue’s removal from pericardium, which are sent to the laboratory for testing and confirmation.
How is Pericardial Mesothelioma Treated?
Most people diagnosed with this form of mesothelioma are not good candidates for cancer surgery . However, there are rare cases where the cancer is diagnosed early, and surgery can be carried out to remove small, localized pericardial tumors. This type of surgery carries great risk, simply due to the proximity of the heart.
Prognosis for those with pericardial mesothelioma is grim and palliative treatment is usually the only option for people diagnosed with pericardial mesothelioma. This type of treatment is performed to improve a patient's quality of life, and reduce the severity of symptoms caused by the build-up of fluid in the pericardium. Fine needle aspiration may be carried out to remove excess fluid as well. In some cases, radiation therapy may be an option. Unfortunately, the proximity of the heart and lungs make this a risky prospect.
Treatment for this type of mesothelioma is almost purely palliative. Roughly 50 to 60 percent of pericardial mesothelioma patients are claimed by the disease within six months of diagnosis. One patient survived five years following treatment of partial surgical resection and radiation. One other patient survived one year after a similar treatment approach.
Sources: 1, 2, 3, 4