Pericardial Mesothelioma

Pericardial mesothelioma develops in the pericardium, a membrane made up of mesothelial cells that surrounds the heart and provides protection and support to this organ. The membrane is composed of two different layers - an outer layer called the parietal layer (called the heart sac or theca cordis), and an inner layer known as the visceral layer (called the epicardium). The parietal layer is part of a larger membrane that lines the entire chest cavity, while the visceral layer is the pericardial membrane that lines the heart.

The cause of pericardial mesothelioma is not very well understood as pleural mesothelioma which develops in the lining of the lungs, caused by inhalation of asbestos fibers. However many mesothelioma experts believe that inhaled asbestos fibers flow via the bloodstream from the lungs to the heart. But this is still a theory.

What is known is that asbestos fibers somehow become lodged in the pericardial membranes that surround the heart. When this occurs, the body can not expel  the asbestos fibers and they can remain stuck in the membranes. After 20 years or more, the asbestos fibers cause the cells of the pericardium to undergo changes that may result in cancer or tumor.

Once cells become cancerous they begin to divide more rapidly, without the restraint that regulates the growth cycles of normal healthy cells. As these malignant pericardial mesothelioma cells continue to grow they lead to the thickening of the pericardial membranes, and eventually cause tumors to develop. These changes in the pericardial membrane lead to the build-up of fluid between the pericardial layers, which, combined with the thickening of the layers, puts pressure on the heart.

Symptoms of Pericardial Mesothelioma

Pericardial mesothelioma is a rare type of cancer. The symptoms of this kind of cancer is also difficult, as they resemble symptoms of other heart conditions. Therefore pericardial mesothelioma need several different kind of tests to confirm the presence of cancer.  

Most pericardial mesothelioma symptoms are caused by the build-up of fluid and the thickening of pericardial layers. The symptoms that may indicate pericardial mesothelioma are heart palpitations or irregular heartbeat, fever or night sweats, feeling difficult to breath, and chest pain.

Pericardial mesothelioma does not have specific symptoms. Therefore to diagnose it quickly is very difficult.  To diagnose pericardial mesothelioma, a patient's symptoms, medical history, and current medical condition must all be assessed. The initial stages of diagnosis involve taking a medical history and undergoing a thorough physical examination.

Following these initial steps, a variety of imaging tests may be required to determine exactly where cancer is located. The final stage of diagnosis is a biopsy to confirm the point of origin of the cancer. A biopsy involves the removal of tissue or fluid from the pericardium, followed by laboratory tests of the tissue and fluid to confirm the presence of mesothelioma.

Cancer surgery treatment is not the best option.  However,  if the cancer still small and localized, surgery option could be carried out. But of course surgery carries big risk, simply due to the proximity of the heart.