Pericardial mesothelioma refers to a form of mesothelioma that develops in the membrane which surrounds the heart. In a majority of cases, patients who develop Pericardial Mesothelioma have been exposed to asbestos in their home, work, or other setting. Asbestos was used in older insulation installations in many buildings, and individuals exposed to inhaling the tiny, sharp fibers within the insulation and construction materials are at a greater risk for developing the form of cancer known as mesothelioma.
Sometimes, these tiny asbestos fibers can go through an individual's bloodstream before becoming stuck, or lodged, in the thick membrane known as the pericardium. Once the fibers have lodged in this wall surrounding the heart, they may develop into malignant, cancerous tumors. Pericardial mesothelioma is the rarest form of mesothelioma; less then 200 cases have been reported, and these cases account for only six percent of all mesothelioma diagnoses. A variety of factors are behind the rarity of this condition, including: the length of time it takes for malignant tumors to develop in the pericardium (typically about fifteen years, but it can take up to thirty years for the disease to fully develop and be symptomatic), as well as the fact that mesothelioma often develops more readily in the lungs and chest cavity rather than the pericardial membrane. Mesothelioma tumors often form in other areas of the body rather than the heart cavity; however, it can also spread to the chest lining which can impact the heart cavity and cause pericardial mesothelioma to develop.
As a result of the rarity of this form of mesothelioma, treatment options are extremely limited and prognosis is poor for individuals diagnosed with pericardial mesothelioma. Treatment options are similar to traditional cancer treatments, including chemotherapy and radiation. Often, oncologists suggest draining the pericardial region of excess fluid to improve patient comfort. Unfortunately, because pericardial mesothelioma is often diagnosed in its latest stages, many patients die within six months to one year after receiving this diagnosis.
Early diagnosis of pericardial mesothelioma is problematic, as symptoms of this form of cancer replicate other more common medical conditions. Symptoms of pericardial mesothelioma include fatigue, chest pain or tightness, shortness of breath, and weight loss. Other, more rare symptoms, include low blood pressure, fluid retention in the arms and legs, and fainting spells. There are many other more common heart diseases that have the same symptoms and are often diagnosed before testing for pericardial mesothelioma is performed. Even if this form of mesothelioma is diagnosed in an early stage, the potential forms of treatment are often seen as too dangerous to other vital organs such as the heart and lungs, as they must not be exposed to large doses of radiation.
Individuals who worked in, built, or maintained facilities with asbestos insulation or other materials should consult their doctor if any of the symptoms of pericardial mesothelioma become present.Individuals and their families may be eligible for compensation from lawsuits for asbestos exposure. Those effected are encouraged to consult with local workplace injury attorneys for proper counsel once a diagnosis of pericardial mesothelioma has been made.
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