Pericardial Mesothelioma
What Is Pericardial Mesothelioma?
Pericardial mesothelioma develops in the thin membrane surrounding the heart, known as the pericardium. It’s one of the rarest types of asbestos-related cancers. Treatment options are few because the heart lining, which is where tumors develop, is too close to the heart. There are some cases where surgery can help remove small tumors. There have been approximately 200 cases of pericardial mesothelioma reported in medical literature, which is only 1 percent of all known diagnosed mesotheliomas.
Pericardial mesothelioma is a rare and aggressive form of cancer that affects the pericardium, which is the thin membrane surrounding the heart. This type of mesothelioma is caused by exposure to asbestos fibers, typically through inhalation, which can embed in the tissues around the heart and lead to cancerous growths over time.
Almost all mesotheliomas can be traced to asbestos exposure, but medical researchers continue to study the link between asbestos and cancer of the pericardium. Studies are clear on how inhaled microscopic fibers reach the lungs, but less clear on how the fibers reach the heart.
This form of cancer strikes twice as many men as women, and is most often diagnosed in people between the ages of 50 and 70. Like the other types of mesothelioma, the disease develops over a long period of time, and is typically discovered at a later stage. Symptoms include chest pain, fatigue and shortness of breath. Diagnosis is difficult because symptoms mimic those of other disorders.
Due to its rarity and complex nature, pericardial mesothelioma requires specialized medical care and legal assistance for those seeking to understand their options and pursue justice.
Were you diagnosed with pericardial mesothelioma? Contact us online or call 844-857-SWMW to discuss your legal options with a member of our team.
Pericardial Mesothelioma Symptoms
Most pericardial mesothelioma patients experience symptoms that resemble those of other heart conditions long after the cancer initially develops, making the cancer difficult to accurately diagnose.
Most symptoms are caused by the buildup of fluid and the thickening of pericardial layers. The presence of any of these symptoms should be followed by a visit to the doctor with recommended screenings such as an X-ray or CT scan.
The following symptoms may indicate pericardial mesothelioma. However, they could also mean a number of other heart conditions. If you experience these symptoms, make an appointment with your physician immediately.
Symptoms of pericardial mesothelioma include:
- Heart palpitations or irregular
- heartbeat (arrhythmia)
- Murmurs
- Shortness of breath when lying flat
- Fatigue
- Night sweats
- Difficulty breathing, even when at rest (dyspnea)
- Cough
- Chest pain
- Fever
Because pericardial mesothelioma is so rare, it is often mistaken for another heart condition. It is crucial to meet with a specialist for a second opinion.
Why is Pericardial Mesothelioma Rare?
Pericardial mesothelioma is considered rare for several reasons:
- Location and Exposure: Unlike pleural mesothelioma, which affects the lining of the lungs and is more common due to direct inhalation of asbestos fibers, pericardial mesothelioma develops in the pericardium, the thin membrane surrounding the heart. Exposure to asbestos fibers reaching the pericardium is less common compared to exposure in the lungs.
- Barriers to Asbestos Reach: The pericardium is somewhat protected from direct contact with asbestos fibers because they primarily reach the lungs through inhalation. Asbestos fibers would need to travel through the bloodstream or lymphatic system to reach the pericardium, which is less likely compared to direct inhalation into the lungs.
- Delayed Symptoms and Diagnosis: Symptoms of pericardial mesothelioma can be nonspecific and mimic other heart and lung conditions. This can lead to delays in diagnosis and underreporting of cases, contributing to its rarity.
- Aggressive Nature: Pericardial mesothelioma tends to be more aggressive than other types due to its location near the heart, complicating treatment options and reducing survival rates. This may further contribute to its classification as a rare form of cancer.
- Limited Research and Awareness: Compared to more common forms of cancer, pericardial mesothelioma has received less research attention and public awareness. This can contribute to its perceived rarity and the challenges in understanding its causes and treatment strategies.
Overall, the combination of limited exposure pathways, delayed diagnosis, aggressive nature, and relatively low incidence contributes to pericardial mesothelioma being considered a rare form of cancer.
What Our Clients Say About Working With SWMW Law
At SWMW Law, we’re more than legal advocates — we’re a source of support during the most difficult times in our clients’ lives. We’re proud to be trusted by families across the country, and even prouder to share what they have to say about working with us.
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“SWMW did an amazing job! They started the process with my father but during the process my father passed. They were so helpful when it came to us, his children, taking over in place of my dad. They answered every call and were extremely patient and supportive of us. They really did a great job with keeping us informed and educated. They fought for us. I would recommend them to anyone that hears the diagnosis of Mesothelioma. They will fight for you 100% of the way. Thank you SWMW Team for your support and patience! We truly appreciate all of you! – The Anderson’s”
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I would personally like to thank you and your staff for how you’ve have helped me and my family with a bit of our loss. It doesn’t bring my dear wife back, but it helps relieve some of our daily stress as we push on. Thank you.
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Everyone at SWMW Law have went above & beyond. They’ve been so compassionate & so very helpful. I really didn’t think I would be getting anything for my late husband. I feel like they have found every way possible to get something in the memory of my late husband. He didn’t deserve to pass the way he did, & SWMW Law are making sure his death wasn’t in vain. Ty you to Lyndsy & everyone who has put long hours into helping me. My deepest appreciation to you all.
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I am very impressed with the quality of work that SWMW Law has done for me. All of my questions were answered quickly and everyone I had contact with were very kind and professional. I would highly recommend this law firm. Thanks to everyone at the firm for all that you have done for me.
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I cannot say enough wonderful things about the SWMW Law Firm. This firm has a team of amazing, smart and professional attorneys and staff. They really care about their clients and go above and beyond to obtain justice. If I could give them more than 5 stars I would!! Thank you all for your incredible work that you do!
Treatments for Pericardial Mesothelioma
Treatment options are limited because the heart lining rests so closely to the heart itself and could easily damage this important and delicate organ. Most patients with pericardial mesothelioma are not ideal candidates for surgery. Surgery near this area is extremely dangerous because of the close proximity to the heart.
The four primary treatment options for pericardial mesothelioma are pericardiectomy, chemotherapy, palliative treatment and fine needle aspiration.
Pericardiectomy
Patients whose doctors they decide are good candidates for surgery may choose to undergo a pericardiectomy, the surgical process of removing part or all of the pericardium. This procedure can relieve pressure and minimize fluid buildup, allowing the heart to continue functioning properly. A pericardiocentesis is a less invasive procedure that removes excess fluid from the pericardium to relieve pressure around the heart.
Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy is an option that is normally considered for asbestos-related cancers, but the clinical benefits seen in pericardial patients who received this treatment were minimal. Similarly, radiation therapy, which is considered one of the primary therapies for most peritoneal and pleural cases, is considered minimally effective for this rare cancer.
Palliative Treatment
Palliative treatment options are the most viable and common treatments, which aim to minimize pain and reduce the symptoms caused by the buildup of fluid in the pericardium. Essentially, palliative care can improve quality of life and make patients more comfortable. Palliative treatments can include therapies that relieve pain and pressure around the heart, such as a pericardiocentesis or pain medication.
Fine Needle Aspiration
Another treatment that removes excess fluid is known as a fine needle aspiration. This palliative procedure is more commonly used as a diagnostic method for pleural mesothelioma patients but can provide comfort for certain patients.
If you have mesothelioma, call us anytime day or night at 844-857-SWMW or contact us online.
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