Pericardial Mesothelioma

Pericardial mesothelioma develops in the pericardium, the sac which surrounds the heart. Pericardial mesothelioma is extremely rare, accounting for only about 5% of mesothelioma cases. Although the causation of pericardial mesothelioma is not understood as well as those of the pleural and peritoneal forms of the disease, pericardial mesothelioma can also be caused by asbestos exposure.

Because of the location of the tumor, pericardial mesothelioma is particularly difficult to diagnose and treat. In most cases, treatment is purely palliative. Tragically, the median life expectancy for patients with pericardial mesothelioma is less than 6 months.