Malignant Pericardial Mesothelioma; Primary Pericardial Mesothelioma; Primary Pericardial Malignant Mesothelioma

Pericardial Mesothelioma is a rare asbestos-related cancer that originates in the pericardium, the protective membrane lining the heart. This type of mesothelioma is very rare, accounting for less than 1 percent of malignant mesothelioma cases.

Clinical symptoms and signs are frequently nonspecific, and the diagnosis is usually made after surgery or at autopsy.

This form of cancer is most often diagnosed in people between the ages of 50 and 70, with the median age being 55. Approximately 60 percent of cases occur in men.

Due to its rarity and nonspecific symptoms, it is usually diagnosed late when the disease burden is extensive.

Diagnostic testing: The diagnosis of pericardial mesothelioma is made by a combination of :

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  Physical examination and medical history;

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  Echocardiogram;

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  Radionuclide;

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  Effusion cytology; and

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  Biopsy of pericardium.

Physical findings:

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  Compression of the heart by fluid;

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  Inflammation of the pericardium;

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  Night sweats;

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  Heart palpitations;

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  Chest pain;

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  Shortness of breath;

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  Unusual lumps of tissue under the skin of the chest;

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  Unexplained weight loss; and

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  Dry unproductive cough.

ICD-9: 164.1

ICD-10: C45.2

The prognosis for individuals with this cancer is the poorest of all forms of mesothelioma. The survival time for patients following their initial showing of symptoms is often less than six months.

There is no standard treatment for pericardial mesothelioma. The treatment options include surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, immunotherapy, or pericardiectomy (surgical procedure involving the partial or whole removal of the pericardium). Because most cases are diagnosed at later stages, these treatment are often palliative.

Suggested MER for Evaluation:

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  Biopsy; and

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  Pathology report confirming a diagnosis of pericardial mesothelioma.

Suggested Listings for Evaluation:

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