Pericardial Mesothelioma Causes

Some researchers argue that the most common cause of pericardial mesothelioma is through metastasis with several studies stating that primary pericardial mesothelioma is extremely rare and may even be benign.

Pericardial mesothelioma causes. Researchers confirm the pleural and peritoneal types are primarily caused by exposure to asbestos yet the causes of the pericardial type are less definitive. The causal relationship between asbestos exposure and this type of mesothelioma is not fully understood. Further symptoms may arise due to compression of coronary arteries and local spread into the surrounding great vessels. Asbestos is a mineral that s found naturally in the environment.

While pleural and peritoneal mesotheliomas are strongly associated with asbestos exposure the link is weaker with pericardial mesothelioma. It is caused by asbestos fibers lodged in the lining of the heart. Pericardial mesothelioma pericardial mesothelioma is an extremely rare form of asbestos cancer that develops in the pericardium a membrane that lines the heart. This results in tumors in the pericardium the protective lining around the heart.

The only known cause of pericardial mesothelioma is exposure to asbestos a naturally occurring mineral that has been used in common household and industrial building products for decades. Having a family history of this cancer and being exposed to asbestos over a long period of time are the two strongest risk factors. Asbestos fibers are strong and resistant to heat making them useful in a wide variety of applications such as in insulation brakes shingles flooring and many other products. Pericardial thickening and effusions prevent the heart from expanded and contracting normally.

Pericardial mesothelioma is extremely rare. The buildup of excess fluid in the pericardial sac pericardial effusion and thickening of the pericardium cause many of the symptoms of this disease. Some patients have extended their life expectancy more than a year with the right treatment. Prognosis is extremely poor with most cases being diagnosed only after an autopsy.

Common clinical manifestations of pericardial mesothelioma are constrictive pericarditis pericardial effusion cardiac tamponade and heart failure caused by myocardial infiltration. The onset of symptoms is usually insidious. Dyspnea or difficulty breathing. This is particularly true when the tumors begin in young people.

Most mesotheliomas are thought to be related to asbestos exposure. It is one of the rarest forms of mesothelioma accounting for 1 2 of all diagnoses. Like pleural mesothelioma causes are thought to include exposure to asbestos. The primary cause of pericardial mesothelioma remains a mystery.