Pericardial mesothelioma

Pericardial mesothelioma is also known as mesothelioma of the pericardium or cancer of the sac that holds the heart. The incidence of pericardial mesothelioma makes up less than 5 percent of all mesothelioma cases. Because pericardial mesothelioma is so rare, not as much is known about its disease processes.


In pericardial mesothelioma, layers of the pericardium thicken as the cancer cells grow, which results in a build-up of fluid between membrane layers. This build-up of fluid eventually impairs cardiac function.


Pericardial mesothelioma symptoms may cause:

• Chest pain
• Shortness of breath
• Generalized fatigue