Pericardial Mesothelioma

Pericardial mesothelioma is a primary malignant pericardial tumor, distinct from benign mesothelioma of the atrioventricular node. Arises from intracardiac lymphatic endoderm and mesodermal mesothelial cells; mostly diffuse growth involving parietal/visceral pericardium, causing widespread thickening; often extends to adjacent tissues including superficial myocardium; may metastasize to local nodes but rarely to abdominal organs/bone marrow; few are localized. Lacks distinct histologic features; often a diagnosis of exclusion.

Common Symptoms

Chest pain; myocardial infarction; weight loss; dyspnea; pericarditis; cardiac tamponade; jugular venous distension; pericardial effusion; paradoxical pulse; orthopnea

Causes and Pathogenesis

(1) Etiology: some link to asbestos/fiberglass exposure, classified as asbestosis/occupational disease, but not universal. (2) Mechanism: arises from intracardiac lymphatic endoderm/mesodermal mesothelial cells; diffuse growth thickens pericardium; extends to myocardium; local node metastasis possible; distant metastasis rare; few localized. Histology: diagnosis of exclusion.

Treatment

Surgery, drug, supportive therapy

Preventive Measures

Tumor prevention differs from infectious disease: complex etiology/mechanism; focus on cause removal, precancerous disease treatment, comprehensive treatment to reduce mortality. Early detection/diagnosis/treatment: localized disease primary surgical resection (rarely complete); diffuse disease: pericardial window/pericardiectomy relieves symptoms but prognosis poor.

Department to Visit

It is recommended to visit the Cardiology department; an appointment can be booked on this platform before the visit.

Warm reminder: The above information is for health science reference only and cannot replace professional medical diagnosis. If you have related symptoms, please seek medical attention at a regular hospital promptly.