Mesothelioma is not only the cancer that affects the lungs, but it also affects the serous membranes. These membranes line the organ cavities in the center of the body. These membranes secrete fluids that lubricate the organs within those cavities. The lungs in the chest cavity are sheathed with pleura and the lubrication provided by them helps in breathing. The abdominal cavity is lined by peritoneum that comes under the peritoneal cavity.

The pericardial cavity consists of the heart. Pericardium is a membrane that surrounds the heart. Pericardial mesothelioma is one of the types of mesothelioma cancer. It is a rare type of cancer that affects the pericardium. Pericardial mesothelioma makes up only ten percent of mesothelioma cases. This cancer is also associated to asbestos exposure like other types of mesothelioma.  There is no direct pathway from outside the body to the pericardium for the asbestos particles. Some tiny asbestos particles find their way from the lungs through the pleura to attack the pericardial mesothelium. Fine asbestos particles are carried out of the lungs by the blood, and these particles get wedged in the heart lining as the blood is pumped through the heart.

When the asbestos particles get lodged in the heart lining, they cause irritation and chronic inflammation that may lead to the growth of cancerous tumors like those seen in pleural mesothelioma. These tumors constrict the movement of the heart and hinder its functioning. This results in severe chest pain and irregular heartbeat. These symptoms are seen when the pericardial mesothelioma has reached far enough. Problems like shortness of breath and coughing are also observed in some patients.

The treatment options for pericardial mesothelioma are limited since the symptoms are shown when the cancer has reached its later stages. Surgery and radiation therapy are the treatment options for pericardial mesothelioma. But rather than removing or curing the cancer you can go in for palliative treatments. The life span expected after the diagnosis of the cancer is barely a couple of months.