Pericardial mesothelioma is a result of asbestos exposure. It is a rare form of cancer which affects the pericardium. The pericardium is a protective layer made up of mesothelial cells which line the heart.

How the fibers travel to the heart and cause pericardial mesothelioma is not well understood. It is known that the asbestos fibers are inhaled and become lodged in the pericardium, but it is not well known how the fibers actually make it through the lungs and into the pericardial layer. (more…)

Mesothelioma cancer is caused by exposure to asbestos fibers. The fibers become lodged in the mesothelial cells which line the abdominal cavity, the lungs, and the heart. Since this is a cancer, it causes the mesothelial cells to become abnormal and rapidly divide. The cancer often spreads to other organs in the body once afflicted. (more…)