Malignant Mesothelioma

Malignant mesothelioma is a form of asbestos cancer that affects the thin tissue layer that surrounds the body's internal organs, a lining called the mesothelium.

How Many and What Type of Malignant Mesothelioma Deaths Occurred in 1999.

Medical professionals divide malignant mesothelioma into various categories depending on which area of the mesothelium is affected.

The most common form of malignant mesothelioma is pleural mesothelioma, which affects the pleural lining of the lungs. Peritoneal mesothelioma is the second most common form and affects the lining of the abdomen. This type accounts for approximately 10 to 20 percent of malignant mesothelioma cases. In much rarer cases, malignant mesothelioma can occur in the pericardium, the lining of the heart, or the tunica vaginalis, the lining around the testicles.

The only known cause of malignant mesothelioma is asbestos exposure. This form of cancer develops when asbestos fibers are inhaled or ingested and lodge in the pleura, peritoneum, or pericardium. Over time the fibers cause scarring and inflammation, and can eventually lead to cancer. The typical latency period between initial exposure and diagnosis of mesothelioma is between 20 and 50 years. Not everyone who is exposed to asbestos will develop malignant mesothelioma, yet there is no known minimum level of exposure that is considered free of the potential to cause disease later in life. Some persons who have been exposed to asbestos may develop less severe asbestos-related conditions, such as pleural plaques.

Types of Malignant Mesothelioma

In histological terms, malignant mesothelioma is divided into four types: epithelial, sarcomatoid, biphasic, and desoplastic (a variant of sarcomatoid mesothelioma). These classifications pertain to the shape and structure of the cancer cells.

Diagram of Malignant Mesothelioma Types.

Between 50 to 70 percent of malignant mesothelioma cases are epithelial, approximately 7 to 20 percent are sarcomatoid, and 20 to 35 percent are biphasic.

Diagnosing what type of malignant mesothelioma a patient has can be challenging. One contributing factor is that it can be difficult to differentiate mesothelioma from adenocarcinoma on small tissue specimens.

Treatment options are the same for every type, though some are handled more aggressively than others.

Pericardial Mesothelioma

Pericardial mesothelioma develops in the pericardium, a membrane made up of mesothelial cells that surrounds the heart and provides protection and support to this organ. The membrane is composed of two different layers - an outer layer called the parietal layer (called the heart sac or theca cordis), and an inner layer known as the visceral layer (called the epicardium). The parietal layer is part of a larger membrane that lines the entire chest cavity, while the visceral layer is the pericardial membrane that lines the heart.

How Does Asbestos Cause Pericardial Mesothelioma?

It has long been known that pleural mesothelioma, which develops in the lining of the lungs, is caused by inhalation of asbestos fibers. However, the way in which asbestos causes the development of pericardial mesothelioma is not very well understood.

Pericardial Mesothelioma occurs when asbestos lodges itself in and around the heart.

Some experts believe that inhaled asbestos fibers travel via the bloodstream from the lungs to the heart, although there is no conclusive evidence to support this theory.

What is known is that asbestos fibers somehow become lodged in the pericardial membranes that surround the heart. When this occurs, the body experiences extreme difficulty in eliminating the asbestos fibers and they can remain stuck in the membranes. Over a long period of time, sometimes two decades or more, the asbestos fibers cause the cells of the pericardium to undergo changes that may result in cancer.

Once cells become cancerous they begin to divide more rapidly, without the restraint that regulates the growth cycles of normal healthy cells. As these malignant pericardial mesothelioma cells continue to grow they lead to the thickening of the pericardial membranes, and eventually cause tumors to develop. These changes in the pericardial membrane lead to the build-up of fluid between the pericardial layers, which, combined with the thickening of the layers, puts pressure on the heart.

Symptoms of Pericardial Mesothelioma

Pericardial mesothelioma is a relatively rare form of cancer. For this reason, it has been difficult for mesothelioma specialists to develop a set of recognizable symptoms that can be used to help diagnose the disease.

Symptoms for pericardial mesothelioma can be very similar to other heart conditions, making it diffucult to diagnose.

An additional problem is that the symptoms of pericardial mesothelioma resemble symptoms of other heart conditions, and this makes the cancer relatively difficult to diagnose quickly. A pericardial mesothelioma diagnosis may require a variety of tests to confirm the presence of cancer.

Most pericardial mesothelioma symptoms are caused by the build-up of fluid and the thickening of pericardial layers. The following symptoms may indicate pericardial mesothelioma.

• Heart palpitations or irregular heartbeat
• Chest pain
• Difficulty breathing, even when at rest
• Fever or night sweats

Pericardial Mesothelioma Diagnosis

A fast and accurate diagnosis of pericardial mesothelioma is difficult, due to the non-specificity of the symptoms of this type of cancer.

X-Rays, CT Scans, and biopsys are often used to help diagnose pericardial mesothelioma.

To diagnose pericardial mesothelioma, a patient's symptoms, medical history, and current medical condition must all be assessed. The initial stages of diagnosis involve taking a medical history and undergoing a thorough physical examination.

Following these initial steps, a variety of imaging tests may be required to determine exactly where cancer is located. The final stage of diagnosis typically involves a biopsy to confirm the point of origin of the cancer. A biopsy involves the removal of tissue or fluid from the pericardium, followed by laboratory tests of the tissue and fluid to confirm the presence of mesothelioma.

Treatment for Pericardial Mesothelioma

Most people diagnosed with this form of mesothelioma are not good candidates for cancer surgery. However, there are rare cases where the cancer is diagnosed early, and surgery can be carried out to remove small, localized pericardial tumors. This type of surgery carries great risk, simply due to the proximity of the heart.

Prognosis for those with pericardial mesothelioma is grim and palliative treatment is usually the only option for people diagnosed with pericardial mesothelioma. This type of treatment is performed to improve a patient's quality of life, and reduce the severity of symptoms caused by the build-up of fluid in the pericardium. Fine needle aspiration may be carried out to remove excess fluid as well. In some cases, radiation therapy may be an option. Unfortunately, the proximity of the heart and lungs make this a risky prospect.

Peritoneal Mesothelioma

Malignant mesothelioma is a relatively rare type of cancer that develops in people who have experienced long-term or repeated exposure to asbestos. In America, peritoneal mesothelioma cases account for approximately 10 to 20 percent of the two to three thousand reported cases of mesothelioma each year.

Peritoneal mesothelioma develops in the abdomen, in the mesothelial cells that form the peritoneum. The peritoneum is a membranous layer that is made up of two 'sub-layers' called the parietal and visceral layers. The parietal layer covers the abdominal cavity, while the visceral layer surrounds abdominal organs. Together these two layers provide support and protection for abdominal organs and the abdominal cavity as a whole.

How Does Asbestos Cause Peritoneal Mesothelioma?

Once asbestos is inhaled it can effect many of the bodys different organs including the throat, lungs, stomach, heart and testicles.

There are two main theories regarding the method by which asbestos exposure leads to the development of peritoneal mesothelioma:

• Asbestos fibers are ingested, and these fibers work their way from digestive organs into the peritoneal membrane.
• Asbestos fibers are inhaled, and travel to the peritoneal membrane via the lymphatic system.

Regardless of how asbestos fibers actually enter the peritoneal layers, once they do enter the membrane, the body is unable to expel them. The fibers become trapped in the peritoneal membrane, and over a period of two or more decades, they cause certain changes in the mesothelial cells of the peritoneum.

The exact way in which asbestos fibers cause changes in these mesothelial cells is uncertain. One theory is that asbestos fibers cause long-term inflammation and irritation that eventually causes mesothelial cells to become cancerous. When cells become cancerous, they lose the ability to regulate their own division and growth. Cancerous mesothelial cells divide and grow without restraint, and this uncontrolled cell growth causes thickening of the peritoneum, and the build-up of fluid in the peritoneal layers. Over time, as cancerous cells continue to divide, tumors form.

Peritoneal Mesothelioma Symptoms

Most peritoneal mesothelioma symptoms are caused by membrane thickening, fluid build-up, and eventual tumor development, all of which put pressure on internal organs.

Peritoneal mesothelioma symptoms include:

• Abdominal pain or swelling
• Changes in bowel habits (such as diarrhea or constipation)
• Development of lumps under the skin on the abdomen
• Night sweats or fever
• Unexplained weight loss
• Nausea or vomiting
• Fatigue
• Anemia

Peritoneal Mesothelioma Diagnosis

A peritoneal mesothelioma diagnosis cannot be made on the basis of symptoms alone. The diagnostic process begins with a thorough medical history and physical examination, followed by sophisticated diagnostic testing, such as a CT scan, PET scan, or MRI.

X-Rays are the most common scans used to help diagnose peritoneal mesothelioma.

These tests can not only confirm a diagnosis of peritoneal mesothelioma, but also provide important information that will help determine the patient's best mesothelioma treatment options.

Following these imaging tests, a biopsy is usually performed to confirm that the cancer involved is indeed mesothelioma. A biopsy is a minor surgical procedure that involves the removal of fluid or tissue from the peritoneum.

After the biopsy, the fluid and tissue is tested in a laboratory for the presence of mesothelioma cells.

Treatment for Peritoneal Mesothelioma

One of the biggest stumbling blocks in treating peritoneal mesothelioma effectively stems from the fact that the disease is very difficult to diagnose in its early stages, therefore providing few treatment options.

Intraperitoneal chemotherapy is just one effective form of peritoneal mesothelioma treatment.

Some peritoneal mesothelioma patients can opt for intraperitoneal chemotherapy, in which drugs are injected directly into the peritoneum, immediately following surgery. In some cases, patients may undergo radiation therapy first - to shrink tumors - before undergoing surgery.

Most patients, however, are not good candidates for surgery; either because their cancer has spread too extensively or because their general health is not good enough to cope with the stress of surgery. These patients are usually limited to palliative treatment options. Palliative treatments do not attempt to cure a patient - instead they are designed to relieve symptoms and improve the quality of life for peritoneal mesothelioma patients.

Pleural Mesothelioma

Malignant mesothelioma is a rare form of cancer that can develop in those who have been exposed to asbestos. Two to three thousand Americans are diagnosed with this type of cancer each year, and of those, around two thirds have the pleural form of mesothelioma.

Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma Succeptablility by Country.

Pleural mesothelioma develops in the lining of the lungs. This lining is called the pleura, or pleural membrane, and it is made up of mesothelial cells. This pleural membrane consists of two layers - the parietal layer, and the visceral layer.

The parietal layer is an outer layer that lines the entire chest cavity and diaphragm, while the visceral layer is an inner layer that covers the lungs. Together, these two layers provide support and protection for the lungs and the chest cavity.

How Does Asbestos Cause Pleural Mesothelioma?

The method by which asbestos causes pleural mesothelioma is much better understood than for other types of mesothelioma. In cases of pleural mesothelioma, asbestos exposure occurs via inhalation of asbestos fibers. Once these fibers have entered the lungs, they work their way to the pleural membrane, and the body experiences great difficulty in expelling these fibers. Over a long period of time - typically two decades or more - asbestos fibers cause changes in these pleural cells, which may cause scarring of the lungs and, eventually, the formation of tumors.

When pleural cells become cancerous, they are no longer regulated by the mechanisms that control division of normal healthy cells. They begin to divide continuously, and this causes thickening of pleural membranes. As a result, lung capacity is reduced, and fluid begins to build up between pleural layers.

Symptoms of Pleural Mesothelioma

Thickening of pleural membrane layers and the resulting build-up of fluid (called pleural effusion) begins to put pressure on the lungs and the respiratory system in general, preventing normal breathing. Symptoms of pleural mesothelioma are largely caused by these developments, and may include the following:

Pleural mesothelioma specifically develops in the pleural lining of the lungs.

• Persistent dry or raspy cough
• Coughing up blood (hemoptysis)
• Difficulty in swallowing (dysphagia)
• Shortness of breath that occurs even when at rest (dyspnea)
• Persistent pain in the chest or rib area, or painful breathing
• Development of lumps under the skin on the chest
• Night sweats or fever
• Unexplained weight loss
• Fatigue

Pleural Mesothelioma Diagnosis

As with other types of mesothelioma, pleural mesothelioma is difficult to diagnose. There are two reasons for this. First, the long latency period of the disease means that cancer develops long before the first symptoms are noted. Second, the symptoms of pleural mesothelioma are very non-specific. In the early stages, pleural mesothelioma symptoms are often mistaken for those of less threatening diseases such as influenza and pneumonia.

X-rays or CT-Scans are often used to diagnose pleural mesothelioma.

Pleural mesothelioma diagnosis is made partly on the basis of symptoms, but because symptoms are non-specific, additional diagnostic tests are needed to confirm the presence of cancer.

Following a medical history review and physical examination, patients must typically undergo imaging tests to confirm the location of cancer, and fluid and tissue tests to confirm the type of cancer involved.

Treatment for Pleural Mesothelioma

All forms of mesothelioma are very aggressive and often resistant to treatment. In addition, early diagnosis is so rare that mesothelioma treatment is usually not able to provide a complete cure.

However, with the development of new drugs and early detection techniques, the outlook is improving for pleural mesothelioma patients in particular, because this is the most common form of mesothelioma and there is a much larger body of knowledge and research to draw upon in treating patients. According to some current studies, approximately 10 percent of all pleural mesothelioma patients will survive for three to five years following diagnosis, and about 5 percent will survive five years or more.

In general, pleural mesothelioma patients have three options: surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy. Typically, patients will receive a combination of two or more of these types of treatment.

Early detection of pleural mesothelioma can improve a patient's prognosis considerably, and such patients have more extensive treatment options. If the disease is diagnosed early enough, surgery to remove localized tumors, followed by chemotherapy or radiation therapy to kill any remaining cancer cells can be an effective treatment. Curative surgery candidates must be in a good general state of health, and their cancer must not have spread beyond localized sections of the lungs.

Pleural mesothelioma patients who are not diagnosed early enough for curative treatment have fewer treatment options, and these are mostly limited to palliative treatments. These types of treatments are designed to relive pain and discomfort to improve a patient's quality of life, rather than to improve their prognosis. Palliative treatments include removal of built-up fluid from the pleural spaces, and surgical removal of tumors to relieve pressure on the lungs.

Types of Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma is caused by long-term, repeated exposure to asbestos fibers. The disease is generally found in four different forms: pleural, peritoneal, pericardial, and testicular. In each case, the cancer develops in mesothelial cells, which form the membranous linings that surround and protect organs. The different names for each type of mesothelioma refer to the point of origin of the cancer.

Mesothelial membranes are made up of two different layers, called the parietal and visceral layers. Parietal layers are outer layers, and these typically cover large areas such as the chest cavity (in the case of pleural and pericardial membranes) and the abdominal cavity (as in the case of peritoneal membranes). Visceral layers are those that cover organs such as the lungs and heart. Mesothelioma develops in these membranes when asbestos fibers become trapped in the spaces between mesothelial cells.

Mesothelioma is a particularly aggressive type of asbestos cancer, and is highly resistant to treatment, resulting in very high mortality rates and poor prognosis for people diagnosed with the disease. In general, pleural mesothelioma responds more positively to treatment, particularly if the disease is diagnosed early. However, all forms of mesothelioma are difficult to diagnose, and unfortunately, it is common for the disease to be diagnosed too late for treatment to be effective.

Pleural Mesothelioma

Pleural mesothelioma develops in the mesothelial lining of the lungs, which is known as the pleura. About 75 percent of all mesothelioma cases are pleural.

Symptoms of pleural mesothelioma include difficulty swallowing, a persistent dry cough, persistent chest pain, or pain when breathing, and difficulty breathing even when resting. These mesothelioma symptoms result from pressure on the lungs and respiratory system, caused by thickening of the pleural membrane and fluid build-up between membrane layers. As the cancer advances, lumps may develop under the skin of the chest.

Diagnosis of pleural mesothelioma involves imaging tests such as chest x-rays, MRIs, and CT scans, and may also include biopsies that remove tissue and fluid to test for the presence of cancer cells. These tests also help determine the stage of the cancer and the options available for treatment. Generally, patients in stage one and two mesothelioma are good candidates for surgery, whereas patients in stages three and four have more limited treatment options, and may only be able to receive palliative treatments.

Peritoneal Mesothelioma

Peritoneal mesothelioma develops in the peritoneal lining of the abdominal cavity. This is a relatively rare form of mesothelioma; approximately 10 to 20 percent of all mesothelioma cases are peritoneal in nature.

Symptoms of peritoneal mesothelioma include pain or swelling of the abdomen, changes in bowel habits (such as constipation or diarrhea), unexplained weight loss, and nausea or vomiting. These symptoms are caused by thickening of peritoneal membranes and fluid build-up, which puts pressure on internal organs and prevents normal function of some organs. As the cancer advances, people with peritoneal mesothelioma may notice lumps developing under the skin of the abdomen.

Diagnosis of peritoneal mesothelioma involves imaging tests such as CT scans and MRIs, as well as biopsies of fluid and tissue to detect the presence of mesothelioma cells. There is currently no recognized staging process for peritoneal mesothelioma.

Peritoneal mesothelioma is problematic in terms of treatment, because the cancer can spread quickly throughout the peritoneum and often metastasizes more quickly than other types of mesothelioma. In some cases surgery is possible, but this is typically a palliative treatment option.

Pericardial Mesothelioma

Pericardial mesothelioma develops in the membrane that surrounds the heart, also known as the pericardium. This is a very rare form of mesothelioma, occurring in only 1 to 5 percent of cases. This form of mesothelioma is also very difficult to treat.

Symptoms of pericardial mesothelioma include irregular heartbeat or palpitations, chest pain, and difficulty breathing. These are caused by the pressure put on the heart by the build-up of fluid in the spaces between pericardial membrane layers.

It is very rare for pericardial mesothelioma to be diagnosed early enough for any form of treatment to be effective, and pericardial mesothelioma patients typically have an extremely poor prognosis. In very rare cases, the cancer may be diagnosed early enough for surgery to have a positive effect; however, the proximity of this cancer to the heart makes such surgery a high-risk mesothelioma treatment option.

Testicular Mesothelioma

Testicular mesothelioma is the rarest of all mesothelioma cancers, as less than one hundred cases have been recorded. This type of mesothelioma develops in the lining that surrounds the testicles, known as the tunica vaginalis.

Due to the extreme rarity of testicular mesothelioma, very little has been noted about its symptoms and the treatment options available. Often, the disease is not diagnosed until patients notice the appearance of testicular lumps. In some cases, surgery for an unrelated condition such as a hernia leads to the detection of testicular mesothelioma.

If the primary tumor has developed in the testicles, treatment involves removal of part or the entire affected testicle, followed by chemotherapy or radiation therapy. In many cases the testicular tumor is secondary, and the primary cancer is located in the peritoneum. In these cases, treatment follows established patterns for peritoneal mesothelioma in addition to removal of testicular tumors.

Mesothelioma Diagnosis

Mesothelioma is a serious cancer that advances quickly and aggressively. Unfortunately, diagnosis of this disease does not typically occur until later stages of development have been reached. This happens because mesothelioma has a very long latency period. In a typical case, between 20 to 50 years elapse between asbestos exposure and the onset of the first symptoms of mesothelioma.

The second reason that mesothelioma is so difficult to diagnose is that the early symptoms and warning signs of the disease are very non-specific and often resemble symptoms of other conditions that are much less serious. For example, the early symptoms of pleural mesothelioma may be mistaken for influenza or pneumonia, and this can result in misdiagnosis.

Initial Stages of Diagnosis

Studies show that mesothelioma patients are typically diagnosed within three to six months of their first visit to a doctor with complaints about breathing problems or chest and abdominal pain.

The first step involved in diagnosis is providing a full and accurate medical history to your doctor, including details about current and past health concerns, as well as the types of symptoms you are currently experiencing. A mention of any exposure to asbestos is essential. Without revealing this fact, your doctor may not consider asbestos-related diseases in his or her diagnosis.

Next, patients will undergo a physical examination, where a doctor will examine causes for any types of symptoms being displayed. Most likely, the doctor's next step will be to recommend further testing.

Diagnostic Tests

If your doctor suspects an asbestos-related disease, the next step in diagnosis is tests to confirm the presence of mesothelioma, determine the location, size and type of cancer involved, and to determine whether the asbestos cancer has spread to other parts of the body. This will often involve imaging tests such as:

• Chest X-ray: This is the most commonly used imaging test for the diagnosis of mesothelioma. Almost all diagnoses will involve an x-ray but a more sophisticated test may follow.
• CT Scan: An x-ray-like procedure in which several x-ray pictures are taken and combined with a computer to produce a detailed image of body tissues. If you undergo a CT scan, you may be given an intravenous injection of dye that helps produce more detailed images.
• PET Scan: Glucose solution is administered via intravenous injection, and a scanner is used to spot deposits of cancer cells. Malignant cells take up and use sugars more quickly than normal cells, so they can be easily distinguished using this procedure.
• MRI Scan: A combination of radio waves and a strong magnetic field is used to create detailed three-dimensional images that can be carefully examined by a radiologist.

Fluid and Tissue Tests

These tests, also known as biopsy tests, involve collecting small samples of fluid or tissue and checking them for the presence of cancer cells. Such tests include:

• Fine Needle Aspiration: Mesothelioma cancers cause fluid to build up in affected locations, such as in the pleural membrane of the lungs. During a fine needle aspiration, a doctor will remove a fluid sample using a very long, thin and hollow needle.
• Thoracoscopy: Thoracoscopy is used in cases where pleural or pericardial mesothelioma is suspected. During this procedure a very small incision is made in the chest wall, through which a sample of tissue is removed.
• Bronchoscopy and Laparoscopy: These procedures are similar to the thoracoscopy, but are performed on different parts of the body. The bronchoscopy is used to view the trachea and airway, while the laparoscopy is used to remove samples of peritoneal tissue.
• Mediastinoscopy: This procedure is used to view lymph nodes in the chest and neck, to determine if cancer has spread from its point of origin.

After Diagnosis

If you are diagnosed with mesothelioma, your doctor will recommend an "oncologist" (a cancer doctor), who is well-versed in treating the disease and will help determine the best options for treatment.

Mesothelioma Symptoms

Mesothelioma has earned a reputation as a cancer that is very difficult to treat effectively. This reputation is partly due to the fact that in early stages, mesothelioma symptoms are quite non-specific, making early diagnosis very difficult. In addition, the disease usually lays dormant for 15 to 50 years and symptoms do not appear until the cancer has reached its late stages.

Non-Specificity of Mesothelioma Symptoms

The initial symptoms of mesothelioma are often similar to symptoms of other diseases that are much less serious. For example, early symptoms of pleural mesothelioma (which develops in the pleural lining of the lungs) often resemble symptoms of influenza or pneumonia. Similarly, symptoms of pericardial mesothelioma (which develops in the pericardial lining of the heart) are similar to symptoms of other cardiac conditions.

If you have a history of asbestos exposure and experience any of the following symptoms, it is best to seek immediate medical advice. Also, in the interest of early detection, those who were exposed but have not yet exhibited symptoms should undergo regular chest x-rays or pulmonary function tests to monitor any adverse affects of asbestos inhalation.

Symptoms - Pleural Mesothelioma

Pleural mesothelioma is the most common form of the cancer. Approximately two-thirds of mesothelioma cases originate in the pleural lining of the lungs.

Known symptoms of pleural mesothelioma include:

• Persistent dry or raspy cough (typically non-productive, meaning there is little or no phlegm)
• Coughing up blood (hemoptysis)
• Difficulty in swallowing (dysphagia)
• Night sweats or fever
• Unexplained weight loss of 10 percent or more
• Fatigue
• Persistent pain in the chest or rib area, or painful breathing
• Shortness of breath (dyspnea) that occurs even when at rest
• The appearance of lumps under the skin on the chest

Symptoms of pleural mesothelioma occur as a result of thickening of the pleural membrane and the buildup of fluid between membrane layers, called the pleural space. Tissue thickening and fluid buildup put pressure on the lungs, leading to reduced respiratory function.

Peritoneal Mesothelioma Symptoms

Approximately 25 to 30 percent of mesothelioma cases originate in the lining of the abdominal cavity, known as the peritoneum. Peritoneal mesothelioma symptoms are caused by the thickening of the peritoneal membrane and the resulting build-up of fluid between membrane layers. These changes in membrane composition put pressure on the abdominal region and organs, leading to the following types of symptoms:

• Night sweats or fever
• Unexplained weight loss
• Swelling or pain in the abdomen
• Anemia
• Fatigue
• Diarrhea or constipation (in general, any change in bowel habits or regularity)
• Nausea or vomiting
• The appearance of lumps under the skin on the abdomen

Pericardial Mesothelioma Symptoms

Less than 5 percent of mesothelioma cases originate in the membranous lining of the heart, known as the pericardium. As the pericardium layers thicken due to growth of cancer cells, fluid builds up between membrane layers, which leads to impaired cardiac function and the following symptoms:

• Heart palpitations or irregular heartbeat
• Chest pain
• Difficulty breathing, even when resting (dyspnea)
• Fever or night sweats
• Generalized fatigue

Pericardial mesothelioma is so rare that the recognized body of symptoms is not as well-developed as with more common types of mesothelioma. It is a particularly difficult type of mesothelioma to diagnose, and this correlates to a poor prognosis among pericardial mesothelioma patients.

Testicular Mesothelioma Symptoms

Testicular mesothelioma is an extremely rare form of cancer, as less than 100 cases of testicular mesothelioma have been recorded in the last 60 years. With so few cases recorded, very little is known about the symptoms of this disease. However, if diagnosed early, it can be comparatively simple to treat in many cases. The only known symptom of testicular mesothelioma is the appearance of testicular lumps, and these may or may not be painful.

It is important to note that testicular mesothelioma may arrive spontaneously in the testicle or may be a secondary tumor. In the latter case, the primary cancer is typically peritoneal.