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Living with Pericardial mesothelioma

A very rare cancer of the thin lining around the heart, linked to asbestos.

Understanding Pericardial mesothelioma

Pericardial mesothelioma is a rare, asbestos-related cancer that starts in the pericardium, the protective lining of the heart.

It makes up less than 1% of malignant mesothelioma cases. It is most often diagnosed between ages 50 and 70. About 60% of cases occur in men. Symptoms are often general, so diagnosis is usually late, when the disease is extensive.

Signs & symptoms

GARD doesn't list specific symptoms for this condition yet.

Not everyone has every symptom. GARD's list comes from the Human Phenotype Ontology.

Diagnosis

  1. Talk with your doctor

    Share the symptoms you've noticed, when they started and your family health history. Notes and photos can help.

  2. See a specialist

    Specialists who may be involved include cancer specialists and heart and blood vessel specialists.

  3. Ask which tests can help

    Your care team will decide which exams and tests can confirm the diagnosis.

Care & treatment

Care team
Cancer specialists (oncologists); Heart and blood vessel specialists (cardiologists)
Expert care
Ask about multidisciplinary care centers for rare conditions
Treatment
GARD doesn't list specific treatments for this condition. Your care team will tailor care to your symptoms.
Research
Clinical trials and observational studies may be options. See the research section below.

General information, not medical advice. Your care team makes the decisions.

Everyday life

Living with a rare condition is easier with support.

  • Connect with Mesothelioma Guide
  • Keep notes on symptoms, changes and questions for appointments
  • Ask about patient registries that help research
  • Look into financial aid and travel resources for care visits
Bring these questions to your next doctor visit
Which tests can confirm the diagnosis?
What treatment options are there for a tumor in this location?
Should I talk about past asbestos exposure and any related benefits or support?

Quick facts

GARD says this cancer is related to asbestos exposure. It doesn't describe other causes.

Also known as: malignant mesothelioma (disease) of pericardium; malignant mesothelioma of pericardium; malignant mesothelioma of the pericardium; malignant pericardial mesothelioma; pericardial malignant mesothelioma; pericardium malignant mesothelioma (disease)

Patient organizations

Source: NIH GARD · Pericardial mesotheliomaGARD ID 23676 · GARD page updated September 2026 · Plain-language summary by Know Rare; editorial review pending. General information, not medical advice.

You are more than your diagnosis

Perspectives from people navigating life with Pericardial mesothelioma.

Explore the Pericardial mesothelioma blog

Explore research for Pericardial mesothelioma

Explore actively recruiting Pericardial mesothelioma studies with HealthSpark.

HealthSpark

Find actively recruiting studies for Pericardial mesothelioma with HealthSpark. Share your city to explore research near you.

  • Recruiting studies from ClinicalTrials.gov
  • Share your city to look for research near you
  • Eligibility is confirmed by the study team

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Powered by HealthSpark, our AI chat helper · Study information from ClinicalTrials.gov · Eligibility is confirmed by the study team.

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