Pericardial mesothelioma is mesothelioma of the pericardium. The pericardium is the lining that surrounds the heart. This thin membrane surrounds the heart and lines that area of the pleural cavity around the heart. It produces a lubricating fluid that fills the chest cavity around the heart. The smooth tissue of the pericardium and the fluid protect the heart as it expands and contracts preventing friction when tissues rub against each other. When mesothelioma develops in the pericardium, tumors grow and eventually surround the heart. These tumors restrict the movement of the heart, preventing it from effectively pumping blood throughout the body. They also become large enough to limit the space available for the heart to expand.
Other rare forms of mesothelioma include mesothelioma of the ovaries and the scrotum. In these cancers tumors grow on and surround the tissues preventing proper function of the organs. Mesothelioma occasionally, but very rarely, develops in children. The cause remains unclear and is not believed to be asbestos-related.
