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Updated: Jun 16, 2026

Generation and Expansion of Primary, Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma Tumor Lines
Published on: April 21, 2022
Primary malignant mesothelioma of the pericardium
Junaid Patel1, Mary N Sheppard
1National Heart and Lung Institute, Imperial College, London, UK. junaid.patel@ic.ac.uk
Abstract:
Primary malignant pericardial mesothelioma is an extremely rare tumor. One of the largest autopsy series gave an incidence of primary pericardial tumors of 0.0022%, of which mesothelioma is the most common type. A male predominance of the disease has been described, and the majority of cases occur in the fourth to seventh decades of life. Unlike peritoneal and pleural mesothelioma, there has been no definite correlation between asbestos exposure and pericardial disease. Malignant pericardial mesothelioma carries a poor prognosis with few successful treatment strategies and little benefit from radiation and chemotherapy. We report a case of a 66-year-old man who presented with shortness of breath, right shoulder pain, and peripheral edema of the lower limbs. A large pericardial effusion was seen on echocardiography, which was drained but the patient died the following day. A malignant tumor was found on autopsy and a final diagnosis of primary malignant pericardial mesothelioma was made following histopathological examination.
Insights
Primary malignant pericardial mesothelioma is a rare cancer. This case report highlights its poor prognosis and limited treatment options, emphasizing the need for further research.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Pathology
Background:
- Primary malignant pericardial mesothelioma is an exceedingly rare neoplasm.
- It represents the most common primary tumor of the pericardium, accounting for a small fraction of all pericardial tumors.
- The disease predominantly affects middle-aged to older males, with no established link to asbestos exposure.
Observation:
- A 66-year-old male presented with dyspnea, right shoulder pain, and lower extremity edema.
- Echocardiography revealed a significant pericardial effusion.
- Despite therapeutic drainage, the patient's condition rapidly deteriorated, leading to death the following day.
Findings:
- Autopsy examination identified a malignant tumor.
- Histopathological analysis confirmed the diagnosis of primary malignant pericardial mesothelioma.
- This finding underscores the aggressive nature of the disease.
Implications:
- Malignant pericardial mesothelioma has a dismal prognosis.
- Current treatment strategies, including chemotherapy and radiation, offer minimal benefit.
- This case emphasizes the critical need for novel therapeutic approaches and improved diagnostic methods.
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