Benign Cardiac Mesothelioma - Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis, and Treatment

Introduction

Mesothelioma is a rare cancerous condition that results in the growth of tumors inside the mesothelium. Pericardium refers to the protective sac around the heart, and this specific sac is lined by a group of specialized cells called mesothelium. The mesothelium is also found in the lungs, reproductive organs, and intestine. The most common type of mesothelioma is found in the chest and lungs. Mesothelioma is known to have a poor prognosis, and patients are expected to survive around six months after the disease has been diagnosed.

Much research is going on to develop an effective treatment and management plan. It should be noted that heart or cardiac tumors are scanty in the general population. There have been records of benign cardiac mesothelioma being masked by other conditions of the cardiovascular system or the respiratory system. Since the prevalence of this condition is so minute, it has been difficult for scientists and professionals to study the condition in depth.

What Is Mesothelioma?

Mesothelioma is a rare, aggressive cancer affecting the mesothelium, the lining around internal organs, most commonly the lungs. It’s primarily caused by asbestos exposure, with symptoms appearing decades later, including chest pain and shortness of breath. Due to its late detection, treatment options are limited, and the prognosis is often poor. Mesothelioma can also affect the abdomen, heart, and testicles. Early detection and new treatments are vital for better outcomes.

What Are the Signs and Symptoms of Benign Cardiac Mesothelioma?

Benign cardiac mesothelioma is a rare cancerous condition of the heart that may have several clinical manifestations or may not have any clinical evidence at all. Mentioned below are a few signs and symptoms of benign cardiac mesothelioma.

• Night sweats.

• High-grade fever.

• Malaise.

• Lethargy.

• Generalized fatigue.

• A feeling of not keeping well.

• Weakness.

• Weight loss that is not intentional.

• Shortness of breath or dyspnea.

• Chest discomfort.

• Difficulty in swallowing or dysphagia.

• Lumps in the skin of the chest.

• Lungs filled with fluid.

• Abdominal discomfort.

• Diarrhea.

• Loss of appetite.

• Nausea.

• Vomiting.

• A drop in blood pressure levels.

• The abnormal rhythm of the heart.

• Dry cough.

• Cardiac tamponade.

• Pain in the right shoulder.

• Cardiomyopathy.

• Thickening of the pericardial tissues.

• Swelling in the lower extremities.

• Pericardial effusion.

What Are the Causes of Benign Cardiac Mesotheliomas?

Scientists and healthcare professionals are still discovering the core reason for the development of benign cardiac mesothelioma in a patient.

Mentioned below are a few of the expected causes of benign cardiac mesothelioma.

• Asbestos exposure.

• Continuous contact with fine dust particles.

• Working in silica and other mineral plants.

• Past exposure to erionite or zeolite.

• Viral infections.

• Radiation therapy.

• Contact with chemicals.

How Is Benign Cardiac Mesothelioma Diagnosed?

A thorough medical history and physical examination is the first step to start with the diagnosis of benign cardiac mesothelioma, as is the case with any other kind of cancer. A biopsy is a valuable test for determining the stage of cancer. Certain radiological and imaging tests aid in the identification of any kind of fluid around the structure of the heart. There are several diagnostic tests for benign cardiac mesothelioma, as mentioned below. It should be noted that none of the diagnostic measures can reveal the exact cause of the development of benign cardiac mesothelioma.

• Complete blood picture.

• Tests to examine the function of the liver.

• Chest x-rays.

• Computer tomography or CT scans.

• Positron emission tomography or PET scans.

• Magnetic resonance imaging scan or MRI.

• Biopsy.

• Echocardiogram.

• Computed tomography-guided liquid biopsy.

• Cytology studies.

• Histopathological examination.

• Immunochemistry.

How Can Benign Cardiac Mesothelioma Be Treated?

The treatment of benign cardiac mesothelioma is different from malignant cardiac mesothelioma since the first type is noncancerous. Any benign condition will not invade neighboring tissues and structures and thus does not metastasize.

Below are some treatment and management strategies for benign cardiac mesothelioma. It should be noted that the decision to go with any related treatments depends on several factors, such as the tumor stage, the patient's age, underlying medical conditions, and more. There is no curative treatment option for benign cardiac mesotheliomas.

• Surgical removal of the tumor and related lesions because complete removal of the non-cancerous tissue in benign cardiac mesothelioma does not grow again.

• Chemotherapy.

• Radiation therapy.

• The full removal or partial resection of the heart's lining is called pericardiectomy.

• Drainage of excessive fluid in the heart and nearby structures by puncturing with a sterile needle. This procedure is called pericardiocentesis.

• A window can also be cut in the pericardium to drain the fluid that has accumulated in the heart. This treatment plan is called the pericardial window.

• Drug therapy with anti-cancer medications such as carboplatin and cisplatin.

• Pemetrexed medications.

• Drugs that are based on platinum.

• A multimodal strategy for the treatment of benign cardiac mesothelioma includes combining two or more kinds of therapy, such as chemotherapy, along with surgical correction and resection.

How Can Benign Cardiac Mesothelioma Be Prevented?

Awareness of the possible causes that have been researched to develop benign cardiac mesothelioma is necessary. People working in highly asbestosic environments must follow the rules and regulations of wearing their respective clothing and protective masks with the utmost sincerity. Regular medical checkups and follow-ups should be done by individuals who are working in mines and mineral plants.

In case an individual is aware of a family member being diagnosed with benign cardiac mesothelioma, they are advised to start routine cardiovascular monitoring and radiological tests to diagnose the presence of the same, if any, initially. Viral infections should be treated entirely, and the prescribed dosage of the medications must be completed religiously.

Conclusion

Benign cardiac mesothelioma is a non-cancerous tumor that is reported to be found in the heart. The condition is scarce. The exact etiology and pathogenesis of benign cardiac mesothelioma are not yet determined. Nevertheless, several pieces of research are going on to find the cause and a direct treatment modality for this condition. Patients are advised to be aware of the hypothetical causes that may develop benign cardiac mesothelioma since this will eventually lead to the prevention of the condition. The life expectancy of patients suffering from benign cardiac mesothelioma drastically increases with chemotherapy along with surgical resection. In case the condition is diagnosed in the late stages, palliative treatment options have proven to decrease the presence of symptoms of benign cardiac mesothelioma. Hence, it can improve the quality of the patient’s remaining life.