Pericardial mesothelioma cancer is a rare form of mesothelioma that affects the thin layer of tissue surrounding the heart. Pericardial mesothelioma accounts for about 10 percent of all mesothelioma cases. Much less is known about this rarer from of mesothelioma than the more common pleural mesothelioma, which affects the lungs. It is much easier for researchers and scientists to see how asbestos fibers that become trapped in the lungs can lead to mesothelioma; however, it is much more difficult to conceptualize the method in which asbestos fibers may become lodged in the lining of the heart, or pericardium.

This is topic of debate amog experts in this field. Some experts believe that asbestos fibers that initially ibedded in the lungs are broken into smaller pieces and make their way into the blood stream. These tiny fibers are then transported to the heart via the cardiovascular system. From here many believe that the fibers push their way through the heart and into pericardium. Ultimately these fibers cause chronic inflammation and can eventually lead to the growth of cancerous tumors.

Because of the rarity of pericardial mesothelioma, fewer than 200 cases per year, a lesser amount of research has been preformed concerning this of mesothelioma.