Unusual region for pericardial malignant mesothelioma: cutaneous manifestation in a Turkish woman

Abstract

Malignant mesothelioma is a disease that originates from mesenchymal cells. It is related to the occupational or environmental exposure to asbestos. The treatment remains controversial because it is commonly diagnosed at a very late stage, and the prognosis is very poor. In this report, we present a 37-year-old female patient who was admitted with shortness of breath, palpitation and inability to sleep on her back for the previous 10 days. A large pericardial effusion was detected on echocardiography. Pericardiocentesis was performed and the patient’s symptoms were alleviated. However, approximately 7 months later, she was readmitted to the clinic with complaints of a mass at the incision site. Pathological examination of the mass yielded a diagnosis of pericardial malignant mesothelioma. Malignant mesothelioma is a rare occurrence, and to our knowledge, there are no reports in the English literature of pericardial malignant mesothelioma local invasion to an incision site.

Keywords

• pericardial, malignant, mesothelioma, cutaneous