Mesothelioma in Elderly Patients: An Uncommon Case of Benign Multicystic Peritoneal Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma in Elderly Patients: An Uncommon Case of Benign Multicystic Peritoneal Mesothelioma

ByHolly Zink

Mesothelioma is a type of cancer caused by asbestos exposure. It often evokes thoughts of aggressive malignancies. But, there are benign forms of mesothelioma. While rare, these present unique challenges, especially in elderly patients. One such form is benign multicystic peritoneal mesothelioma (BMPM). It is a rare tumor that is often difficult to diagnose preoperatively due to its nonspecific symptoms. A recent article from Belgium looked into an uncommon case presentation of BMPM in an elderly man. Case Presentation A recent study detailed the case of a 63-year-old man with multiple comorbidities. These included cryptogenic cirrhosis and chronic heart failure. The patient had a history of surgery to remove a giant cyst from their abdomen. They came in with recurring,…

Extremely Rare Case of Multicystic Peritoneal Mesothelioma
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Extremely Rare Case of Multicystic Peritoneal Mesothelioma

ByHolly Zink

A 47-year-old woman was diagnosed with rare multicystic peritoneal mesothelioma at a cancer hospital in China. Malignant mesothelioma is a type of cancer that develops from the thin layer of tissue that covers many of the body’s internal organs. When it develops in the lining of the abdominal cavity, it is called malignant peritoneal mesothelioma (MPM). Most doctors believe MPM is caused from ingestion of asbestos fibers and that microscopic asbestos fibers become embedded in the abdomen. After a few decades, these fibers can cause inflammation and mutations in healthy cells and these mutations ultimately cause these cells to become cancerous. Patients who are diagnosed with MPM may survive several or more years after diagnosis and there are long term…