Malignant peritoneal mesothelioma: Two cases and literature review

Abstract

Malignant peritoneal mesothelioma (MPM) is a rare aggressive tumor arising from the mesothelial lining of the peritoneum. Only 20 to 30% of all mesotheliomas arise from the peritoneum itself. In the present paper, 2 cases of MPM were discussed, in light of the literature review. One of the cases is a 73 years old male admitted with complaints of abdominal swelling and ascites. Peritoneal biopsy was reported as epitheloid malignant mesothelioma. Further radiologic examination revealed that it was primarily of peritoneal origin. He was evaluated as inoperable. After the completion of systemic chemo, he is still on follow-up with stable disease on 10th month of diagnosis. The second case is a 51 years old female with a familial history of mesothelioma with the complaints of abdominal pain and weight loss. Because of the diffuse peritoneal carcinomatosis, she was diagnosed as inoperable peritoneal mesothelioma and after the start of chemotherapy she got clinically worse and died. MPM is a highly lethal neoplasm and given the rarity, it is difficult to obtain precise information regarding incidence, history and optimal management. Treatment approaches have traditionally been largely unsuccessful in this disease, but newer techniques are promising. Key words: Peritoneal, mesothelioma, treatment.