Cystic Mesothelioma Research Articles

Peritoneal inclusion cysts with mural mesothelial proliferation. A clinicopathological analysis of six cases.

The clinical and pathological features of six cases of a rare, hitherto unreported type of pelvic cyst are described. The cysts occurred in female patients (15-51 years of age) who presented with lower abdominal pain and evidence of a pelvic mass. All but one of the patients had a history of prior pelvic surgery. Laparotomy revealed dense pelvic adhesions and a cystic lesion that was interpreted by the surgeon as ovarian in origin. On gross examination, the cysts measured up to 15 cm in diameter, were uni- or multilocular and thin-walled, and contained bloody or serous fluid. They were adherent to the surface of the ovaries, but did not involve the ovarian parenchyma. On microscopic examination, the cyst walls were composed of markedly inflamed granulation and fibrous tissue in which were embedded mesothelial cells arranged in glands, nests, cords, and single cells. Because of this infiltrative pattern, as well as cytological atypia and mitotic activity within the mesothelial cells, a diagnosis of cancer was considered in several cases. All patients are alive with no evidence of disease at postoperative intervals of 6 months to 5 years. We propose that these cysts represent peritoneal inclusion cysts (benign cystic mesotheliomas) in which the histological appearance has been altered by an unusual degree of inflammation, fibrosis, and entrapment of mesothelial cells.

Primary peritoneal, omental, and mesenteric tumors in childhood.

Of 21 primary peritoneal, omental, and mesenteric tumors, 14 were cysts and seven were solid. Most of the cysts were omental-mesenteric lymphangiomas; the sole exception was a cystic mesothelioma in a newborn. The solid tumors included three multicentric hamartomas, three sarcomas of undetermined histogenesis, and one immature teratoma. Since cystic lymphangiomas carry a good prognosis following surgical excision, they must be distinguished from cysts of mesothelial origin. Solid hamartomas may simulate malignant tumors because of multicentricity and immature tissue composition. Although peritoneal sarcomas of undetermined histogenesis are apt to be large, composed of primitive cells, and disposed to the development of implants, current treatment modalities may control the disease. One of three treated patients survived for 8 years. A child with a solid immature teratoma without a malignant germ-cell component remains free of disease 5 years after diagnosis. Our review, which represents the combined experience of two children's hospitals over several decades, did not include tumors such as malignant mesothelioma, lipoma, liposarcoma, leiomyoma, mesenchymoma, fibromatosis, and other neoplasms, which may rarely arise in the peritoneum, omentum, and mesentery of children.

Peritoneal cystic mesothelioma: an electron microscopic and immunohistochemical study of two male patients.

The clinical, pathological, and ultrastructural features of two cases of peritoneal cystic mesothelioma occurring in men were studied. The results of immunohistochemical staining for CAM 5.2, epithelial membrane antigen, carcinoembryonic antigen, and Factor VIII related antigen are reported for the first time and compared with the staining results of two peritoneal cystic lymphangiomas. Although resembling cystic lymphangioma by light microscopy, cystic mesothelioma may have a greater tendency for local recurrence. Staining for CAM 5.2 or epithelial membrane antigen may facilitate the differentiation of these two entities.

Benign Cystic Mesothelioma of the Peritoneum: A Case Presentation and Review

A case of benign cystic mesothelioma of the peritoneum is presented and the subject reviewed. This case represents only the 16th known to be reported in the English literature.

Benign cystic mesothelioma involving the female genital tract: Report of four cases

Four cases of benign cystic mesothelioma are described. The disease affects young white women (mean age, 30 years), and they present with chronic pelvic pain. At laparoscopy or laparotomy, multiple cysts ranging in size from 0.5 to 4 cm in diameter and containing clear fluid are seen. The disease commonly affects the pelvic organs and/or omentum. With the electron microscope, the cell of origin of this proliferative process is shown to be the mesothelial cell. The disease has been previously described under a variety of terms. There seems to be a tendency for recurrence, but no malignant potential is apparent. Treatment may be conservative with preservation of pelvic organs. Benign cystic mesothelioma should be considered in the differential diagnosis of cystic lesions of the female genital tract.

Benign cystic mesothelioma

A 73-year-old man presented a 20-year history of recurrent, progressive, cystic lesions of the peritoneal surfaces which had necessitated two previous operations. Diffuse involvement of the peritoneum was observed at his most recent laparotomy and an attempt was made to excise as much mesothelial surface as possible. Benign cystic mesothelioma was diagnosed, based on the clinical behavior of the lesion and the presence of specific histologic and ultrastructural findings. While this lesion shares some histologic similarities with previously described peritoneal cysts, the ultrastructural demonstration of its mesothelial origin and its recurrent progressive behavior are without precedent.