Benign Mesothelioma

Mesotheliomas are a proliferative neoplasm that arises from the mesothelium's epithelial and mesenchymal cells, which comprise part of the serosal covering and lining of various organ surfaces within the body. These tumors most commonly occur in the pleura but may be found in other areas, including potentially soft tissues, viscera, the peritoneum, meninges, and pericardium. Mesotheliomas can broadly divide into benign and malignant types. Although they are referred to as benign, these lesions have demonstrated a high propensity for local recurrence after removal. In some rare cases, there are suspicions that they may undergo malignant transformation. One form of benign mesothelioma is benign multicystic mesothelioma of the peritoneum (BMMP), a rare peritoneal neoplasm that primarily occurs in females. The developmental pathogenesis of these neoplasms is unclear; unlike the malignant counterpart, a relationship to asbestos exposure has not been established. Patients will often present with abdominal pain or abdominal masses, unexpected weight gain, shortness of breath, and pleural effusion. Although imaging studies characterize the mass, resection is necessary for a definitive histopathologic diagnosis. Complete surgical resection is the mainstay treatment and the most important prognostic determinant for benign mesotheliomas.[21]