[Malignant peritoneal mesothelioma tumours. Evolution, treatment, prognosis]

Rev Med Chir Soc Med Nat Iasi. 2007 Jul-Sep;111(3):673-7.
[Article in Romanian]

Abstract

Malignant mesothelioma of the peritoneum is a rare neoplasm with a rapidly fatal course. The median survival range is from 5 to 12 months in untreated cases with little improvement seen in patients receiving multimodality therapy. Although most cases occur in the fifth and sixth decades, peritoneal mesothelioma can be seen in any age group. Approximately 30% of all mesotheliomas arise solely from the peritoneum. Asbestos exposure, primarily of the crocidolite variety, has been implicated in the pathogenesis of this malignancy, as was established in South Africa in the 1960s. Half of reported cases have a history of asbestos exposure. The diagnosis of peritoneal mesothelioma is often delayed, in part because of the usually long latent period (peaking at 40-45 years from the time of initial exposure to asbestos) and because the common presenting symptoms of weight loss, usually with a full abdomen, malaise, and abdominal discomfort, are mild and nonspecific. This paper aim is to present a case report regarding a patient diagnosed with malignant peritoneal mesothelioma with an unpredictable evolution.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • English Abstract

MeSH terms

  • Antineoplastic Agents / therapeutic use
  • Cisplatin / therapeutic use
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Mesothelioma / diagnosis*
  • Mesothelioma / drug therapy
  • Mesothelioma / pathology
  • Mesothelioma / surgery
  • Mesothelioma / therapy*
  • Neoplasm Recurrence, Local*
  • Peritoneal Neoplasms / diagnosis*
  • Peritoneal Neoplasms / drug therapy
  • Peritoneal Neoplasms / pathology
  • Peritoneal Neoplasms / surgery
  • Peritoneal Neoplasms / therapy*
  • Prognosis
  • Reoperation

Substances

  • Antineoplastic Agents
  • Cisplatin