Peripheral lymphadenopathy as the initial manifestation of malignant mesothelioma in a child

Abstract

Peripheral lymphadenopathy is a rare presentation in malignant mesothelioma. We describe a unique case of malignant mesothelioma arising in an 11-year-old boy, for whom peripheral lymphadenopathy was the initial manifestation of the disease. The final diagnosis was confirmed by a broad panel of immunohistochemical markers. Literature review disclosed only 2 cases in childhood that initially presented with peripheral lymphadenopathy. Pathologists should be aware of this rare biologic behavior of malignant mesothelioma to reach the correct and prompt diagnosis.