benign peritoneal mesothelioma

Benign Peritoneal Mesothelioma: A Rare and Non-Cancerous Condition

Benign peritoneal mesothelioma, also known as Benign Multicystic Peritoneal Mesothelioma (BMPM), is a rare and non-cancerous condition that affects the lining of the abdomen, known as the peritoneum. It occurs in the thin protective tissue that surrounds organs in the belly.

Characteristics

• Multiple fluid-filled cysts: BMPM presents as multiple fluid-filled cysts attached to the belly lining [1].
• Rare occurrence: Fewer than 200 cases have been reported, making it a rare condition [2].
• Predominantly affects women: The majority of cases occur in pre-menopausal women [3][4].

Symptoms

• Abdominal pain: Patients may experience abdominal pain, constipation, nausea, and pain during intercourse and urination [1].
• Other symptoms: Abdominal swelling, unexplained weight loss, and other symptoms may also be present [15].

Treatment

While there is no cure for BMPM, treatment can help manage the condition. Surgery is often performed to remove the cysts, which can improve symptoms and prevent complications.

Recurrence rate

BMPM has a high recurrence rate after surgery, making it essential to monitor patients closely for any signs of recurrence [8].

References

[1] Description: Often presents as multiple fluid-filled cysts attached to the belly lining; Symptoms: Abdominal pain, constipation, nausea, pain during intercourse and urinary ...

[2] by MS Khurram · 2017 · Cited by 33 — Benign Multicystic Peritoneal Mesothelioma (BMPM) is a rare condition that arises from the abdominal peritoneum.

[3] by H Elbouhaddouti · 2013 · Cited by 56 — Benign cystic mesothelioma of the peritoneum (BCM) is a rare condition that predominantly affects women.

[4] by MS Khurram · 2017 · Cited by 33 — Benign Multicystic Peritoneal Mesothelioma (BMPM) is a rare condition that occurs in pre-menopausal women.

[8] by MS Khurram · 2017 · Cited by 33 — Benign Multicystic Peritoneal Mesothelioma (BMPM) has a high recurrence rate after surgery.

[15] Peritoneal mesothelioma, which occurs in tissue in the abdomen, causes signs and symptoms that may include: Abdominal pain; Abdominal swelling; Nausea; Unexplained weight loss.

Common Signs and Symptoms of Benign Peritoneal Mesothelioma

Benign peritoneal mesothelioma is a rare condition that affects the thin protective tissue surrounding organs in the belly. While it's not cancerous, it can still cause discomfort and various symptoms. Here are some common signs and symptoms associated with benign peritoneal mesothelioma:

• Abdominal pain: A dull or sharp pain in the abdomen is a common symptom of benign peritoneal mesothelioma [8].
• Constipation: Some people may experience constipation due to the tumor's growth in the abdominal cavity [12].
• Nausea: Nausea and vomiting can occur as a result of the tumor's presence [3].
• Pain during intercourse: Women with benign peritoneal mesothelioma may experience pain during intercourse due to the tumor's location [12].
• Urinary obstruction: In some cases, the tumor can cause urinary obstruction, leading to symptoms like frequent urination or difficulty starting urination [12].

Other Possible Symptoms

While these are common signs and symptoms of benign peritoneal mesothelioma, it's essential to note that each person may experience different symptoms. Other possible symptoms include:

• Abdominal swelling: The tumor can cause fluid buildup in the abdominal cavity, leading to swelling [2].
• Diarrhea: Some people may experience diarrhea due to the tumor's presence [3].
• Loss of appetite: A decrease in appetite can occur as a result of the tumor's growth [3].

Early Detection and Treatment

It's crucial to seek medical attention if you're experiencing any symptoms that concern you. Early detection and treatment can improve outcomes for benign peritoneal mesothelioma patients.

References:

[2] - Symptoms of peritoneal (abdominal) mesothelioma can include: ... Your doctor will also ask about your general health and do an exam to check for possible signs of mesothelioma. These may include ...

[3] - Signs and symptoms of peritoneal mesothelioma include: ... Abnormal fluid buildup in the abdomen (ascites) is a common symptom.

[8] - Symptoms of Peritoneal Mesothelioma. Abdominal discomfort and bloating; Diarrhea, ... it's important to be evaluated by a team with expertise in the signs of mesothelioma.

[12] - Benign Multicystic Peritoneal Mesothelioma (BMPM) is a type of peritoneal mesothelioma. It occurs in the thin protective tissue that surrounds organs in the belly. It is most common in women of reproductive age. ... Symptoms: Abdominal pain, symptoms include...

Diagnostic Tests for Benign Peritoneal Mesothelioma

Benign multicystic peritoneal mesothelioma (BMPM) is a rare cystic mesothelial lesion that can be challenging to diagnose. The following diagnostic tests are used to confirm the presence of BMPM:

• Immunohistochemical analysis: This test involves examining tissue samples for specific markers, such as calretinin, which are always present in mesothelial cells [1]. Positive expression of these markers is a key indicator of BMPM.
• Laparoscopy: This minimally invasive surgical procedure allows for direct visualization and biopsy of the suspected tissue specimens, providing a definitive diagnosis [3].
• Computed Tomography (CT) scan: A CT scan can be used to help make decisions about treatment, although it is not typically used for preoperative diagnosis [4][7].
• Blood tests and imaging scans: These tests may be ordered to rule out other conditions affecting the gastrointestinal tract or other cancers [2][8].
• Biopsy: This involves taking a tissue sample from the affected area, which is then examined under a microscope to determine whether the tumor's cells are benign or malignant [5].

Important Considerations

It's worth noting that early diagnosis of peritoneal mesothelioma can be difficult due to its similarity in symptoms to other conditions affecting the gastrointestinal tract. Therefore, diagnosis often occurs at an advanced stage when disease is widespread throughout the peritoneal cavity [14].

Treatment Options for Benign Peritoneal Mesothelioma

Benign peritoneal mesothelioma (BPM) is a rare and often misdiagnosed condition, making treatment challenging. While there are no established evidence-based treatment strategies for BPM, various approaches have been explored to manage this condition.

• Rapamycin: A case report in 2017 described the successful use of rapamycin in treating benign multicystic peritoneal mesothelioma (BMPM), resulting in a long-lasting response to mTOR inhibition [1].
• Hormonal therapy: Anti-estrogen drugs like tamoxifen have been used to treat BPM, although their effectiveness is unclear [2].
• Surgery: Cytoreductive surgery (CRS) has been proposed as a treatment option for BMPM, with some studies suggesting improved outcomes [3].
• Intraperitoneal chemotherapy: Heated intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) and other forms of intraperitoneal chemotherapy have been explored as adjuvant treatments for BPM [4].

Current Understanding

While these treatment options show promise, it is essential to note that the optimal treatment approach for benign peritoneal mesothelioma remains unclear. Further research is needed to establish evidence-based guidelines for managing this condition.

References:

[1] Stallone G (2017) - The first report of BMPM successfully treated with rapamycin [3] [2] Zahid A (2021) - MCPM is a rare neoplasm, generally considered a borderline malignancy, best treated by cytoreductive surgery (CRS) to remove macroscopic disease [7] [3] Stallone G (2017) - The current case is the first report of BMPM successfully treated with rapamycin, which resulted in a long-lasting response to mTOR inhibition [6] [4] May 24, 2024 - Heated chemotherapy. Then, heated chemotherapy drugs are administered directly into the abdomen at the end of surgery [8]

Note: The numbers in square brackets refer to the corresponding context references.

Differential Diagnosis of Benign Peritoneal Mesothelioma (BPM)

Benign multicystic peritoneal mesothelioma (BMPM) is a rare cystic lesion that predominantly affects reproductive-aged women. The differential diagnosis for BPM includes several entities, which are crucial to rule out before making a definitive diagnosis.

Key Differential Diagnoses:

• Lymphangioma: A benign cystic lesion that can be identified by the presence of chylous fluid and lymphoid tissue within the cysts.
• Malignant Peritoneal Mesothelioma (MPM): A malignant tumor that is a major differential in the diagnosis of BPM. Distinguishing between benign and malignant mesothelioma is crucial for patient management.
• Loculated Ascites: A condition characterized by the accumulation of fluid within the peritoneal cavity, which can mimic the appearance of cystic lesions.
• Cystic Lymphangioma: A rare tumor that primarily affects younger patients and can be distinguished from BPM based on imaging features.
• Pseudomyxoma Peritonei (PMP): A rare clinical syndrome characterized by recurrent mucinous ascites, which can mimic the appearance of cystic lesions.

Other Differential Diagnoses:

• Cystic Adenomatoïd Tumor: A benign entity that arises from the peritoneum and can be distinguished from BPM based on imaging features.
• Peritoneal Inclusion Cysts: A condition characterized by the formation of cysts within the peritoneal cavity, which can mimic the appearance of BPM.

Key Points:

• The differential diagnosis for BPM is broad and includes several entities that require careful consideration before making a definitive diagnosis.
• Imaging features and clinical presentation are crucial in distinguishing between these entities.
• A thorough understanding of the differential diagnoses is essential for accurate patient management.

References:

[1] [2] [6] [7] [8] [10] [11] [12] [13] [14]