Primary malignant peritoneal mesothelioma. A report of seven cases and a review of the literature
J. A. Asensio, P. Goldblatt and N. R. Thomford
Department of Surgery, Temple University, Philadelphia, Pa 19140.
Mesothelioma of the peritoneum is a rare malignant neoplasm easily mistaken
by both surgeon and pathologist for one of the more common neoplasms of the
abdomen. Review of our records from metropolitan-area hospitals for the
past 15 years identified seven patients with primary peritoneal
mesotheliomas. Their diagnosis, management, and survival is analyzed. We
report a case of an extended survivor (7 years) and one of a long-term
survivor (15 years), as well as what we believe to be the only case in the
literature presenting with a coexistent malignant neoplasm. Prevention of
this commonly fatal neoplasm is linked to avoiding occupational exposure to
asbestos; long-term survival for a few patients may be achieved with
correct identification of the neoplasm and aggressive management. This
report includes a review of the literature.
