[Extrapleural mesothelioma]

Malignant mesothelioma of the peritoneum, pericardium and tunica vaginalis is a rare neoplasm usually associated with exposure to asbestos. The disease is most common in males over the age 40 years with sings and symptoms of neoplastic disease with or without a palpable abdominal mass, abdominal pain and ascites. Diagnosis is often possibly only after direct vision and histologic examination. Different types of peritoneal mesothelioma occur in adults and in children. Only small proportion of all patients with mesothelioma can be cured surgically. Both radiotherapy and standard chemotherapy have only limited usefulness. The optimal management malignant mesothelioma continues to be defined.