Diffuse malignant mesothelioma

Thirteen cases of diffuse malignant mesothelioma, 12 pleural and one peritoneal, were examined and reviewed from the clinical and morphologic points of view. The most frequent symptom and sign were pain and effusion. Periods of survival varied, with one patient surviving 11 years despite morphologic features of the pleural tumor. The diagnosis can be made only on the basis of excised tumor tissue. The best control of the tumor is attained by repeated surgical removal. Neither radiation nor chemotherapy altered significantly the growth of the tumors.