Multicystic peritoneal mesothelioma: report of three cases

S Charfi1, B Chetaille, M Marcy

  • 1Department biopathology, Paoli-Calmettes Institute, 232 Bd St-Marguerite, 13273, Marseille, Cedex 9, France. charfislim@gmail.com

Pathologica
|March 4, 2009
PubMed

Insights

Multicystic peritoneal mesothelioma, a rare condition primarily affecting women, presents unique pathological features. This report details three cases, discussing clinical presentation, pathogenesis, and differential diagnosis for this uncommon mesothelial tumor.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Pathology
  • Gastroenterology

Background:

  • Multicystic peritoneal mesothelioma (MPM) is a rare neoplasm predominantly seen in women of reproductive age.
  • The pathogenesis of MPM remains largely unknown, contributing to diagnostic challenges.

Observation:

  • This study presents three cases of MPM in patients aged 28, 38, and 47 years (one male, two females).
  • Two patients had a history of abdominal surgery, and initial diagnoses during laparotomy were often pseudomyxoma peritoni.
  • Histological examination revealed multicystic lesions lined by mesothelial cells, confirmed via immunohistochemistry.

Findings:

  • Unusual histological features were observed, including hyperplasia, hobnail changes, cytoplasmic vacuolization, and papillary patterns.
  • Immunohistochemical analysis confirmed the mesothelial origin of the cells lining the cysts.

Implications:

  • Understanding the diverse pathological features of MPM is crucial for accurate diagnosis and effective patient management.
  • Further research into the pathogenesis of MPM may elucidate its origins and inform treatment strategies.

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