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Updated: Jun 21, 2026
Generation and Expansion of Primary, Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma Tumor Lines
Published on: April 21, 2022
Malignant peritoneal mesothelioma: a multicenter study on 81 cases
V de Pangher Manzini1, L Recchia1, M Cafferata2
1Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine and Oncology, Monfalcone Hospital, Monfalcone.
Background:
Malignant peritoneal mesothelioma (MPM) is a rare disease characterized by a difficult diagnosis, different types of presentation, variable course and poor prognosis.
Materials And Methods:
Eighty-one patients with MPM observed in 14 Italian oncology institutions from 1982 to 2007 have been examined with the aim of delineating the history of MPM.
Results:
Presentation symptoms were ascites, abdominal pain, asthenia, weight loss, anorexia, abdominal mass, fever, diarrhea and vomiting in various associations. Computed tomography scan and echotomography signs were ascites, abdominal mass and peritoneal thickening. Peritoneal fluid cytology (61 cases) was positive for mesothelioma in 31 and for malignancy, not mesothelioma, in 13. Laparoscopy was carried out in 40 cases and laparotomy in 36. Thrombocytosis was present in 59 cases. Associated tumors diagnosed during the lifetime were colorectal cancer in two cases and cheek carcinoma, thyroid carcinoma, tongue carcinoma, bladder carcinoma and testicular seminoma. Thirty patients were treated with surgery and 45 with chemotherapy. The median survival time from diagnosis is 13 months. Ascites, fever and vomiting were significative variables at presentation; only vomiting holds significance in a multivariate analysis.
Conclusions:
MPM is a disease with various types of presentation, frequently associated with thrombocytosis, sometimes with other tumors. Survival and diagnosis time can differ in various types of MPM. Prognosis is poor.
Insights
Malignant peritoneal mesothelioma (MPM) is a rare cancer with challenging diagnosis and poor prognosis. This study highlights its varied presentations, frequent association with thrombocytosis, and a median survival of 13 months.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Pathology
Background:
- Malignant peritoneal mesothelioma (MPM) is a rare malignancy.
- Characterized by diagnostic challenges, diverse presentations, and poor prognosis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To delineate the history and characteristics of malignant peritoneal mesothelioma (MPM).
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of 81 MPM patients from 14 Italian institutions (1982-2007).
- Evaluation of clinical presentation, diagnostic imaging, cytology, laparoscopy/laparotomy findings, and associated conditions.
- Analysis of treatment modalities (surgery, chemotherapy) and survival data.
Main Results:
- Common symptoms included ascites, abdominal pain, and weight loss. Diagnostic signs included ascites and peritoneal thickening.
- Peritoneal fluid cytology was positive in 31/61 cases. Thrombocytosis was observed in 59 cases.
- Median survival was 13 months. Ascites, fever, and vomiting were significant presentation variables, with vomiting being significant in multivariate analysis.
Conclusions:
- MPM presents diversely, often with thrombocytosis and sometimes with other tumors.
- Survival and diagnosis timelines vary among MPM subtypes.
- The overall prognosis for malignant peritoneal mesothelioma remains poor.
