Multicystic peritoneal mesothelioma in an octogenarian: diagnosis, natural history, and treatment

Charles M Psoinos1, Dina Kandil, Bilal Piperdi

  • 1Division of Surgical Oncology, University of Massachusetts-Memorial Medical Center, Swift House, 119 Belmont Street, Worcester, MA 01605, USA.

Insights

Multicystic peritoneal mesothelioma (MCPM) is a rare condition typically affecting younger women. This case report details an 83-year-old woman successfully treated for MCPM, highlighting management options.

Area of Science:

  • Gastroenterology
  • Oncology
  • Pathology

Background:

  • Multicystic peritoneal mesothelioma (MCPM) is a rare neoplastic proliferation.
  • It predominantly affects women of reproductive age with a history of abdominal surgery.

Observation:

  • An 83-year-old woman presented with suspected peritoneal carcinomatosis from colon cancer.
  • MCPM was diagnosed during an exploratory laparotomy.

Findings:

  • Complete surgical resection of MCPM was achieved.
  • The patient remained disease-free from both colon cancer and MCPM post-surgery.

Implications:

  • This case highlights MCPM in an elderly patient, challenging typical demographics.
  • Effective management includes cytoreductive surgery and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy.
  • Further research into MCPM's natural history and malignant transformation risk is warranted.