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Updated: May 23, 2026
Implantation and Monitoring by PET/CT of an Orthotopic Model of Human Pleural Mesothelioma in Athymic Mice
Published on: December 21, 2019
['Malignant peritoneal mesothelioma': a condition difficult to diagnose]
Fleurtje M van der Valk1, Jan van Leeuwen
1Universitair Medisch Centrum Groningen, afd. Interne Geneeskunde, Groningen, the Netherlands. f.m.valkvander@amc.uva.nl
Background:
Malignant mesothelioma is an aggressive neoplasm, which arises from serous membranes, such as the pleura and the peritoneum. Malignant peritoneal mesothelioma is relatively rare, but the incidence is increasing worldwide because of intensive asbestos use during the 20th century.
Case Description:
A 60-year-old man complained of malaise, night sweating and weight loss and was seen by a specialist in internal medicine. Additional investigation included a CT scan, 2 PET-CT scans, 2 diagnostic laparoscopies and histological examination of peritoneum biopsies. After 7 months the diagnosis of malignant peritoneal mesothelioma was made.
Conclusion:
Histological investigation is of great importance when there is indication of malignant peritoneal mesothelioma. There is not yet a consensus concerning the optimal treatment, but a small increase in survival can be achieved by systemic chemotherapy or intraperitoneal therapy consisting of hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy after cytoreductive surgery.
Insights
Malignant peritoneal mesothelioma, a rare cancer, is increasingly diagnosed due to asbestos exposure. Histological examination is crucial for diagnosis, with multimodal therapy offering survival benefits.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Pathology
Background:
- Malignant mesothelioma arises from serous membranes like the pleura and peritoneum.
- Malignant peritoneal mesothelioma is a rare but increasing malignancy, linked to historical asbestos use.
Observation:
- A 60-year-old male presented with constitutional symptoms including malaise, night sweats, and weight loss.
- Diagnostic workup involved CT scans, PET-CT scans, laparoscopies, and peritoneal biopsies.
- Diagnosis of malignant peritoneal mesothelioma was established after a 7-month investigation period.
Findings:
- Histological examination of peritoneal biopsies is critical for diagnosing malignant peritoneal mesothelioma.
- Optimal treatment strategies remain under investigation, lacking universal consensus.
- Systemic chemotherapy and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy post-cytoreductive surgery show potential for survival improvement.
Implications:
- Emphasizes the diagnostic importance of histopathology in suspected malignant peritoneal mesothelioma.
- Highlights the need for further research into standardized, effective treatment protocols.
- Suggests that aggressive, multimodal therapeutic approaches may enhance patient survival outcomes.
