Multicystic peritoneal mesothelioma: a systematic review of the literature

Barbara Noiret1, Florence Renaud2,3,4, Guillaume Piessen1,2,3

  • 1Claude Huriez University Hospital, Lille, France.

Pleura and Peritoneum
|November 1, 2019
PubMed

Insights

Multicystic peritoneal mesothelioma (MCPM) is a rare benign neoplasm in women. Diagnosis is challenging, and while no standard treatment exists, surgery with chemotherapy is suggested due to recurrence risks.

Area of Science:

  • Gynecologic Oncology
  • Pathology
  • Surgical Oncology

Background:

  • Multicystic peritoneal mesothelioma (MCPM) is an exceptionally rare benign neoplasm originating in the peritoneum of women of reproductive age.
  • The exact etiopathogenesis of MCPM remains elusive, with current theories suggesting an excessive inflammatory process as a potential cause.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To summarize the current understanding of multicystic peritoneal mesothelioma (MCPM), focusing on its rare nature, diagnostic challenges, and therapeutic considerations.
  • To highlight the need for definitive diagnostic methods and explore potential treatment strategies for MCPM.

Main Methods:

  • Review of existing literature, including case reports and short studies, to consolidate information on MCPM.
  • Analysis of diagnostic criteria, emphasizing the necessity of histological examination with immunohistochemistry.
  • Exploration of proposed treatment modalities, including cytoreductive surgery and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy.

Main Results:

  • MCPM presents with non-specific clinical and imaging findings, making diagnosis intricate and reliant on histopathology.
  • Histological analysis combined with immunohistochemistry is essential for definitive MCPM diagnosis.
  • No standardized treatment protocol exists for MCPM, but recurrence and malignant transformation are noted concerns.

Conclusions:

  • Definitive diagnosis of MCPM requires histological confirmation with immunohistochemistry due to non-specific presentations.
  • Given the high recurrence rates and potential for malignant transformation, a multimodal approach involving cytoreductive surgery and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) with agents like CISPLATIN and DOXORUBICIN is suggested.