Giant intraparenchymal localized mesothelioma: a rare case report

Diffuse mesothelioma (DM) is a highly aggressive neoplasm typically characterized by diffuse growth and a uniformly poor prognosis. In contrast, localized mesothelioma (LM) is a rare variant representing less than 1% of all mesothelial tumors, presenting as a solitary, circumscribed mass without diffuse serosal spread. Because LM frequently mimics more common thoracic pathologies, such as bronchogenic carcinoma or mediastinal malignancies, it often leads to significant diagnostic delays. Although early-stage LM is potentially curable through surgical resection, the window for intervention can close rapidly due to its potential for aggressive malignant transformation.

A 71-year-old male presented with a two-month history of dyspnea and pleuritic pain. An initially subtle 1-cm nodule had aggressively expanded over 18 months into a 17-cm necrotic mass. PET imaging revealed a hypermetabolic rind with central necrosis, mimicking a giant lung abscess or carcinoma. Following negative mediastinoscopy, a VATS biopsy confirmed epithelioid localized mesothelioma.

To the best of our knowledge, this case represents the largest reported intraparenchymal localized mesothelioma, expanding from 1 cm to 17 cm in just 18 months. Given its morphological similarity to diffuse mesothelioma, immunohistochemistry remains the diagnostic gold standard. This aggressive progression underscores the window of opportunity risk, where inadequate surveillance allows curable, early-stage lesions to advance beyond resectability.

Localized mesothelioma should be considered in the differential diagnosis of solitary thoracic masses, even without asbestos exposure. Unlike diffuse mesothelioma, early-stage LM is potentially curable through surgical resection. This requires high clinical suspicion and prompt surgical exploration of indeterminate nodules to ensure a timely diagnosis.