Cystic Mesothelioma Treatment

Cystic mesothelioma is a form of mesothelioma that is rare and always benign. While it is not a form of cancer, it is still a serious illness that is hard to diagnose, requires long-term monitoring and has symptoms that may be painful.

Description

• Cystic mesothelioma develops on the peritonium, which is the thin membrane surrounding the organs of the abdomen. The cysts that form are lined with a layer of benign mesothelial cells.

Diagnosis

• Cystic mesothelioma has proven to be difficult to diagnose. The use of extensive immunohistochemical studies, electron microscopy, and laboratory analysis are all necessary.

Treatment

• Treatment may or may not be necessary depending on the symptoms or pain. To relieve pain, decompression or a partial excision can be used. Surgery, to remove the cysts, is usually the most effective treatment.

Who the Disease Affects

• Young women are most likely to be affected by cystic mesothelioma. However, since it is a benign form of mesothelioma, it has no effect on life expectancy.

Warning

• Even though surgery is considered the effective treatment, as it removes the cysts, there is a high rate of recurrence of cyst development.