Cystic mesothelioma is a rare type of benign, noncancerous abdominal tumor. Fewer than 200 people have been diagnosed with this type of mesothelioma. The prognosis is good after surgical treatment to remove the tumor.
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What Is Cystic Mesothelioma?
Cystic mesothelioma is a rare, benign abdominal tumor that occurs in women of reproductive age. Like malignant peritoneal mesothelioma, it forms in the peritoneum, the tissue that lines the abdominal cavity.
In most cases of cystic mesothelioma, the tumor develops in the lower pelvic area of the peritoneum. It may also form near the uterus, rectum, bladder, or omentum, a layer of fat over the abdomen.
Benign means this type of tumor does not spread to other tissues or organs like a malignant (cancerous) tumor. In very rare cases, cystic mesothelioma becomes malignant.
Cystic mesothelioma is extremely rare. Only about 150 cases have been reported. Only two of these reported cases became malignant.
The cystic subtype of mesothelioma differs from most other mesotheliomas in that it primarily affects women. Most other forms of mesothelioma affect more males. It can affect young women as well as middle-aged women. However, the average age of diagnosis is around 37-38 years.
What Causes Benign Cystic Mesothelioma?
Most types of mesothelioma are caused by asbestos exposure. Cystic mesothelioma is not caused by asbestos. Because it is so rare, no one knows for sure what causes cystic mesothelioma.
Since it mainly occurs in females, experts suggest a prior case of endometriosis may contribute to the development of cystic mesothelioma.
Other studies suggest that female hormones, prior surgery, or chronic irritation may affect the disease’s development.
What Are the Symptoms of Cystic Mesothelioma?
In the rare cases reported of cystic mesothelioma, some of the common symptoms were:
- Abdominal pain
- A noticeable mass in the abdomen
- Painful sexual intercourse
- Absence of menstruation
- Painful urination
- Unintentional weight loss or weight gain
- Intestinal blockages
- Changes in bowel habits
Characteristics of Cystic Cell Types
Cystic mesothelioma cells are characterized by smooth, thin-walled cysts held together by fibrovascular tissue. The individual cells are flat or cube-shaped.
The cysts fill up with mucinous or gelatinous fluid and can grow as large as 20 cm in diameter. On imaging scans, doctors may be able to see separate “chambers” in the cystic tumor. Once removed from the body, the tumors may appear pale yellow.
Unlike many types of cancer, cystic mesothelioma does not metastasize. It is considered a localized tumor.
How Is Cystic Mesothelioma Diagnosed?
Troubling abdominal symptoms are usually the beginning of a diagnosis. A doctor will conduct a physical exam, during which they might be able to feel a mass in the abdomen.
They will then perform imaging scans to get a better look at the mass. To determine if the tumor is cancerous, they will remove a small sample of tissue from it. This is called a biopsy. A pathologist examines the tissue to identify the cells and look for signs of malignancy.
A distinctive characteristic of a benign tumor is that it consists of multiple fluid-filled cysts. A cancerous tumor has multiple small nodules. These are the types of characteristics pathologists look for.
During diagnosis, pathologists will also look for calcified plaques after using immunohistochemical staining. This helps them differentiate cystic cells from other types and make a more accurate diagnosis.
Misdiagnosing Cystic Mesothelioma
Because it is so rare, most doctors and even pathologists consider many other similar illnesses before diagnosing cystic mesothelioma. It is common for women, and especially men, with this condition to get an initial misdiagnosis.
Some of the other conditions cystic mesothelioma might be mistaken for include:
- Cystic peritoneal lymphangioma, another type of benign tumor
- Psuedomyxoma peritonei, a rare malignant cancer
- Other cancers that have metastasized to the peritoneum.
- Other types of benign tumors
Cystic Mesothelioma Treatment
Surgery is generally recommended as the best treatment for cystic mesothelioma. Surgery removes benign cysts, but there is always a chance they will return.
Some patients may undergo HIPEC (heated intraperitoneal chemotherapy) after surgery to reduce the risk of recurrence. This type of chemotherapy involves circulating heated chemotherapy drugs throughout the abdominal cavity.
What Is the Prognosis for Cystic Mesothelioma?
Since cystic mesothelioma develops slowly and does not metastasize, most patients have a favorable prognosis. Surgery is often curative, but even if the cysts recur, they can be removed again. Chemotherapy can reduce the risk of a recurrence.
In very rare cases, cystic mesothelioma becomes malignant, which has a less favorable prognosis. In one of these instances, a 36-year-old woman with benign cystic mesothelioma later developed cancer that invaded her lymph nodes.
Additional Resources for Mesothelioma Patients
Remember to fill out our form to get your free Financial Compensation Packet, with information on experienced asbestos and mesothelioma lawyers in your area. Keep in mind that if you have mesothelioma, asbestos-related lung cancer, or asbestosis, you may be eligible for considerable compensation. For additional assistance, contact us at 800-793-4540.
