Malignant peritoneal mesothelioma: contribution and limitation of imaging for its diagnosis.

Malignant mesothelioma of the peritoneum is a rare primary peritoneal tumor with a pore prognosis. The overall prevalence is one to two cases per million. The tumor arises from mesothelial cells in the pleura or, in this case, peritoneum. Peritoneal malignant mesotheliomas account for only 10 to 20% of all malignant mesotheliomas. Exposure to asbestos fibers is a known risk factor for the development of mesothelial tumors. Although imaging features can be suggestive of malignant peritoneal mesothelioma, histologic examination of tissue with specific immunohistologic markers are mandatory for diagnosis.