['Malignant peritoneal mesothelioma': a condition difficult to diagnose].

BACKGROUND

Malignant mesothelioma is an aggressive neoplasm, which arises from serous membranes, such as the pleura and the peritoneum. Malignant peritoneal mesothelioma is relatively rare, but the incidence is increasing worldwide because of intensive asbestos use during the 20th century.

CASE DESCRIPTION: A 60-year-old man complained of malaise, night sweating and weight loss and was seen by a specialist in internal medicine. Additional investigation included a CT scan, 2 PET-CT scans, 2 diagnostic laparoscopies and histological examination of peritoneum biopsies. After 7 months the diagnosis of malignant peritoneal mesothelioma was made.

CONCLUSION

Histological investigation is of great importance when there is indication of malignant peritoneal mesothelioma. There is not yet a consensus concerning the optimal treatment, but a small increase in survival can be achieved by systemic chemotherapy or intraperitoneal therapy consisting of hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy after cytoreductive surgery.