Primary diffuse malignant peritoneal mesothelioma: case report and update of therapy.

BACKGROUND AND

OBJECTIVES

Primary Diffuse Malignant Peritoneal Mesothelioma is a rare disease, with an incidence of 2.2 cases in 1. 000.000 in the USA. It occupies 10% of all mesotheliomas referred in literature.

METHODS

We describe a case of diffuse malignant peritoneal mesothelioma arising in a 54-year-old woman who presented a small bowel occlusion. A middle line laparotomy was done; multiple biopsies and an ileostomy were performed. There was not a history of exposure to asbestos. Histologic diagnosis was based on light microscopy, histochemistry, and immunohistochemistry.

RESULTS

Patient had no further treatment because of her poor general conditions. She died 4 months later.

CONCLUSIONS

Update of treatment is briefly described with particular attention to multimodality approach (surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy) and other new therapeutic options (iperthermochemotherapy, immunotherapy, gene therapy), currently in clinical trials.