Abstract
Background/Aims: Rare malignant peritoneal mesothelioma appears to be increasing in incidence. Its unusual presentation however has left its natural history, diagnosis, and management obscure. We report 12 cases of malignant peritoneal mesothelioma, its clinicopathological features, and its relationship to asbestos exposure. Patients and methods: Subjects were 12 persons-10 men and 2 women averaging 66 years of age, 11 of whom (91.7%) had confirmed asbestos exposure-seen from January 1993 to March 2009 for malignant peritoneal mesothelioma. Results: Malignant peritoneal mesothelioma involves an occupational history, e.g. shipyard work or asbestos product manufactures of heavy asbestos exposure and complications of asbestosis and pleural plaque. Ten of our 12 subjects were definitively diagnosed by laparoscopy and open surgery. Histologically 11 had epithelial and 2 biphasic mesothelioma. Chemotherapy was conducted in 10 (83.4%), surgery in 1 (8.3%). Median survival was 12.0 months. Two-year survival was 19.3%. Conclusion: Malignant peritoneal mesothelioma is strongly related to asbestos exposure, and its diffuse nature makes a radical resection. Combined treatments may reduce local recurrence and systemic spread.
