Abstract
Mesothelial cysts especially those located at the peritoneum, are rare. Three cases with peritoneal cysts discovered during surgery for inguinal hernias are described in this report ; the relevant literature is also reviewed. The cystic lesions were diagnosed on pathology as simple mesothelial cysts in two cases and as multilocular mesothelial cysts in one case. Mesothelial cysts have been assigned many different labels. This diversity in the terminology reflects the lack of agreement about whether the lesion is reactive or neoplastic. Diagnostic criteria for each of the various labels that have been given to this entity should be formulated. Mesothelial cysts are found relatively often during surgery for inguinal hernia. Thus their presence should be considered during such surgery.
