Benign Mesothelioma

Very rarely, benign mesothelioma can occur in the same locations in which malignant mesothelioma typically occurs, the pleura and the peritoneum most commonly. These benign tumors arise from similar tissue, the mesothelium which lines the body cavities, but actually originates in the submesothelium just under the mesothelium.

Although still referred to as a benign form of mesothelioma, these benign tumors have been more recently named a solitary fibrous tumor of the pleura or peritoneum.

Unlike malignant mesothelioma, which can be very aggressive and invasive in the body, these benign tumors are slower growing and less invasive. They tend to cause much less tissue destruction and they do not spread to distant sites in the body (metastasize).

Solitary tumors of the pleura can cause very similar symptoms as malignant mesothelioma, such as chest pain, shortness of breath and cough. However, because they grow slower and are less invasive they may not cause symptoms for a long time or the symptoms may be more subtle.

Unlike malignant forms of mesothelioma, the benign variant generally has a very good prognosis and is relatively easy to treat. While malignant tumors often require surgery, radiation and/or chemotherapy and still are very difficult to control, benign tumors can often be controlled by surgery alone. If diagnosed and treated, the long-term prognosis for these tumors is typically excellent. However, most patients should be followed closely after treatment to ensure the tumor does not recur or that other tumors do not develop.