Benign Mesothelioma
It is rare that we hear of cases of mesothelioma that are benign - or non-cancerous - but there have been instances where the disease has developed in this way. Thankfully, for those afflicted with benign mesothelioma, the outcome is much more positive than for those individuals with the malignant form of the disease.
What is Benign Mesothelioma?
Quite simply, benign mesothelioma is a non-cancerous form of mesothelioma, thus the name. Studies show it occurs more often in men than in women - which is also true with malignant mesothelioma. Commonly given the name "solitary fibrous tumor of the pleura" (or the peritoneum or pericardium), this cancer begins in the tissues that are situation under the mesothelium.
What Makes this Form of Mesothelioma Benign?
A tumor is referred to as benign when it can not spread to adjacent tissue, as is the case with the malignant forms of most cancers. The spread - or metastasizing - of cancer is what makes treatment so difficult.
How do I know if I have Benign Mesothelioma?
Benign mesothelioma accounts for less than 10 percent of all mesothelioma cases worldwide. Its rarity makes it difficult to diagnose. Furthermore, the symptoms of benign mesothelioma are essentially the same as those of malignant mesothelioma, so it's impossible to distinguish the two without some form of testing, such as CT scans, MRIs, and biopsies. Symptoms may include shortness of breath, chest pain, and coughing.
The aforementioned tests can give doctors a close up look at the body's internal organs and tissue, which can indicate the presence or non-presence of a tumor. A thin needle biopsy, almost always required for diagnosis, can confirm the presence or non-presence of cancer cells inside that tumor.
How is Benign Mesothelioma Treated?
It is much easier to treat benign mesothelioma than the malignant form of the disease. Usually, surgery is performed to remove the tumor and little else is required. Generally, the prognosis is excellent, but follow-ups should be conducted intermittently to rule out the development of more serious asbestos-related diseases. These follow-ups could include chest x-rays or pulmonary function tests.