01. Overview
Benign Mesothelioma Cell Structure
The cell structure of benign mesothelioma tumors differs based on type. However, most subtypes are composed of epithelial cells. This cell type is the most responsive to treatment and offers a better mesothelioma prognosis. Epithelioid cells grow in clusters and are slower to metastasize than other cell types.
Malignant mesothelioma can spread to other areas of the body. The cancer cells may invade organs and lymph nodes, limiting treatment options.
Benign mesothelioma tumors can grow, but they generally do not spread. This characteristic can allow for complete surgical removal.
Rare Benign Mesothelioma Types
Benign mesothelioma is rarer than the malignant form. Through the few reported cases, researchers have established four rare subtypes.
Some of the subtypes can manifest as malignant. But most have benign mesothelial cells.
02. Diagnosis
Diagnosing Benign Mesothelioma
Diagnosing benign mesothelioma requires several tests. These can include a medical history, physical exam, imaging scans and blood tests. Doctors cannot diagnose benign mesothelioma without collecting and testing a biopsy (a small piece of the tumor).
A biopsy is the only test that can definitively confirm mesothelioma. Doctors analyze biopsy tumor samples under a microscope. This lets doctors see the cell size, shape and arrangement and other features. Analyzing these aspects of a tumor can help doctors arrive at an accurate diagnosis.
03. Prognosis
Benign Mesothelioma Prognosis
The prognosis for benign mesothelioma is generally favorable. A diagnosis usually does not affect life expectancy. Most patients can live a full life after the tumor is removed.
Recurrence is possible with some tumors. This is especially true for benign multicystic peritoneal mesothelioma. Some tumors may also return as malignant. Patients may have a poor prognosis with malignant mesothelioma. On average, malignant mesothelioma patients live 18 – 31 months with treatment.
Survival rates may vary depending on the subtype of mesothelioma. Rates also depend on if the patient has a cancerous recurrence.
- BMPM: 5-year survival rate of 100% with surgery and heated intraperitoneal chemotherapy
- WDPMT: 5-year survival rate of 80% with multimodal treatment
The prognosis for other types of benign mesothelioma is generally good. But these types are so rare that specific statistics are difficult to find.
Doctors may recommend follow-up appointments for patients treated for benign mesothelioma. Frequent monitoring may help in maintaining a higher quality of life.
04. Treatment
Treatment Options for Benign Mesothelioma
Treatment options for benign mesothelioma depend on the tumor type and patient characteristics. Doctors often perform surgery to remove the benign tumor. For some, the procedure is curative, removing all the tumor. But surgery does come with some risks. Patients should discuss risks with their care teams.
In some cases, doctors may use another therapy with surgery. For example, with BMPM, doctors sometimes use intraperitoneal tetracycline (antibiotic). This drug may help kill any tumor cells left behind after the surgery.
05. Common Questions
Common Questions About Benign Mesothelioma
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What is the survival rate for benign mesothelioma?
- Studies show the survival rate for benign mesothelioma tends to be favorable. With treatment, benign multicystic peritoneal mesothelioma patients had a 5-year survival rate of 100%. Patients treated for well-differentiated papillary mesothelial tumors had a 5-year survival rate of 80%.
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How do you treat benign mesothelioma?
- Doctors generally recommend surgery to treat benign mesothelioma. Since it is not malignant, they may not recommend traditional chemotherapy or radiation. But doctors might recommend localized chemotherapy, like HIPEC, to treat benign recurrences. They may also treat recurrence with hormone therapies.
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How common is benign mesothelioma?
- Mesothelioma is a rare cancer on its own. According to experts, benign mesothelioma is exceedingly rare. Only a few hundred cases have been reported in medical literature. Because of its rarity, benign mesothelioma is difficult to study and diagnose. So it is impossible to accurately determine how rare it is.
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Can benign mesothelioma become malignant?
- Only a handful of cases have been reported in which benign mesothelioma became malignant. Experts believe malignant transformation is possible but cannot say how common it is. Based upon the information available now, it is quite rare.
