Pitfalls in diagnosis of early stage malignant peritoneal mesothelioma: a case report.
Malignant peritoneal mesothelioma (MPM) is a rare condition with an overall incidence of one to two cases per million [Arch. Surg. 123 (1988) 765.]. It is a tumour that arises from the mesothelium of a serosal cavity. While simultaneous peritoneal and pleural involvement is found in 30-45% of cases of mesothelioma, solitary peritoneal involvement is found only in 10-20%. The disease usually presents late. As a result, most reported cases in the radiological literature describe features of the advanced disease only. We report the radiological findings in early stage of MPM in a patient who was successfully treated by surgery. The diagnostic pitfalls in early stage disease are discussed and the radiological literature of MPM is reviewed.
Department of Diagnostic Radiology and Organ Imaging, Prince of Wales Hospital, Shatin, Hong Kong, China. leesfp@hotmail.com
Paul S F
PS
Lee
K M
KM
Auyeung
D Ann
DA
King
D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008654:Mesothelioma / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000601:surgery; D008875:Middle Aged; D010534:Peritoneal Neoplasms / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000601:surgery; D013997:Time Factors; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed