title: ['Malignant peritoneal mesothelioma': a condition difficult to diagnose].
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Malignant mesothelioma is an aggressive neoplasm, which arises from serous membranes, such as the pleura and the peritoneum. Malignant peritoneal mesothelioma is relatively rare, but the incidence is increasing worldwide because of intensive asbestos use during the 20th century.
  
  
  METHODS
  A 60-year-old man complained of malaise, night sweating and weight loss and was seen by a specialist in internal medicine. Additional investigation included a CT scan, 2 PET-CT scans, 2 diagnostic laparoscopies and histological examination of peritoneum biopsies. After 7 months the diagnosis of malignant peritoneal mesothelioma was made.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Histological investigation is of great importance when there is indication of malignant peritoneal mesothelioma. There is not yet a consensus concerning the optimal treatment, but a small increase in survival can be achieved by systemic chemotherapy or intraperitoneal therapy consisting of hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy after cytoreductive surgery.
authors.affiliation: Universitair Medisch Centrum Groningen, afd. Interne Geneeskunde, Groningen, the Netherlands. f.m.valkvander@amc.uva.nl
authors.forename: Fleurtje M
authors.initials: FM
authors.lastname: van der Valk
authors.forename: Jan
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: van Leeuwen
mesh_terms: D000970:Antineoplastic Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D003131:Combined Modality Therapy; D006801:Humans; D006979:Hyperthermia, Induced; D008297:Male; D008654:Mesothelioma / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000628:therapy; D008875:Middle Aged; D010534:Peritoneal Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000628:therapy; D011379:Prognosis
chemical_list: D000970:Antineoplastic Agents