While the vast majority of mesothelioma cases are malignant, benign - or non-malignant - mesothelioma can occur in some cases.
What is Benign Mesothelioma?
More recently referred to as a "solitary fibrous tumor of the pleura," benign mesothelioma - as the name indicates - is usually not cancerous, though cancerous forms can occur from time to time.
Appearing more in men than women, these tumors usually start in the tissues under the mesothelium, which is known as the submesothelium. A similar tumor may grow in the peritoneum, the lining of the abdomen. Doctors have appropriately named that disease "solitary fibrous tumor of the peritoneum." Why is this Tumor Different?
The most important difference between these benign mesothelioma tumors and the cancerous forms is that these tumors do not spread, invading adjacent tissue. On the other hand, malignant tumors often spread quite quickly, making treatment difficult and non-effective. Symptoms of Benign Mesothelioma
Benign mesotheliomas are actually very rare. They account for less than 10 percent of all mesothelioma cases worldwide. However, they do occur, usually presenting symptoms that are quite similar to those connected with malignant pleural mesothelioma. As a matter of fact, it is nearly impossible to differentiate between the two without extensive testing or surgical procedures.
The most common symptoms that may indicate the presence of a solitary fibrous tumor of the pleura are:
