Benign Multicystic Mesothelioma

Benign multicystic mesothelioma is a rare form of mesothelioma that is not considered cancerous. Benign multicystic mesothelioma affects the peritoneum of the abdomen. The peritoneum is the protective tissue that surrounds the organs in the abdominal cavity and helps facilitate smooth movement between the liver, spleen, bowel, and other organs. It may be difficult to diagnose benign multicystic mesothelioma because it may be asymptomatic, however pain in the stomach, weight loss, nausea, and difficulty with bowel movements may indicate peritoneal mesothelioma.
Benign multicystic mesothelioma may also affect the lining of the lungs known as the pleura. This nonmalignant type of mesothelioma usually involves many localized benign (non-cancerous) tumors on the lining of the lungs. If the tumors grow too large, they may compress the lungs causing difficulty with breathing and shortness of breath. Symptoms of benign multicystic mesothelioma may not be easily discernable, but may include chronic cough or chest pain. In more serious cases, complications may involve fluid escaping into the pleural membranes surrounding the lungs.
A physical examination can help diagnose benign multicystic mesothelioma. Chest x-rays, CT scans of the chest or stomach area, and lung or abdomen biopsies may help determine whether or not an individual has benign multicystic mesothelioma. Once diagnosed, the prognosis for benign multicystic mesothelioma is remarkably better than any other type of mesothelioma. The expected outcome for people with benign multicystic mesothelioma is good with prompt treatment whereas patients with malignant mesothelioma have an average of one year left to live following diagnosis.
Treatment for benign multicystic mesothelioma might include surgery, though it may not be possible to remove all the tumors. Treatment also depends on the severity of a given patient's benign multicystic mesothelioma and the immediacy of treatment.
All forms of mesothelioma develop almost exclusively as a consequence of asbestos exposure. Mesothelioma has a strikingly long latency period and the time between exposure and diagnoses can be as long as fifty years. Asbestos is a chemical found in over 5000 products all over the world. People who have been exposed to asbestos in the workplace in the last seventy years may still develop mesothelioma. Factory, railroad, automobile, construction, building and shipyard industry employees may all be at risk for developing some form of mesothelioma, including benign multicystic mesothelioma.
If you have been exposed to asbestos and experience any of the aforementioned symptoms of benign multicystic mesothelioma, you may want to seek medical attention to find out if you have mesothelioma. If you have benign multicystic mesothelioma you may be eligible to recover what you have lost as a result.