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Benign Pleural Mesothelioma

In contrast to malignant pleural mesothelioma, benign (non-malignant) mesothelioma is not a form of cancer. This disease develops much sooner than malignant mesothelioma and treatment is often very effective. However, the occurrence of benign mesothelioma should serve as a warning for future developments of an asbestos-related disease, including lung cancer and asbestosis.

Benign pleural mesothelioma tumors are not cancerous. The cells that make up this disease do not spread to other areas of the body or invade nearby tissues like most forms of cancer. While benign and malignant mesothelioma may differ in activity, the symptoms for each remain the same. Symptoms for both of these conditions can include coughing, shortness of breath and chest pain. Malignant pleural mesothelioma patients may experience fatigue, weight loss and other symptoms.

Diagnosing and Treating Benign Mesothelioma

Determining a proper diagnosis for either benign or malignant pleural mesothelioma may involve the use of several tests. CT scans and chest X-rays are two techniques commonly used to initially detect mesothelioma development. If additional testing is required, physicians may issue an MRI scan or a biopsy, which involves removing a sample of the tumor from the affected area. A fluid biopsy may also be used to inspect the tumor.

Surgery is the most common form of treatment for benign mesothelioma. Chemotherapy and radiation treatments are not needed for this type of mesothelioma because the tumor can simply be removed. Most patients develop benign mesothelioma in the lung and therefore receive a procedure called a thoracotomy. This technique may remove part or all of the lung being affected by the tumor. A side effect that may arise after a thoracotomy is pleural effusion, which is fluid build-up within the pleural spaces. This fluid can easily be drained in order reduce any added pressure on the lungs.

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