Synchronous pleural and peritoneal mesothelioma, two distinct forms of an aggressive mesothelioma cancer were found in a 70-year-old female patient with a history of asbestos exposure.
A recent case report featured in the medical journal Cureus, is shedding light on mesothelioma by challenging the conventional belief that it typically appears in just one area.
The patient, who fits the age and history linked to mesotheliomas latency period.
Diagnostic Breakthrough
PET/CT scans detected the presence of mesothelioma in both the pleura (lung lining) and peritoneum (abdominal lining) — a rare case of an extensive disease with high SUVmax values — a measure of metabolic activity.
The latter directed repeat biopsy and histopathological validation of the dual-site diagnosis.
Personalized Treatment Approach
With extensive locoregional and systemic therapies, including surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation the patient presented a complicated clinical scenario. It is not only difficult to handle a bi-site diagnosis for mesothelioma, but also identifies the need for unique treatment methods that reflect the nature in which and where (within multiple tissues/organs) this disease has materialized.
It is interesting that the potential genetic predisposition of inverted papilloma to polyposis may be involved in this uncommon case both at two different sites.
Implications for the Medical Community
This case is also considered a wake-up call for the medical community by many asbestos advocy groups, highlighting among other things that physicians must take extra care in diagnosing mesothelioma and use PET/CT imaging to see just how far it has spread.
Learning that she had been diagnosed with two-site mesothelioma, researchers hope they have reached a significant point in understanding the disease.
If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with mesothelioma, Mesowatch is here to help. Support, Resources and Information to help you navigate the journey.
