Benign or non-malignant Mesothelioma (Fibrous)

Majority of mesothelioma cancer cases are malignant. However, benign or non-malignant mesothelioma occurs in some cases. Benign mesothelioma constitute less than 10 percent of all mesothelioma cases. Benign mesothelioma is noncancerous tumor of the pleura or peritoneum. These tumors usually start in the submesothelium tissues under the mesothelium. This disease is also referred to as "solitary fibrous tumor of the pleura or peritoneum".
Nonmalignant mesothelioma tumor may grow to a large size and press the lung, causing the symptoms of shortness of breath. They present symptoms that are quite similar to malignant pleural mesothelioma. Extensive diagnosis testing is needed to differentiate between cancerous and benign mesothelioma. Benign mesothelioma affects men more frequently than women.
Unlike cancerous forms of mesothelioma, benign or non-malignant tumors do not spread to adjacent tissue. Thus treatment and removal of benign mesothelioma is easier.
The development of benign mesothelioma indicates the possibility that more serious mesothelioma may develop in the future. Benign mesothelioma patients should continue with regular check-ups after surgery.