Benign Mesothelioma

Understanding the Types of Malignant Mesothelioma Cancer

Benign Mesothelioma

Benign Mesothelioma, also known as benign multicystic mesothelioma, is a non-cancerous tumor of the pleura, which lines the chest cavity and lungs. Benign mesothelioma develops in the pleura around the lungs. The tumor begins from tissue under the mesothelium. As the tumor grows, it compresses the lung, creating a shortness of breath.

Common symptoms of benign mesothelioma include:

• Chronic cough
• Chest pain
• Shortness of breath
• Clubbed appearance of fingers

Benign mesothelioma may be inactive before manifesting symptoms. Benign varieties of mesothelioma are very uncommon. When asbestos fibers gather in the lungs or stomach lining, the body attempts, and fails, to destroy the particles.

Although benign mesothelioma is not life-threatening, it shows a substantial exposure to asbestos. A doctor can determine if the patient has any other asbestos-caused diseases. A benign tumor can be removed with surgery.

To diagnose benign mesothelioma, a doctor may perform a physical exam, chest x-ray, CT scan or biopsy. The prognosis for benign multicystic mesothelioma is significantly better than any other form of the disease. With timely treatment, the patient should expect a good outcome. Treatment for benign mesothelioma includes surgery to remove the tumors.

All types of mesothelioma occur almost entirely because of asbestos exposure. Mesothelioma usually does not occur until decades after the exposure. Asbestos was found in thousands of products worldwide. Railroad, shipyard, automobile, construction, factory and building workers may be at risk for developing mesothelioma.