Benign Mesothelioma

While most mesothelioma cases are malignant, mesothelioma can also be benign or non-malignant.

What Is Referred To As Benign Mesothelioma?

Benign mesothelioma is solitary fibrous tumor of the pleura, benign mesothelioma as the name indicates is not malignant and is usually not cancerous. Mesothelioma which is more common in men starts in the tissues under the mesothelium, also know as the sub-mesothelium.

Why Is Benign Mesothelioma Tumor Different?

The most important difference between benign mesothelioma and malignant mesothelioma is that benign mesothelioma tumors does not spread and destroy other tissues. However, malignant tumors spread very quickly often times resulting in mesothelioma treatment being non-effective and difficult in most cases.


Symptoms of Benign Mesothelioma

Benign Mesothelioma is a very rare form of mesothelioma and only account for less than 10% of all cases of worldwide. It is very difficult to differentiate between the between malignant and benign mesothelioma as it requires extensive testing and surgical procedures to determine which form of mesothelioma is present.

The following are common symptoms that are associated with the presence of solitary fibrous tumor of the pluera:

*Chest Pain
*Shortness of Breath
*Chronic Cough

The main reason that these symptoms are associated with benign mesothelioma is that the growth of the tumor often times press against the lungs resulting in the symptoms above.

Diagnosing Benign Mesothelioma

The test that are used to diagnose malignant mesothelioma is used to detect benign mesothelioma. Due to the fact of the extreme difficult with identifying one form from the other without sophisticated imaging, doctors often perform a regular x-ray followed by the following:

CT Scan

This creates images by a machine that consist of an x-ray generating devices that rotates around the body. This test is very useful in detecting tumors in and around the lungs and therefore makes it an asset for diagnosing mesothelioma.

MRI

Is a diagnostic tool that uses a magnetic field and radio waves to create cross sectional images of the head or body. This is a more advanced technology to the CT Scan and is more accurate providing the right images to detect any form of tumor.


Treatment of Benign Mesothelioma

Cases of Benign Mesothelioma is easily treatable unlike malignant mesothelioma. In the case of benign mesothelioma removing the tumor is usually all it takes to cure this form of mesothelioma.

The development of benign mesothelioma is often a sign of a more serious type of mesothelioma waiting to develop in the future. If benign mesothelioma is detected, it is recommended that regular checkups be performed to ensure that the tumor does not reoccur.