Malignant peritoneal mesothelioma presented as peritoneal adenocarcinoma or primary ovarian cancer: case series and review of the clinical and immunohistochemical features

Int J Clin Exp Pathol. 2012;5(5):472-8. Epub 2012 May 23.

Abstract

Diffuse peritoneal malignant mesothelioma is a rare, progressive, and ultimately fatal disease and it can present as primary peritoneal carcinoma or ovarian cancer. Differential diagnosis is important to establish appropriate management. In this article the clinical presentation, immunuhistochemical and histopathological features of 8 diffuse peritoneal malignant mesothelioma cases presented as peritoneal carcinoma or ovarian cancer are evaluated. According to findings of all reported cases, we concluded that clinical distinction of malignant mesothelioma from ovarian cancer or peritoneal adenocarcinoma is very difficult. Differential diagnosis is reliably achieved by immune profile of the tumors with a systematic approach of both positive and negative mesothelioma markers.

Keywords: Peritoneal mesotheliomas; ovarian cancer; peritoneal adenocarcinoma.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adenocarcinoma / diagnosis*
  • Adenocarcinoma / metabolism
  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Biomarkers, Tumor / metabolism
  • Combined Modality Therapy
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Mesothelioma / diagnosis*
  • Mesothelioma / metabolism
  • Mesothelioma / therapy
  • Middle Aged
  • Ovarian Neoplasms / diagnosis*
  • Ovarian Neoplasms / metabolism
  • Peritoneal Neoplasms / diagnosis*
  • Peritoneal Neoplasms / metabolism
  • Peritoneal Neoplasms / therapy
  • Treatment Outcome

Substances

  • Biomarkers, Tumor