Cystic mesothelioma is a type of peritoneal mesothelioma that affects mainly young females. When cystic mesothelioma occurs, cysts are lined with a layer of benign mesothelial cells. Since cystic mesothelioma is a benign form of mesothelioma, normal life expectancy occurs. In some instances, though, cystic mesothelioma will require some treatment depending on the pain or symptoms experienced. Cystic mesothelioma is rare and tough to diagnose due to the complicated procedures that must be performed prior to confirming if cystic mesothelioma is present.

Cystic mesothelioma is a rare and benign form of mesothelioma that develops on the peritoneum. The peritoneum is the thin membrane that lines the abdominal wall and surrounds the organs of the abdomen. This mesothelioma produces cysts within the abdominal cavity. Surgery to remove the cysts usually is effective in treating the symptoms. However, patients experience a high recurrence of cyst development. Although not cancer, this form of mesothelioma is a serious illness requiring long term monitoring and treatment. The diagnosis presents difficulties and requires extensive laboratory analysis and immunohistochemical studies. Normal life expectancy is usual.

Cystic Mesothelioma of The Peritoneum: JD O'Neil, PR Ros, BL Storm, JL Buck and EJ Wilkinson, Department of Radiology, University of Florida, Gainesville. Cystic mesothelioma (CM) of the peritoneum is a rare, benign neoplasm that occurs predominantly in women and tends to recur locally. It has received little attention (to our knowledge, a single case report) in the radiology literature. Five cases of CM are presented. Computed tomography (CT) was performed in three cases, ultrasound (US) in four cases, and magnetic resonance (MR) imaging in one case. Twenty-eight cases reported in the literature are reviewed for comparison