The Maune Raichle Law Firm

Benign Mesothelioma

Benign mesothelioma is a rare form of mesothelioma, accounting for about 10% of the total number of cases, and differs from malignant mesothelioma by being a localized tumor. Although a small percentage of benign mesothelioma tumors are actually cancerous, the fact that this cancer is not spreading makes treatment easy and highly effective. Although diagnosis and symptoms may be very similar between malignant and benign mesothelioma, treatment often takes a different course and is known to be much more effective in benign cases.

In benign cases of mesothelioma there is a tumor which usually develops directly under the mesothelium. This tumor affects breathing function and can lead to shortened breathing, low dissolved oxygen content in the blood, and labored breathing. The diagnosis of benign mesothelioma is usually the result of an x-ray or CT scan taken to determine the cause of a patient's symptoms. This X-ray or CT scan is usually followed up by a more precise MRI scan to confirm the existence of a tumor around the lungs. To further confirm the fact that this tumor is benign and not a case of malignant mesothelioma, a biopsy of lung tissue is often taken and studied in a pathology lab.

Being benign, a mesothelioma tumor can be much easier to treat than malignant mesothelioma, usually requiring removal and no further treatment. The fact that benign mesothelioma will not spread does not, however, make it harmless. Benign mesothelioma affects breathing and lung function and can lead to low dissolved oxygen in a patient's blood. Low dissolved oxygen content and shortened painful breathing will continue until the tumor is removed. Receiving treatment for benign mesothelioma will result in improved breathing, increased lung function, and, commonly, the cessation of painful breathing.