Benign Mesothelioma

A type of tumor that used to be called benign fibrous mesothelioma can form in the pleura surrounding the lungs. The tumor actually starts from tissue under the mesothelium, called the submesothelium. The new name of this tumor is solitary fibrous tumor of the pleura. This disease is usually not cancerous, but cancerous forms can occur. These tumors do not invade adjacent tissues, and the lack of invasion into adjacent tissues is the key microscopic feature that distinguishes these tumors from those labeled malignant. These tumors are not associated with asbestos exposure and are found with equal frequency in men and women. A similar disease starting in the peritoneum is called solitary fibrous tumor of peritoneum. Complete surgical resection is the treatment of choice.