A malignant mesothelioma can rise from any serous surface of the body. The prognosis of the malignant peritoneal mesothelioma is extremely poor. Most patients die of the disease within 2 years of the diagnosis. As with all mesotheliomas, the diagnosis of peritoneal mesothelioma can be challenging.
By using immunohistochemical staining, the patient can be diagnosed as sarcomatoid malignant peritoneal mesothelioma. Malignant mesothelioma, especially sarcomatoid mesothelioma, is known to have a poor prognosis.
Since cytologic specimens are often negative, we suggest that in patients suspected of a malignant peritoneal mesothelioma, laparoscopy with directed biopsies be performed. Malignant peritoneal mesothelioma (MPM) is a rare disease characterized by a difficult diagnosis, different types of presentation, variable course and poor prognosis. Computed tomography scan and echotomography signs were ascites, abdominal mass and peritoneal thickening. Peritoneal fluid cytology (61 cases) was positive for mesothelioma in 31 and for malignancy, not mesothelioma, in 13.
