Benign mesothelioma

A non-cancerous, or benign mesothelioma is a growth of the mesothelium that does not spread (metastasize) to other parts of the body. Benign mesothelioma tumours are not usually life-threatening. They are typically removed with surgery and do not usually come back (recur). There are a few types of benign mesothelioma.

This tumour can start in the thin tissue covering the lung (visceral pleura). It may also start in the thin tissue that lines the chest cavity and surrounds the lungs (parietal pleura). Fibrous tumours of the pleura can cause many of the same symptoms as malignant mesothelioma, such as shortness of breath.

These types of tumours may recur after surgery. In some cases, a localized fibrous tumour of the pleura is actually cancerous.

Multicystic mesothelioma forms many benign cysts on the thin lining of the inner abdomen, called the peritoneum. This type of mesothelioma is more commonly found in women. It may also be called benign cystic mesothelioma.

This type of benign mesothelioma can start in the mesothelium lining the reproductive organs. In women, it can start in the fallopian tubes. In men, it can start in the epididymis ducts that carry the sperm cells out of the testicles.