Pitfalls in diagnosis of early stage malignant peritoneal mesothelioma: a case report.

Malignant peritoneal mesothelioma (MPM) is a rare condition with an overall incidence of one to two cases per million [Arch. Surg. 123 (1988) 765.]. It is a tumour that arises from the mesothelium of a serosal cavity. While simultaneous peritoneal and pleural involvement is found in 30-45% of cases of mesothelioma, solitary peritoneal involvement is found only in 10-20%. The disease usually presents late. As a result, most reported cases in the radiological literature describe features of the advanced disease only. We report the radiological findings in early stage of MPM in a patient who was successfully treated by surgery. The diagnostic pitfalls in early stage disease are discussed and the radiological literature of MPM is reviewed.