Clinical Features and Outcomes of Tunica Vaginalis Mesothelioma: A Case Series From the National Institutes of Health

First Case of Abdominal and Tunica Vaginalis Multicystic Benign Mesothelioma: Management and Review of Literature

Multicystic benign mesothelioma is a rare tumor that affects the serosa. Most cases present with peritoneal lesions exclusively. Some identified risk factors are chronic abdominal inflammation, woman of childbearing age, and asbestos exposure. The symptomatology is not specific and can delay the diagnosis. There are no guidelines for the treatment of this pathology. We describe one male patient with abdominal and tunica vaginalis localizations of multicystic benign mesothelioma. The diagnosis was suspected on imaging and confirmed with histological examination. The treatment on an expert center was complete cytoreduction surgery and HIPEC, but the patient had two recurrences during the 2-year of follow-up. This is the first case of simultaneous rare localizations of multicystic benign mesothelioma. No new risk factors were identified. The case underlines the importance of regular examination of all serosa localizations.

Asbestos exposure and malignant mesothelioma of the tunica vaginalis testis: a systematic review and the experience of the Apulia (southern Italy) mesothelioma register

BACKGROUND

Malignant mesothelioma of the tunica vaginalis testis (MMTVT) is a rare disease with a poor prognosis. The diagnosis and management of these lesions are often difficult for pathologists, surgeons, oncologists and occupational physicians. A preoperative diagnosis of malignancy is rarely made, and there is no established effective therapy except orchidectomy.

METHODS

A systematic literature review was conducted among the articles published in the English literature on primary MMTVT. Moreover four cases from the Apulia mesothelioma register are reported here.

RESULTS

Two hundred eighty-nine cases of MMTVT have been reported from 1943 to 2018. Overall asbestos exposure has been investigated only for 58% of all cases reported in this review, while in 41.8% this data are not available. Noteworthy is the fact that in many reports there is not an anamnestic reconstruction of any asbestos exposure. A history of direct occupational, environmental or familial asbestos exposure is found in 27.6% of the cases. The four cases from the Apulia mesothelioma register are all with ascertained occupational exposure to asbestos.

CONCLUSIONS

The true incidence of asbestos exposure in MMTVT is underestimated because of insufficient information reported in older literature. To establish a broad consensus on the causal relationship between asbestos and MMTVT in the scientific community its necessary to analyze the same variables in the epidemiological studies. In general it should be recommended that a positive history of exposure to asbestos or to asbestos-containing materials are at risk for the development of a MMTVT and should be monitored.