Malignant epithelial mesothelioma of the peritoneum: observations on a problem case

Ultrastruct Pathol. 1996 Jul-Aug;20(4):337-44. doi: 10.3109/01913129609016334.

Abstract

A 71-year-old asbestos-exposed male with symptoms suggestive of asbestosis for the previous 8 years presented with abdominal distension and ascites. Clinically, a diagnosis of mesothelioma carcinoma was made. Light microscopy of an omental biopsy failed to advance the diagnosis: The tumor was a solid, papillary, and glandular neoplasm lacking mucin and hyaluronidase-sensitive Alcian blue staining material. Immunohistochemistry gave positive results for Ber-EP4, LeuM1, and CEA, markers, favoring carcinoma. Electron microscopy revealed processes in channels and lumina, which were long, slender, and uncoated with a length: diameter ratio of 19.7. A few possessed small rootlets. A glycocalyx and glycocalyceal bodies were not seen. Other features included tonofibrils, a basal lamina, and desmosomes. The patient died 3 months following the onset of abdominal symptoms. Autopsy findings included solid and papillary tumor throughout the peritoneum, but no intrinsic tumor of the gastrointestinal tract or elsewhere. Arriving at a final diagnosis was complicated by immunohistochemistry, which favored carcinoma, and ultrastructure, which suggested mesothelioma. Taking into account all lines of evidence, it was concluded that the tumor was probably a mesothelioma but one with some features developed to an extent more typical of carcinoma.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Biomarkers / analysis
  • Carcinoma / pathology
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Fatal Outcome
  • Humans
  • Immunohistochemistry
  • Male
  • Mesothelioma / metabolism
  • Mesothelioma / pathology*
  • Mesothelioma / ultrastructure
  • Microscopy, Electron
  • Peritoneal Neoplasms / metabolism
  • Peritoneal Neoplasms / pathology*
  • Peritoneal Neoplasms / ultrastructure

Substances

  • Biomarkers