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Malignant peritoneal mesothelioma in a 76-year-old woman with a history of asbestos fiber ingestion
  1. P. Van Kesteren*,
  2. J. Bulten,
  3. C. Schijf,
  4. H. Boonstra and
  5. L. Massuger
  1. * Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Vrije Universiteit Medical Centre, Amsterdam
  2. Department of Pathology, University Medical Centre St. Radboud, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
  3. Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Medical Centre St. Radboud, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
  1. Address correspondence and reprint requests to: Paul van Kesteren, MD, PhD, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Vrije Universiteit Medical Centre, P.O. Box 7057, 1007 MB Amsterdam, The Netherlands. Email: p.vankesteren{at}vumc.nl

Abstract

We report on a woman with malignant mesothelioma of the peritoneum. This is the first report of a subject with this disease who revealed a history of asbestos ingestion by asbestos-contaminated food. She presented with episodes of sweating and fever, ascites, and weight loss. At laparotomy, small tumor deposits were noted on the peritoneum. The omental cake was removed, together with the uterus, ovaries, and tubes which were all macroscopically normal. The diagnosis was established by immunohistochemistry and electron microscopy. Postoperatively, her complaints of fever and sweating disappeared. She refused further chemotherapy. After questioning her for asbestos exposure, she told us that, years ago, she used to prepare vegetables for cooking in rain water collected from a roof made of asbestos.

  • asbestos
  • malignant
  • mesothelioma
  • peritoneum
  • woman

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