What is the difference between the benign and malignant mesothelioma?

Benign mesothelioma or fibrous mesothelioma is a tumor affection (not cancerous) of the pleura, a thin layer of tissue that coats the lining of the lungs.

Malignant mesothelioma is a cancerous tumor having its origin in the mesothelial cells, which compose most of the serous layers of the body including the pleura, the peritoneum, and the pericardium.

The most important difference between the malignant and benign form of mesothelioma consists in a decreased capacity of invasion and diffusion of the fibrous type in comparison with the malignant one.

Unlike the benign mesothelioma, the malignant form is very aggressive, has a fast evolution and distant metastasis and, therefore, is very difficult to treat.

Comments from doctors

Benign mesothelioma is a rare form of the disease and it is not cancerous. It can be treated with surgery.
Malignant mesothelioma is a lot more aggressive in comparison with the benign form.
The benign form of the disease has a slower evolution and is easier to treat.

We wanted a resource where people who are looking for better help can find it, because one of the issues that I have found is that the diagnosis takes a little bit, some people don’t know if they are diagnosed or not. This is something that it is important enough, that is why I wanted to put the information together.