Mesothelioma is usually thought of as a type of cancer that affects the lining on an individual’s internal organs. In reality, mesothelioma can be either malignant, meaning it is cancerous, or benign, meaning it is not cancerous. This latter form of mesothelioma is known as benign multicystic mesothelioma.

Benign multicystic mesothelioma does not spread to other parts of the body, and it usually is not deadly. It can, however, cause individuals a great deal of pain, so individuals may need to undergo treatment to make the condition more manageable.

Understanding Benign Multicystic Mesothelioma

Benign multicystic mesothelioma, like malignant mesothelioma, may develop after an individual has been exposed to asbestos. Unlike malignant mesothelioma, though, benign mesothelioma is not metastatic; in other words, it does not spread to other areas of the body.

Individuals with benign multicystic mesothelioma may experience:

Difficulty eating
Abdominal pain
Frequent nausea
Aside from these symptoms, individuals often do not know that they have benign mesothelioma. As such, individuals may go untreated. Fortunately, benign multicystic mesothelioma will not cause an individual to pass away.

Treatment for Benign Multicystic Mesothelioma

Individuals who have multicystic mesothelioma may require treatment to make the condition more manageable. Typical treatment may include:

Over-the-counter pain medications
Surgery to remove affected tissue
Prescription drugs
Because it does not spread and is not cancerous, multicystic mesothelioma does not require the affected individual to undergo chemotherapy or radiation treatment.