PERITONEAL MESOTHELIOMA AS A CO-MALIGNANCY IN A PATIENT WITH CLL/SLL: CASE REPORT

Abstract

Objective

Malignant mesothelioma (MM) is an aggressive tumor typically arising from the pleura, with malignant peritoneal mesothelioma (MPM) accounting for 10-15% of cases. The occurrence of MPM alongside hematologic malignancies is rare. Here, we present a case of peritoneal mesothelioma developing synchronously with CLL/SLL.

Case Report

A 68-year-old male was referred to our clinic in August 2023 with lymphocytosis, reporting weight loss and night sweats. His medical history included diabetes, hyperlipidemia, and hypertension, and a family history of stomach cancer. The patient had quit smoking 30 years ago and had a history of chronic alcohol use. There was no known asbestos exposure despite his occupation as a construction worker. Physical examination was normal.

Routine laboratory tests and flow cytometry were conducted. Imaging via thoracic and abdominal USG and PET/CT identified multiple lymphadenopathies and omental thickening indicative of peritoneal infiltration (Image-1). The patient was diagnosed with RAI Stage 3 CLL/SLL.

In addition to hematological follow-up, the patient was referred to oncology and general surgery. He chose to continue his hematological follow-up in our clinic while receiving oncological and surgical follow-up at an external center. He is treated for CLL with ibrutinib and cisplatin-pemetrexed-altuzan for mesothelioma.

Discussion

There is limited knowledge about the epidemiology and treatment of malignant peritoneal mesothelioma due to its rarity. In studies of mesothelioma associated with hematological malignancies, patients published predominantly have pleural mesothelioma.

Conclusion

As a result, mesothelioma should be considered as a differential diagnosis in hematological cancer patients with abdominal masses, and further investigation needs to be conducted.