# Peritoneal mesothelioma as an incidental finding during inguinal hernia surgery

## TL;DR

A rare case of peritoneal mesothelioma was discovered during hernia surgery and successfully treated with surgery and chemotherapy.

## Contribution

Highlights the importance of thorough investigation of abdominal findings in patients with asbestos exposure.

## Key findings

- Malignant peritoneal mesothelioma was diagnosed during hernia surgery due to ascites.
- Complete remission was achieved after tumor reduction and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy.

## Abstract

Malignant peritoneal mesothelioma is a rare tumor disease, usually associated with asbestos exposure, which is often only diagnosed at an advanced stage. We report the case of a 52-year-old patient who was found to have marked ascites during surgery for a recurrent inguinal hernia. Subsequent diagnostics, including diagnostic laparoscopy, established the diagnosis of malignant epithelioid peritoneal mesothelioma. After tumor reduction by omentum resection and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy, a complete remission was achieved. The case underlines the importance of differentiated clarification of unclear intra-abdominal findings in high-risk patients with possible asbestos exposure.