The causes of benign mesothelioma are unknown, and there are no known methods for preventing the benign tumours Mesothelioma comes in benign and malignant forms. Benign mesothelioma is not considered life-threatening by itself; however, its presence is a risk factor for future development of the malignant form of mesothelioma. Benign mesothelioma is very rare, and makes up less than 10% of all mesothelioma cases in the United States.
Benign mesothelioma is a non-cancerous tumour of the lining of the lung and chest cavity, an area called the pleura. The tumour is usually found by accident when a chest x-ray is done for other reasons. Benign mesothelioma, is also known as multi cystic or fibrous mesothelioma, refers to non-cancerous tumours within the pleura. The most important difference between benign mesothelioma and the cancerous form is that the benign tumours do not spread to other tissues in the body. Both benign and malignant mesothelioma tumours are a direct result of asbestos exposure.
