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Case Reports
. 2025 Feb 28;2025(2):rjaf099.
doi: 10.1093/jscr/rjaf099. eCollection 2025 Feb.

Incidental finding of metastatic mesothelioma in an inguinal hernia sac: a case report

Ahmad Al-Bitar  1 , Mohammed Shwin  1   2
Affiliations
Case Reports

Incidental finding of metastatic mesothelioma in an inguinal hernia sac: a case report

Ahmad Al-Bitar et al. J Surg Case Rep. .

Abstract

Inguinal hernias are the most common type of abdominal wall hernias, often requiring surgical intervention. Mesothelioma, a rare cancer associated with the linings of serous cavities, can occasionally be found in hernia sacs. This paper presents the case of a 38-year-old male with an incidental diagnosis of stage 4 pleural mesothelioma discovered during a routine inguinal hernia repair. Despite being asymptomatic, the patient's hernia sac examination revealed mesothelioma, which was confirmed through histopathological analysis and imaging. This rare finding underscores the importance of thorough examination and comprehensive oncological evaluation when unusual findings are encountered during routine surgeries. The case highlights the necessity for awareness and vigilance in similar scenarios to potentially improve patient outcomes.

Keywords: case report; inguinal hernia; malignant peritoneal mesothelioma; mesothelioma.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors have no conflict of interest.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Shows the biopsies.
Figure 2
Figure 2
Shows that the neoplastic cells are strongly and diffusely positive for Ck5/6 (membranous and cytoplasmic staining).
Figure 3
Figure 3
Shows that invasive proliferation of atypical mesothelial cells with large hyperchromatic nuclei with tubulpapillary and solid growth pattern.
Figure 4
Figure 4
CT scan in axial view showing the lesion.
Figure 5
Figure 5
CT scan in axial view showing the lesion.
Figure 6
Figure 6
CT scan in axial view showing the lesion.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

References

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