Male and Female Ratio - Mesothelioma Types
Peritoneal mesothelioma is similar to pleural mesothelioma except that it arises in peritoneal membranes. Like pleural mesothelioma, this tumor is rapidly locally invasive and often rapidly fatal after it is diagnosed. It is frequently asymptomatic, though it can often be detected by abdominal palpation as an expanding “doughy” feeling.
Peritoneal mesothelioma is rare. In men, 90% of all mesotheliomas are pleural (Weill et al. 2004). In addition, the sex difference in incidence is smaller with peritoneal mesothelioma than for pleural mesothelioma (Hillerdal 1999).
The table below shows male to female incidence ratios for the two different types of mesothelioma.
| Type of Mesothelioma | Male:Female Incidence Ratio |
|---|---|
Pleural | 5:1 |
Peritoneal | 1.5:1 |
| Source: Hillerdal 1999 | |