Unlike malignant mesothelioma, which has a high mortality rate, benign mesothelioma is not cancerous and can be much easier to treat and remove. Benign mesothelioma accounts for about 10% of the total number of cases. Although the cancer patient may incur similiar symptoms to its malignant counterpart, benign tumors do not invade nearby tissue and organs, and do not spread to other parts of the body. Benign tumors can grow large enough to cause negative side effects, which may induce seizures or even comas.

Typical symptoms may include:

* Chest pain
* Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
* Persistent dry cough

The diagonsis is done in a similar process as the other forms of mesothelioma, which usually involves an X-ray or CT scans and follow-up MRI scans. A biopsy of lung tissue or fluid samples are often taken and studied in a lab to confirm the the tumor is benign.

Following surgery and/or mesothelioma treatments, most patients experience complete recovery, which usually results in improved breathing, and of course, less pain. Research studies have shown that 90% of patients who develop benign mesothelioma never have a repeat occurance of tumor growth.