Five cases of malignant peritoneal mesothelioma are reported. Its radiographic manifestations consisted of a desmoplastic mesenteric process with or without a localized mass displacing gastrointestinal structures. Appreciation of the nature of this tumor permits pathologic-radiologic correlation and an understanding of the radiographic changes. Though numerous conditions may produce similar findings, combining a history of asbestos exposure or chest radiograph findings of asbestosis with gastrointestinal findings of desomplasia should narrow the diagnostic possibilities.