What Is Peritoneal Mesothelioma and How Does It Affect Me?

Peritoneal mesothelioma is an abdominal cancer of the peritoneum, which is the membrane surrounding the abdominal cavity.  This abdominal mesothelioma cancer can develop in either of the two layers of the pericardium—the visceral layer that encases the abdominal organs or the parietal layer that lines the abdominal cavity wall.  The peritoneum lubricates the areas surrounding the abdominal organs, allowing organs to move and function smoothly.

Abdominal mesothelioma cancer statistics

An estimated 20 to 33 percent of mesothelioma cases are attributed to peritoneal mesothelioma.  Statistically, women are more likely to develop mesothelioma in the peritoneum than men.  A study by the American Society of Clinical Oncology noted that of all types of mesothelioma, 8.3 percent of men and 24.3 percent of women developed peritoneal mesothelioma.  It is the second most common type of mesothelioma, next to pleural mesothelioma.

Asbestos is the cause for peritoneal mesothelioma. Ingested asbestos fibers work their way through the digestive organs into the peritoneum and the fibers arrive through the lymphatic system.

Diagnosis

Early diagnosis is difficult because peritoneal mesothelioma symptoms are often mistaken for the flu. Symptoms often include fever, stomach pains, abdominal swelling, and extreme gas.  As with other forms of mesothelioma, diagnosis relies on X-rays, CT scans, MRIs, and biopsies.

Peritoneal mesothelioma treatment

Surgery is a treatment option for peritoneal mesothelioma, especially if it is diagnosed during the early stages.  A successful early surgery could add years to a prognosis.  However, most cases are not caught early enough.

The most common treatment is chemotherapy.  Chemotherapy medication can be injected directly into the peritoneum. Also, radiation therapy may be used to shrink specific tumors.  Of course when mesothelioma is in the later stages, treatment usually is palliative to relieve pain, prevent the cancer from spreading further, provide more comfort, or improve everyday living.

As with other types of mesothelioma, the medical profession currently does not know how to cure peritoneal mesothelioma, which is considered a fatal disease.  Yet, experiments with new chemotherapy drugs and clinical trials are ongoing in hopes of some day finding a cure.