Peritoneal Mesothelioma

Understanding abdominal mesothelioma cancer

Peritoneal mesothelioma is a form of cancer that attacks the lining of the abdomen.  This is a less common form of mesothelioma, occurring in less than 25 percent of all cases—more frequently in women than men.

Exposure to asbestos decades ago is responsible for the development of peritoneal mesothelioma today.  Like all forms of mesothelioma, abdominal mesothelioma cancer is caused by asbestos exposure and it can take decades for symptoms appear.  By that time, the disease is often so advanced that the only effective treatment is aimed at relieving the symptoms and making the patient more comfortable.

Diagnosing malignant peritoneal mesothelioma

Peritoneal mesothelioma symptoms are easy to confuse with symptoms of other diseases.  The symptoms of mesothelioma in the peritoneum include:

Abdominal pain Swelling or fluid build up in the abdomen Weakness Weight loss Breathing difficulties

Vomiting or nausea Loss of appetite Bowel problems An abdominal  mass or tumor

Because the symptoms of peritoneal mesothelioma often resemble the symptoms of much less serious diseases, it is often misdiagnosed, further delaying treatment.  Always let your doctor know if you have been exposed to asbestos, so mesothelioma will be considered when evaluating your symptoms.

Treating peritoneal mesothelioma

Peritoneal mesothelioma treatments include surgery to remove part of the lining of the abdomen and some of the tissue around it. Doctors also use radiation and chemotherapy to shrink tumors and slow down the spread. Sometimes, surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy treatments are combined.  To ease pain, the doctor may drain fluid in the abdomen using a tube or thin needle (this is called paracentesis).

After a peritoneal mesothelioma diagnosis has been confirmed, the doctor will make a recommendation based on the stage of the cancer, how invasive it is, and the patient’s age and general health.