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Peritoneal Mesothelioma

Peritoneal mesothelioma is a rare type of cancer that affects the lining of the abdomen. It occurs in the tissues lining the abdominal cavity that contain a fluid that enables the organs to move and work properly. It is a cancer, which is associated with asbestos exposure, a mineral belonging to the amphibole group used in making fireproof articles. Asbestos exposure can cause severe health complications.

Peritoneal mesothelioma is sometimes also referred as diffuse peritoneal mesothelioma, as this is the place where the cancer spreads out. Among asbestos related diseases, peritoneal mesothelioma is the most common cancer.

Peritoneal mesothelioma can prove fatal in many circumstances if proper diagnosis and treatment is not done. The latency period is very long [ten to fifty years] and most of the time it is diagnosed when the disease is well spread into the body. Mesothelioma can affect any part and organ of the body if not detected on time.

Peritoneal Mesothelioma Symptoms

The symptoms may not appear soon after exposure to asbestos. It may take a long latency period and symptoms may be clear after a long time.

• Most of the symptoms resemble that of flu
• Stomach pains and fever
• Abdominal swelling may occur
• Due to swelling of abdomen, extreme pain in the internal organs may take place
• Shortness of breath accompanied by a persistent cough due to build up of fluid between the lining of the lungs and the chest cavity known as pleural effusion.

Peritoneal Mesothelioma origins

Asbestos is the main cause for people developing peritoneal mesothelioma. Asbestos is a material used in shipyards and industries. Asbestos adds to the durability and fire resistance quality and gives strength to products and protects them against corrosion. Inhalation of asbestos can be serious and fatal in many cases. It causes the scar tissues to develop on lower lobes of both lungs, leading to minor cuts and lacerations in tissue. It can impair lung elasticity and the lungs ability to sufficiently exchange gases.

Diagnosis - Peritoneal mesothelioma

A One of the major obstacles in diagnosing peritoneal mesothelioma lies in its symptoms resembling flu with fever and other symptoms. Many patients and doctors are unable to recognize the disease unless the tumors of peritoneal mesothelioma cause severe adnominal swelling and pain.

The diagnosis may be based on X- ray or CT scan. In both these methods of diagnosis, detailed images of the body are taken in which the complete picture of the body becomes clear and the doctor is able to identify where the cancerous cells are located.

Sometimes, an exploratory surgery is also performed based on the doctor’s recommendation. Also, a biopsy is carried out in which a sample of the cells is taken from the affected portion of the body, and it tested under the microscope to check for abnormal growth. A blood test is also done to rule out possibilities of other diseases and ailments.

The doctor will also carry out a complete physical examination and make certain if you have had any exposure to asbestos. Unless your doctor is aware that you have been exposed to asbestos in the past, s/he may not be able to grasp the disease fully and look for other options.

Peritoneal Mesothelioma cure

There are various ways for treating peritoneal mesothelioma that may be introduced by the doctor, as he feels necessary.

Surgery

It involves cutting out the part of the lining or the tissue from the abdomen in order to remove the tumor. The size of the tissue removed depends upon the doctor and the intensity of the cancer. Sometimes, a lung or some other organ may be removed to carry out a successful removal of cancer.

Radiation therapy

In radiation therapy, high energy X-rays are used to shrink the tumors and kill the cancerous cells in the affected parts of the body. Radiation therapy may be administered by external means in which radiation is passed on to the body. Also, sources of radiation can be placed inside the affected areas with help of plastic tubes, which help in treatment.

Chemotherapy

In this form of treatment, a combination of different drugs is administered to the patients to kill the cancerous cells. Drugs can be either taken by mouth or they can be administered intravenously via injections into the veins. The drug travels in the body and works on the affected cells killing cancerous cells.

Medicines

• Arthritis Drug has shown promising effects for Mesothelioma patients
• The FDA has approved a combination of Alimta-Cisplatin for treatment of asbestos-related cancer.

Although, it’s a rare form of cancer, it is caused due to exposure to asbestos and people working an in industry where asbestos is handled, should be very careful about their health. They should make annual visits to their doctor so that any hint of disease can be dealt with in the first stages.

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Peritoneal Mesothelioma Information

Peritoneal Mesothelioma - Cancer of the Stomach Lining

Peritoneum mesothelioma or Peritoneal mesothelioma is mesothelioma cancer in the lining that surrounds the abdomen (stomach).

Diffuse malignant peritoneal mesothelioma is mesothelioma cancer in the lining that surrounds the abdomen (stomach). Diffuse means that is the cancer is spread out.

Peritoneal or Peritoneum is a smooth membrane, which lines the cavity of the abdomen (stomach). It helps to protect the contents of the abdomen. It also produces a lubricating fluid. This helps the organs to move smoothly inside the abdomen as we move around.

Peritoneal mesothelioma accounts for approximately 10% of mesothelioma cases.

Symptoms of Peritoneal Mesothelioma

When the symptoms of peritoneal mesothelioma appear, they typically include abdominal pains,abdominal weakness, weight loss, loss of appetite, nausea, and abdominal swelling. Fluid often accumulates in the peritoneal space, a condition known as ascites. Over time the wasting symptoms can become more and more severe. The growing peritoneal mesothelioma tumor can exert increasing pressure on the organs in the abdomen, leading to bowel obstruction and distention. If the peritoneal mesothelioma tumor presses upward, it can impair breathing capacity. If the peritoneal mesothelioma tumor pushes against areas with many nerve fibers, and the bowel distends, the amount of pain can increase.

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Frequently asked qestions

How is Mesothelioma Treated?

Treatment for mesothelioma depends on the location of the cancer, the stage of the disease, and the patient's age and general health. Standard treatment options include surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy. Sometimes, these treatments are combined.

  Who is at an increased risk for developing Mesothelioma?

Asbestos has been mined and used commercially since the late 1800s. Its use greatly increased during World War II. Since the early 1940s, millions of American workers have been exposed to asbestos dust. Initially, the risks associated with asbestos exposure were not known. However, an increased risk of developing mesothelioma was later found among shipyard workers, people who work in asbestos mines and mills, producers of asbestos products, workers in the heating and construction industries, automobile mechanics, and other tradespeople. Today, the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) sets limits for acceptable levels of asbestos exposure in the workplace. People who work with asbestos wear personal protective equipment to lower their risk of exposure.

  Are new treatments for Mesothelioma being studied?

Yes. Because mesothelioma is very hard to control, the National Cancer Institute (NCI ) is sponsoring clinical trials (research studies with people) that are designed to find new treatments and better ways to use current treatments. Before any new treatment can be recommended for general use, doctors conduct clinical trials to find out whether the treatment is safe for patients and effective against the disease. Participation in clinical trials is an important treatment option for many patients with mesothelioma.

  What is malignant mesothelioma?

Malignant mesothelioma is a disease in which malignant (cancer) cells form in the lining of the chest or abdomen. Malignant mesothelioma is a disease in which malignant (cancer) cells are found in the pleura (the thin layer of tissue that lines the chest cavity and covers the lungs) or the peritoneum (the thin layer of tissue that lines the abdomen and covers most of the organs in the abdomen). This summary is about malignant mesothelioma of the pleura. Being exposed to asbestos can affect the risk of developing malignant mesothelioma.

  How is Mesothelioma diagnosed?

Diagnosing mesothelioma is often difficult, because the symptoms are similar to those of a number of other conditions. Healthcare providers use various mediums and tests in an effort to diagnose mesothelioma.

  What are the symptoms of Mesothelioma?

Symptoms of mesothelioma may not appear until 30 to 50 years after exposure to asbestos.

• Shortness of breath and pain in the chest due to an accumulation of fluid in the pleura are often symptoms of pleural mesothelioma.
• Symptoms of peritoneal mesothelioma include weight loss and abdominal pain and swelling due to a buildup of fluid in the abdomen.
• Other symptoms of peritoneal mesothelioma may include bowel obstruction, blood clotting abnormalities, anemia , and fever.
• If the cancer has spread beyond the mesothelium to other parts of the body, symptoms may include pain, trouble swallowing, or swelling of the neck or face.

These symptoms may be caused by mesothelioma or by other, less serious conditions. It is important to see a doctor about any of these symptoms. Only a doctor can make a diagnosis.

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