Peritoneal Mesothelioma

Peritoneal mesothelioma attacks the peritoneum, a tissue in the abdomen. This type of mesothelioma accounts for 10%, or up to 20% of all mesothelioma cases. It is different from the most common form of mesothelioma, which attacks the pleura, a garrison of tissue in the chest. The symptoms are different, and prognosis is also different. However, as with all types of mesothelioma, peritoneal mesothelioma is often attributed to exposure to asbestos, the mineral carcinogen used widely in the years before stringent regulations were imposed in the 80s.

Case of Peritoneal Mesothelioma

Between 100 and 500 cases of peritoneal mesothelioma are diagnosed each year in the United States. Almost all individuals who are diagnosed with this cancer have a history of exposure to asbestos. In many cases, pleural mesothelioma (chest) may extend into the peritoneal cavity, but this still would be a diagnosis of pleural mesothelioma (which has metastasized), is not considered a case of peritoneal mesothelioma that begins in the peritoneum.

Symptoms of Peritoneal Mesothelioma

The signs and symptoms of peritoneal mesothelioma may include:

* Abdominal bloating
* Lumps of tissue in the abdomen
* Abdominal pain
* A change in bowel habits, such as frequent diarrhea or constipation
* Unexplained weight loss

Unfortunately, it is common than peritoneal mesothelioma do not show symptoms until the cancer has advanced.

Peritoneal Mesothelioma Diagnosis

The people who ultimately are diagnosed with peritoneal mesothelioma usually first visit your doctor for symptoms of abdominal inflammation. There are other possible causes of abdominal inflammation than the peritoneal mesothelioma, and cirrhosis of the liver. It may take some time and a range of medical testing to correctly identify the peritoneal mesothelioma.

Once properly diagnosed peritoneal mesothelioma, is difficult to predict how a patient will be aggressive because this variant of mesothelioma has shown a very different behavior. It is possible or not, that a patient may have severe and recurrent abdominal pain. The cancer can also spread by peritoneal metastasis to lymph nodes.

Treatment for Peritoneal Mesothelioma

There is still no cure for peritoneal mesothelioma. However, some studies are showing promising results. It is best to ask your doctor about the details of your case – the stage of cancer, its location, the prognosis, and possible treatment options.

Learn More About Peritoneal Mesothelioma

Getting a diagnosis of peritoneal mesothelioma is a traumatic experience. We can help you explore your options for the future, contact us today for assistance on your case.