Peritoneal Mesothelioma
Peritoneal Mesothelioma is the second most common form of Mesothelioma and accounts for about 10 - 20 percent of new Mesothelioma cases each year. Peritoneal Mesothelioma develops in the mesothelial cells that make up the membrane called the peritoneum which surrounds the abdomen.
Peritoneal Mesothelioma is caused when asbestos fibers get trapped between the mesothelial cells which make up the peritoneal mesothelium. Once the toxic asbestos fibers get trapped in the mesothelium it causes cancerous cells to divide in a way that makes the peritoneal membrane thicken. This thickening causes fluid build up and eventually tumor growth which puts pressure on the internal organs.
Peritoneal Mesothelioma Symptoms-
- Abdominal pain and/or swelling
- Abnormal bowel movements including constipation or diarreha
- Lumps on the abdomen under the skin
- Fever or night sweats
- Unwanted or unexplained weight loss
- Vomiting and/or nausea
- Tiredness or fatigue
- Anemia
Peritoneal Mesothelioma Diagnosis -
Diagnosing Peritoneal Mesothelioma can not be done simply by acknowledging and/or verifying just the symptoms. Diagnosing Peritoneal Mesothelioma begins with a physical examination including the patients complete medical history and followed up by imaging tests, fluid and tissue tests as well.
Imaging tests can include X-rays and CT-scans that will help detect any anomalies or abnormalities in the patients body. A biopsy can be performed to confirm if the cancer is Mesothelioma. Biopsies are simple surgical procedures that test tissue and fluid samples from the potential cancer site, in this case the Peritoneum.
Biopsy samples are tested in a laboratory to find out if they contain any Mesothelioma cells. If the biopsy results test positive for Mesothelioma, a treatment plan will be discussed together between the Doctor and the patient.
Peritoneal Mesothelioma Treatment -
In most cases of Peritoneal Mesothelioma, the cancer has progressed into later stages of the cancer that are generally irreversible. For this reason, treating Peritoneal Mesothelioma is very difficult and Doctors often suggests treatments to slow the growth of the cancer and help relieve the pain. Since Peritoneal Mesothelioma is a cancer the treatments are generally very similar and include; surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy. Chemotherapy medications and radiation is supposed to target cancerous cells and kill them. Although most cancer treatments have a low cure rate, this traditional course of treatment often slows the growth of cancerous cells and can help improve the quality of life in a Peritoneal Mesothelioma patient.
Asbestos and Peritoneal Mesothelioma-
For Peritoneal Mesothelioma it is generally the case that the asbestos fibers are either inhaled or ingested and travel through the body getting trapped in the peritoneal membrane. It is very difficult for the body to expel the asbestos fibers.
The theory behind Peritoneal Mesothelioma is that the asbestos fibers get trapped in the peritoneal membrane and can not be expelled. As time passes, the trapped fibers cause changes to the cells in the peritoneal membrane through irritation and inflamation. Eventually the peritoneal cells become cancerous.
Cancerous cells can not regulate their division and growth and thus divide and grow irregularly. Since the division and growth rate of cancer cells is sporadic and uncontrolled, the cells cause thickening of the peritoneal layers and fluid build-up. Over time, the continued division and growth of cancerous cells will cause tumors to form.
Cancer is categorized in stages from 1 to 4. The latest and most advanced stage being stage 4. With each stage, there are different treatment options and varying results to be expected. It is important to discuss all possibilities with your Doctor.