Peritoneal mesothelioma is a rare cancer; it is the second most common type of mesothelioma cancers. It is accounted for 15% to 30% of all the mesothelioma cases. Peritoneal mesothelioma is rare but a critical cancer that is very difficult to diagnose. This membrane covers and protects the organs of the abdomen.
Peritoneum is made up of two parts:
Visceral peritoneum; this covers the internal organs.
Parietal peritoneum; this covers the abdominal cavity.
Peritoneal mesothelioma occurs due to the presence of asbestos fibers, these fibers are lodged in the lining of the abdomen known as peritoneum. The lodged asbestos fibers cause inflammation and eventually tumors form. As it is rare disease, there is not much research done on this type of cancer. It is not fully understood how the asbestos fibers reach the abdominal lining. The asbestos fibers enter the body through inhaling. They may also enter with food and water, once these asbestos fibers enter the internal system it is impossible to remove them.
Peritoneal mesothelioma may also affect the male testicles in rare cases. The asbestos fibers gather in the peritoneum which is surrounding the scrotum. This is a very rare form of mesothelioma cancers and least known.
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Symptoms:
Accumulating fluids cause swelling and discomfort in the abdomen area. This leads to upper abdomen pain, which is a common symptom of peritoneal mesothelioma. Less common symptoms include breathlessness and cough. These symptoms may appear after decades of being exposed to asbestos. Sometimes they appear only about four or six months before diagnosis.
Treatment:
There is no permanent cure for any type of mesothelioma. However, there is a variety of treatments available to avoid the pain and discomfort of the patient. It is a very aggressive cancer and generally exposed at its later stages.
Chemotherapy, radiation therapy and surgery can help manage the disease.
Chemotherapy (using drug to fight the cancer)
Radiation therapy (using high-dose x-rays or other high energy rays to kill cancer)
Surgery (taking out the cancer)
Choice of therapy depends on many factors including: the stage of the cancer, age of the patient and other medical conditions that the patient might have.
Diagnosis:
It is very difficult to diagnose peritoneal mesothelioma. Doctors may order an X-ray to get a brief glance at the fluids in the abdomen. CT scam and MRI are more sophisticated tests that show a clearer picture. If mesothelioma appears in the results of these tests the doctor may order a biopsy. Biopsy is a method of using a thin needle to remove a piece of tissue from the affected area for microscopic analysis. This may sound frightening and it is an uncomfortable process but the doctor will make sure to do everything possible to avoid discomfort. Biopsy takes only a few minutes but the results may take up to a week or more.
Those who experience continuous coughing, shortness of breath, difficulty swallowing, or unexplained weight loss must see a doctor as soon as possible. Doctor must be informed if you are aware of being exposed to asbestos. Waiting for more sever symptoms to appear only gives time to the cancer to grow to the other organs of the body making treatment very difficult.