Peritoneal Mesothelioma

Peritoneal mesothelioma is a rare cancer caused by asbestos exposure. It is estimated that only 100 to 500 new cases of peritoneal mesothelioma are diagnosed every year, although that number may be increasing slightly. Peritoneal mesothelioma affects the linings (or mesothelium) of abdominal organs, such as the stomach, spleen, or liver.

Between the years of 1940 and 1980, asbestos was used in many manufacturing and building settings, most widely used during the World War II era. Asbestos is a naturally occurring compound composed of strong, flexible, microscopic fibers that can be inhaled or swallowed. Peritoneal mesothelioma results from ingesting asbestos. It can either be introduced into the stomach directly, or it can be inadvertently swallowed by breathing it, coughing, and then swallowing. Peritoneal mesothelioma has a latency of 30 to 50 years, meaning that it does not develop until many years after a person has been exposed to asbestos.

As asbestos works its way through the organ(s) to the protective linings, it may cause mesothelioma to develop. More common than peritoneal mesothelioma, pleural mesothelioma occurs when the linings of the lungs are involved. Some cases of peritoneal mesothelioma are caused by metastases, or spread, of pleural mesothelioma.

The most common initial symptom of peritoneal mesothelioma is persistent pain in the abdomen. As well, as the cancer grows, it will cause a build-up of fluid within the abdominal wall, causing ascites (fluid) to accumulate. This can lead to a very noticeable swelling of the abdomen, which may be accompanied by unexplained weight loss. Other symptoms of peritoneal mesothelioma can include nausea, vomiting, constipation, diarrhea, swelling of the feet, and fatigue.

Doctors usually begin the diagnosis process of peritoneal mesothelioma through x-rays or imaging studies, such as CAT scans and MRIs. Mesothelioma cannot be definitively diagnosed, though, without a biopsy. Once a suspected area is located, a small incision will be made into the abdominal wall and samples of tissues will be taken for biopsy and sent to a pathologist. Surgical resection may be attempted, as well, removing the tumor and surrounding areas.

The traditional treatment for peritoneal mesothelioma can include surgical removal of affected areas, chemotherapy and radiation therapy. Peritoneal mesothelioma is typically harder to treat than pleural mesothelioma, however, and the usual life expectancy of those diagnosed with the disease is around 8 months.

Most of the time, palliative care will be initiated in patients who have peritoneal mesothelioma. Pain management protocols, as well as paracentesis (draining of the fluid buildup within the abdomen) are two ways to help alleviate some of the symptoms of the disease. However, new treatment measures and medications are being tested and studied, and physicians and scientists are hopeful for breakthroughs that can both increase life expectancy, as well as help improve the quality of life for people who have been diagnosed with peritoneal mesothelioma

For more news on Peritoneal Mesothelioma visit CancerHelp.org.uk:Peritoneal Mesothelioma or Asbestos-Induced Peritoneal Mesothelioma in a Construction Worker.