Mesothelioma Types > Peritoneal Mesothelioma
Peritoneal Mesothelioma
Once asbestos is inhaled it can affect many of the body's different organs including the throat, lungs, stomach, heart and testicles. |
Peritoneal mesothelioma, like all types of mesothelioma, is caused by asbestos exposure. Though it can take many years for a patient to demonstrate symptoms of peritoneal mesothelioma, the cancer develops when the asbestos fibers become lodged in the spaces between the mesothelial cells.
A peritoneal mesothelioma diagnosis can leave patients and their loved ones confused and questioning what to do next. We offer a complimentary packet for peritoneal mesothelioma patients containing information about their specific diagnosis, treatment options and top doctors. To receive this packet overnight, click here .
Peritoneal Mesothelioma Symptoms
A patient with peritoneal mesothelioma may not demonstrate symptoms of the cancer for 20 to 50 years after initial asbestos exposure since it often takes years for mesothelioma to manifest. In the case of peritoneal mesothelioma, asbestos fibers travel into the peritoneal layers where they cause irritation and inflammation and the development of cancerous cells which divide and grow uncontrollably. The cells cause thickening of the peritoneum and fluid build-up in the peritoneal layers. As the cancerous cells continue to divide overtime, tumors start to form. Most peritoneal mesothelioma symptoms are caused by this membrane thickening, fluid build-up, and eventual tumor development, all of which put pressure on internal organs.Peritoneal mesothelioma symptoms include:
- Abdominal pain or swelling
- Changes in bowel habits (such as diarrhea or constipation)
- Development of lumps under the skin on the abdomen
- Night sweats or fever
- Unexplained weight loss
- Nausea or vomiting
- Fatigue
- Anemia
Peritoneal Mesothelioma Diagnosis
X-rays are the most common scans used to help diagnose peritoneal mesothelioma. |
After the biopsy, the fluid and tissue is tested in a laboratory for the presence of mesothelioma cells. If the biopsy returned reveals that a patient has peritoneal mesothelioma, the doctor, together with the patient, will detail a treatment plan.
Peritoneal Mesothelioma Treatments
Though treating peritoneal mesothelioma can be difficult since the cancer has typically progressed to later stages of development, doctors typically recommend treatment to patients to combat the cancer and aid in pain relief. Common treatments used for patients with mesothelioma include surgery, chemotherapy and radiation . Chemotherapy medications and radiation therapy target and kill cancerous cells that rapidly divide.While no known cure for peritoneal mesothelioma exists, patients may elect to undergo a combination of treatments or participate in clinical trials to alleviate pain and increase the quality of life. Clinical trials are studies that qualifying patients may participate to test up-and-coming medications and treatments. All potential treatment options and medications must go through clinical trials before they are deemed safe and effective.
Intraperitoneal chemotherapy is just one effective form of peritoneal mesothelioma treatment. |
How Does Asbestos Cause Peritoneal Mesothelioma?
There are two main theories regarding how asbestos exposure leads to the development of peritoneal mesothelioma:- Asbestos fibers are ingested, and these fibers work their way from digestive organs into the peritoneal membrane.
- Asbestos fibers are inhaled, and travel to the peritoneal membrane via the lymphatic system.
The exact way in which asbestos fibers cause changes in these mesothelial cells is uncertain. One theory is that asbestos fibers cause long-term inflammation and irritation that eventually causes mesothelial cells to become cancerous. When cells become cancerous, they lose the ability to regulate their own division and growth. Cancerous mesothelial cells divide and grow without restraint, and this uncontrolled cell growth causes thickening of the peritoneum, and the build-up of fluid in the peritoneal layers. Overtime, as cancerous cells continue to divide, tumors form.
With an assorted array of treatment options available to combat mesothelioma, it is important to understand your options and we offer a comprehensive packet with information about treatment and top doctors. To receive your packet, please fill out this form .
Sources:
- Dodson, R. and Hammar, S. Asbestos: Risk Assessment, Epidemiology, and Health Effects. Taylor & Francis: Boca Raton. 2006.
- Pass, I., Vogelzang, N., Carbone, M. Malignant Mesothelioma: Advances in Pathogenesis, Diagnosis, and Transitional Therapies. Springer: New York. 2005.
- http://www.cancer.org/downloads/PUB/DOCS/SECTION28/89.pdf
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