Peritoneal Mesothelioma
Besides the lungs and the heart sac, mesothelioma can also affect the abdominal lining of a person's body. The protective lining around the abdominal cavity is known as the ‘peritoneum.' This lining is crucial to the normal function of the abdominal cavity because it secretes fluid that allows proper movement within a person's midsection. The mesothelium is the portion of the body that helps create cells within the fluid. When a person is diagnosed with peritoneal mesothelioma, the cells that are created in the fluid multiply rapidly, increasing fluid build up in the abdominal section.
Asbestos exposure is to blame for those who contract this rare but deadly disease. Peritoneal mesothelioma can be concluded as an asbestos related cancer because as the airborne particles become ingested, they move to different areas of the body. Typically, the particles travel and lodge themselves right into the lungs. There are some instances where the particles become lodged in the abdominal lining and create scar tissue. This instance is most dangerous because if the particles make their way to the abdominal cavity, they typically travel through the lymph node system.
Signs and symptoms for mesothelioma type cancers are typically the same. For peritoneal mesothelioma, however, a patient must look out for the following conditions: pain or swelling in the abdomen, anemia, fever, bowl movement complications and weight loss. Pain in the abdominal cavity is the most common symptom that a patient may take on, but that could be cause for other complications not related to mesothelioma. If the pain is cancer related, there is a solid chance that tumor or mass build up is occurring in the abdomen. A doctor is most likely to take a sample of either the fluid retention in the abdomen, or of a mass is found, a sample of the tissue.
Like other forms of mesothelioma, prognosis for complications in the peritoneal cavity is not always 100%. Mesothelioma is a disease that does not show forth for many years. It is very difficult to diagnose because of its slight symptoms and relevance to other types of health issues. A patient must review their complete medical and work history with a doctor as a first step to diagnosis. Also, the doctor may wish to start out with common procedures such as x-rays and ct scans in order to view internal images of the area in question. Tumor growth is very common in this type of cancer, so the doctor will more than likely take a sample and review it with a pathologist to determine whether it is malignant or benign.
As with any type if cancer, treatment depends on the stage of cancer and the location. Different treatment options are open to patients who doctors feel are most susceptible for getting results. Often times, treatment methods are simply to keep the patient comfortable during their fight with the cancer and relieve pain, swelling, and any other discomfort.
Last modified: December 17 2007.
