What Is Peritoneal Mesothelioma?

Mesothelioma cancer which affects the lining of abdominal cavity is called peritoneal mesothelioma. About one-fifth of all the cases of mesothelioma...


Mesothelioma cancer which affects the lining of abdominal cavity is called peritoneal mesothelioma. About one-fifth of all the cases of mesothelioma cancer reported are found to be peritoneal mesothelioma. More than women, men become victims of this malady and it is caused due to over exposure to asbestos. The symptoms of the disease start appearing only twenty or thirty years after being exposed to asbestos. Timely diagnosis and treatment is the only way to prolong the lives of the victims. A tissue biopsy is an effective way of diagnosis, whereas other methods like CT scan may give baffling outcomes.

Clinical symptoms of the cancer normally are pain in abdomen, formation of lumps in abdomen, collection of fluid in the abdomen, fever, fatigue, inexplicable weight loss, malfunctioning of digestive systems and anemia. Some patients may feel uncomfortable many months before the actual symptoms materialize. In many cases, Peritoneal Mesothelioma is detected while the patient is on a check up for problems like hernia, pelvic mass, gall bladder etc.

It is possible to identify the various stages of this cancer in the lymph nodes, tumor and metastases system (TNM), used to determine general cancers. Localized abrasions are visible in the first level and they can be removed easily. Strong therapies are used in the second stage to cure the disease which affects the abdominal cavity on peritoneal and organ surfaces. The infection stays within the abdominal cavity in the third stage, but spreads inside important organs like liver and colon. In the fourth stage, it spreads to the adjacent areas from the abdominal cavity.

Aggressive medication and other therapies have been found to be successful in many Peritoneal Mesothelioma cases. Debulking surgery to remove the entire visible tumor combined with Intra-Peritoneal Hyperthermic Chemotherapy (IPHC), intraperitoneal chemotherapy and radiation is the most common multimodality treatment followed by doctors. The process is often lengthy and may be frustrating to both the patients and their near and dear ones. Since chemotherapy and other medications involve several side effects, proper intake of vital minerals and nutrients is essential to help the body cope with them.

The physical health and age of the patient are important factors which determine the success of treatment. Proper treatment and timely diagnosis are vital factors which provide relief to the patients.

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