Mesothelioma Types

Peritoneal Mesothelioma

Peritoneal Mesothelioma
This type of cancer is found in the abdomen in a thin membrane called the peritoneum. Symptoms include abdominal swelling, loss of appetite, and weakness. The only known cause to this disease is exposure to asbestos. Due to the latency effect of this cancer, this exposure is likely to have taken place 20 or more years ago. The incidence is approximately one per 1,000,000; approximately one fifth to one third of all mesotheliomas are peritoneal.

Diagnosis:

Peritoneoscopy
The doctor may look inside the abdomen with a special tool called a peritoneoscope. The peritoneoscope is put into an opening made in the abdomen. This test is usually done in the hospital under a local anesthetic. If fluid has collected in your abdomen, your doctor may drain the fluid out of your body by putting a needle into your abdomen and using gentle suction to remove the fluid. This process is called paracentesis.

Biopsy
If abnormal tissue is found, the doctor will need to cut out a small piece and have it looked at under a microscope. This is usually done during the thoracoscopy or peritoneoscopy, but can be done during surgery. NOTE: Results based on analysis of fluid are not very reliable. Analysis of tissue is much more reliable. Mesothelioma is a very complicated diagnosis. Many hospitals send the pathology off to experts. For a list of expert pathologists, call toll-free at 1-877-367-6376 or send an e-mail at the bottom of this page.

Treatment for this cancer has improved significantly in the past years (especially when diagnosed early) and there are many promising trials and ongoing studies. Over the past decade, the management of these patients has evolved similarly to ovarian cancer treatment and now involves cytoreductive surgery, heated intraoperative intraperitoneal chemotherapy with cisplatin and doxorubicin, and early postoperative intraperitoneal paclitaxel. These perioperative treatments are followed by adjuvant intraperitoneal paclitaxel and second-look cytoreduction.

There are also numerous cancer centers throughout the country that have departments and doctors that specialize in treating mesothelioma.

See Treatment Options for Peritoneal Mesothelioma.

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This website is sponsored by Jonathan David* of The David Law Firm. The David Law Firm is located in The Woodlands, Texas (Greater Houston Area) and can be reached toll free at 1-800-998-9729 for more information on mesothelioma. Jonathan David is not a medical doctor. The information on these pages is for the education of mesothelioma patients and their families regarding potential medical and legal options. Patients are advised to consult with a medical doctor. * Licensed by the Supreme Court of Texas.