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 peritoneal
mesothelioma has evolved similarly to that of ovarian cancer treatment
and now involves cytoreductive surgery, and a combination chemotherapy
regimen.
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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