Peritoneal Mesothelioma

Peritoneal Mesothelioma: Definition, Causes, and Treatment Options

The organs of the abdomen are enclosed in a membrane of mesothelial cells, known as the peritoneum. Peritoneal mesothelioma is a tumor of this membrane, either benign or malignant (benign is not cancerous, malignant is cancerous, and this article is about malignant mesothelioma). There are different mesothelioma cancers, and peritoneal mesothelioma accounts for about one-fifth of these cancers.

The only known cause in the United States for peritoneal mesothelioma is a past exposure to asbestos. Asbestos fibers are used industrially, and are commonly found in cement, insulation, and certain textiles. When these particles float freely into the air, they can be inhaled and/or swallowed. This can lead to other diseases as well. When the particles are swallowed, they may lodge in the intestinal tract, and from there they can enter the peritoneum. Other theories state that when asbestos fibers are inhaled and lodge into the lungs, the particles can then enter the lymphatic system which can then travel to the peritoneum. Regardless of how these tumors develop, scientists are not sure if it takes one asbestos fiber or many to cause this cancer.

Symptoms can take many years to occur, and very often the disease is found by chance. The tumor may lay dormant for many years and is then only noticed once it begins to grow. The symptoms for peritoneal mesothelioma usually include abdominal swelling and pain, weight loss, loss of appetite, bowel obstruction, and weakness. Fluid may build up in the abdominal cavity (also known as ascites) which can be drained to ease some symptoms. Over time the symptoms are likely to worsen.

There is no cure for peritoneal mesothelioma, but there are treatment options. After a positive diagnosis, which is obtained by a biopsy of the cancerous tissue, there are several different options that are decided based upon how far the cancer has advanced as well as the overall health of the patient. Surgery to remove the tissue may be a possibility. Chemotherapy, radiation therapy, drug therapy, or a combination of a few or more of these options are possible. Clinical trials are also available. Peritoneal mesothelioma is unfortunately terminal, though there is the possibility of slowing the progress of the cancer in order to prolong life.