Understanding the Types of Malignant Mesothelioma Cancer

Peritoneal Mesothelioma

Peritoneal mesothelioma, a rather rare form of malignant mesothelioma, affects the cells of the peritoneum, which protects and supports organs in the abdomen. This form of mesothelioma makes up 20% of mesothelioma cases yearly.

When asbestos is inhaled, the small fibers enter deep parts of the lung. Some of these fibers stay in the lung tissue, where they can cause scarring or lung cancer. If the fibers travel to other parts of the body, including the peritoneum, it can cause abdominal mesothelioma.

The peritoneum lines the abdominal cavity, supports the abdominal organs and helps blood flow and the lymph system. The peritoneum contains two layers--the parietal peritoneum and visceral peritoneum. In healthy people, the serous fluid allows these layers to move freely and assist abdominal functions. Peritoneal mesothelioma occurs when cancerous tumors develop on the peritoneum. This form of mesothelioma is characterized by fluid buildup in the abdomen. In addition, the tumor itself is often spread out in sheets on the peritoneal surface. People with advanced peritoneal mesothelioma may appear to have a bloated stomach.

Asbestos exposure can cause peritoneal mesothelioma in two ways. Asbestos fibers can be ingested or inhaled and transported to the peritoneum through the lymphatic system.

When employees work with asbestos, the fibers may land on food. Also, many worker's uniforms become covered in asbestos fibers, which could have contaminated their home kitchen after the workday. Once the fibers settle in the peritoneum, the peritoneal cells begin to divide, causing the peritoneal layers to thicken. The development of the cancerous cells applies pressure to the internal organs, which is increased by the fluid buildup in the area.

Symptoms of peritoneal mesothelioma may not appear until two or three decades after the asbestos exposure. Peritoneal mesothelioma symptoms include pain or swelling in the abdominal area, weight loss, fever or night sweats, obstruction of the intestines and anemia.

Peritoneal mesothelioma is diagnosed based on symptoms and with CT scans, MRIs and x-rays. These scans can determine how far the cancer has progressed and the best form of treatment. A biopsy of fluid or tissue from the abdominal cavity may also be taken.

Most peritoneal mesothelioma patients undergo palliative treatment to reduce the spread of the cancer and to relieve symptoms. Patients may receive surgery and chemotherapy together. Some patients may undergo surgery to removed diseased parts of the peritoneum, followed by chemotherapy to remove the remaining cancer cells.

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