Peritoneal Mesothelioma
Peritoneal Mesothelioma
Peritoneal mesothelioma, which affects 10 to 20 percent of all those who develop mesothelioma cancer, targets the lining of the abdomen. This lining is known medically as the peritoneum. Like the pleura of the lungs, the peritoneal lining of the abdomen is made of two layers: the parietal layer that surrounds the entire stomach cavity and the visceral layer that lines each individual organ of the stomach. These two layers of tissue serve to protect and support the abdominal area of the body. When asbestos exposure leads to the development of mesothelioma cancer in these tissues, it often begins in one of these two layers, but can metastasize to the other.
Causes of peritoneal mesothelioma
Peritoneal mesothelioma is caused by exposure to asbestos. Asbestos was used extensively throughout Tennessee for the last century, though its use has declined in recent decades due to its serious health risks. In industries and workplaces that have used asbestos, this material can become airborne when compromised. At this point, workers and others can inhale or ingest these invisible particles without even knowing it.
Peritoneal mesothelioma can develop after a person inadvertently swallows some of these airborne particles, which then become lodged in the peritoneum. Once lodged in the abdominal lining, asbestos fibers take their toll slowly. In fact, it can often take decades for any symptoms of peritoneal cancer to develop after asbestos exposure. Unfortunately after this latent period, this cancer becomes very aggressive.
Symptoms of peritoneal mesothelioma
Once the asbestos becomes lodged in the abdominal cavity, it can begin to thicken the peritoneal lining, cause a build up a fluid, and eventually lead to tumor development. All of this puts stress on the surrounding organs, which is often why symptoms develop. Symptoms can include:
- Stomach pain
- Abdominal swelling
- The development of bumps under the skin of the stomach
- Bowel changes (constipation and diarrhea, for example)
- Night sweats
- Fever
- Weight loss
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Anemia
- Fatigue
Diagnosis and Treatment of Peritoneal Mesothelioma
To diagnose peritoneal mesothelioma, doctors will often perform x-rays, in addition to other diagnostic tests. If mesothelioma is suspected after these tests, a biopsy is often performed to confirm the results. If a peritoneal mesothelioma cancer diagnosis is confirmed, the doctor and patient will work together to determine the best approach to treatment.
