Peritoneal Mesothelioma
Also sometimes known as abdominal mesothelioma, peritoneal mesothelioma accounts for approximately 25-30 percent of all mesothelioma cases diagnosed each year, making it the second most prevalent form of the disease.
What is It?
Peritoneal mesothelioma attacks a portion of the mesothelium known as the peritoneum. This is the lining that protects the abdomen and the pelvic cavity. This membrane has two layers: the parietal, which is attached to the abdominal wall; and the visceral, which wraps around the internal organs that are contained within the pelvic cavity. Tumors can develop in either but are most often found in the parietal layer.
As with all forms of mesothelioma, the only known cause of peritoneal meso is exposure to asbestos and inhalation of tiny asbestos fibers. While the fibers most often become lodged in the lungs or chest area and remain there, there are a few theories as to how they may make their way to the abdomen. Some experts believe the fibers can be carried through the intestinal tract to the peritoneum while others theorize that the lymph node system may aid in carrying the fibers to the abdominal area. It is also believed that the fibers might be held in the trachea and eventually swallowed, making their way to the pelvic cavity. No definitive theory has been proven, however.
Diagnosis
Determining a diagnosis of peritoneal mesothelioma can be quite difficult. In many cases, a misdiagnosis is made and several months may pass before the disease is definitively diagnosed. Symptoms of peritoneal mesothelioma can mock those of other less serious diseases, which is why anyone who once worked with asbestos should tell their doctor of their exposure in order to form a potential link between the symptoms and asbestos inhalation. The fact that peritoneal mesothelioma can remain latent in the body for 20-50 years also delays diagnosis. Unfortunately, delayed diagnosis results in delayed treatment and a shorter life span for the patient.
- Common symptoms of peritoneal mesothelioma may include:
- Acute to severe abdominal pain
- Difficulty breathing
- Nausea and/or vomiting
- Fluid in the abdomen
- Fatigue or weakness
- Anemia
- Fever
- Changes in bowel habits
- Weight loss due to loss of appetite
To confirm the reasons for these symptoms, doctors usually order sophisticated imaging tests such as CT scans, MRIs, and PET scans. Biopsies of abdominal fluid or tissue may also be used to make a diagnosis.
Treatment of Peritoneal Mesothelioma
When a diagnosis is confirmed, the patient will be referred to an oncologist for follow-up. This special cancer doctor will determine a specific course of treatment. Unfortunately, because peritoneal mesothelioma is such a rare disease, research has been scant and options are few. Also, because the disease is usually not diagnosed until after symptoms surface – usually in Stage 3 or 4 – treatment is less than effective in most cases.
However, doctors may recommend intra-peritoneal chemotherapy, a treatment that injects chemo drugs directly into the peritoneal cavity so that the drug can have immediate affect on the tumor. This is as opposed to a systemic form of chemotherapy, which can affect the entire body. Radiation is also suggested, but usually as a palliative measure to lessen the uncomfortable symptoms of the disease. Surgery is not recommended for those with this form of mesothelioma.
Patients may also opt to participate in clinical trials that test new drugs and therapies or may choose to try complementary therapies to ease pain and stress, such as massage, meditation, or acupuncture.
Prognosis
Peritoneal mesothelioma is a very aggressive disease that generally claims its victims in less than a year from diagnosis.