Peritoneal Mesothelioma

Peritoneal mesothelioma affects the abdominal lining (peritoneum) which is why it is also called abdominal mesothelioma. This membrane covers and supports the organs of the abdomen.

The lining of abdominal cavity (peritoneum) is made up of two parts; the visceral layer that covers the internal organs and makes up the most of the outer layer of the intestinal tract and the other one is parietal peritoneum which covers the abdominal cavity.

Cells in these linings produce a fluid which let organs to move against each other easily. Like intestines is moving the food throughout the body. The cells of mesothelium are responsible to produce fluid. But when the cancer develops, it causes them to overproduce that create a buildup of excess fluid in the abdominal cavity.

Peritoneal mesothelioma is a very rare type of mesothelioma cancer. In US only 100 – 500 cases are diagnosed each year that makes up only less than thirty percent of all mesothelioma cases.

In most of the cases the pleural mesothelioma usually spreads to the peritoneal cavity, that’s why it is really essential to know that if the primary cancer is pleural or not.

Signs and Symptoms

Am I suffering from peritoneal mesothelioma?

This question must be arising in your mind, if this is the case go seek guidance with your doctor right away because diagnosis at early stage is very beneficial in this type of mesothelioma like every cancer. After the first exposure of asbestos it may take 20-30 years the symptoms to appear. The symptoms of peritoneal mesothelioma are so vague that it can be misunderstood by less serious medical issues. Because of this diagnosis of peritoneal mesothelioma becomes harder. So the best approach is if you have been ever exposed to asbestos then you should have regular check ups with your physician.

I am now discussing some very common symptoms:

 Swelling or pain in abdomen

The pain in abdomen is due to lots of solid tumor and while swelling is because of fluid retention. 

 Ascites

Abnormal collection of fluid in the abdomen is ascites. In cancer only 10% of ascites cases are being recorded out which peritoneal mesothelioma makes up a very small percentage. Ascites can cause swelling in abdomen, weight gain, an uncomfortable feeling, swelling of ankles and feet, indigestion and nausea. 

 Anemia

In anemia red blood cells are reduced below the normal range. Because of this the heart and other organs have to work harder to get the oxygen where it is needed. 

 Weight Loss

Regardless of the collection of fluid in abdomen, it increases the size of the waist but the appetite of the patient perhaps affected that cause weight loss.

  Obstruction in Bowel

 An obstruction in large or small intestine is quite uncommon, it usually occurs at later stages of peritoneal mesothelioma.

   Fever

 It can be caused because of the infection, obstruction in bowel or tumor can also cause fever.

Symptoms of peritoneal mesothelioma are not unique so the observation is more required as compared to diagnosis.  Most of the symptoms are related to abdominal mesothelioma which seems to be less serious medical conditions.

Diagnosis

How it can be diagnosed?

The very first step is that your doctor should look your history, that if you have ever been exposed to asbestos or not. It may include your work history too along with your physical exam!

The next step should be followed by to get imaging of abdomen. It may include CAT scan (CT scan), X-ray or MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging). Even though mesothelioma cannot be confirmed visually, tumors perhaps can be seen or excess of fluid can be seen also.

There are three main types of peritoneal mesothelioma tumors:

   Wet

 Related with swelling and ascites, small plaques and nodules are visible in this type of tumor.

   Dry

This is the most common type of tumor which is also painful, several small and one large in a similar way located peritoneal masses can be seen.

  Mixed

It is the combination of both wet and dry tumors. Paracentesis is performed to remove the excess fluid from the abdomen; a needle is inserted into the peritoneal cavity to remove the excess fluid and also to examine it by performing a test called cytologic. In this test specialists examine abnormal cells in fluid but it is not a very effective test for peritoneal mesothelioma.

Now the next step is most effective one in terms of diagnosing peritoneal mesothelioma and that is the collection of biopsy. In biopsy cells and tissues can be examined at microscopic level. Biopsy is usually performed at first because it is quite safe.  These tests use some special substances are used to mark the cells of cancer and it also color the protein.

At times further testing may require confirming this is because of the location of the tumors. So in this scenario the next step should be peritoneoscopy. In this test, a local anesthesia is being given and through a small incision with a tool called peritoneoscope doctor looks inside the abdomen. A large sample of biopsy can be collected through this test.  

Very often peritoneal mesothelioma is being misdiagnosed so it is very important to share your history of being exposed with asbestos with your physician as asbestos is considered the main cause of this type of mesothelioma.

So be aware of the symptoms of peritoneal mesothelioma. As the awareness can save your life!