Peritoneal Mesothelioma
29 December 2008
Peritoneal mesothelioma develops in the abdomen, in the mesothelial cells that form the peritoneum. The peritoneum is a membranous layer that is made up of two 'sub-layers' called the parietal and visceral layers. The parietal layer covers the abdominal cavity, while the visceral layer surrounds abdominal organs. Together these two layers provide support and protection for abdominal organs and the abdominal cavity as a whole.
How Does Asbestos Cause Peritoneal Mesothelioma?
There are two main theories:
Asbestos fibers are ingested, and these fibers work their way from digestive organs into the peritoneal membrane.
Asbestos fibers are inhaled, and travel to the peritoneal membrane via the lymphatic system.
Symptoms:
* Abdominal pain or swelling
* Changes in bowel habits (such as diarrhea or constipation)
* Development of lumps under the skin on the abdomen
* Night sweats or fever
* Unexplained weight loss
* Nausea or vomiting
* Fatigue
* Anemia
Diagnosis:
A peritoneal mesothelioma diagnosis cannot be made on the basis of symptoms alone. The diagnostic process begins with a thorough medical history and physical examination, followed by sophisticated diagnostic testing, such as a CT scan, PET scan, or MRI.
Following these imaging tests, a biopsy is usually performed to confirm that the cancer involved is indeed mesothelioma. A biopsy is a minor surgical procedure that involves the removal of fluid or tissue from the peritoneum.
After the biopsy, the fluid and tissue is tested in a laboratory for the presence of mesothelioma cells.
Treatment
Some peritoneal mesothelioma patients can opt for intraperitoneal chemotherapy, in which drugs are injected directly into the peritoneum, immediately following surgery. In some cases, patients may undergo radiation therapy first - to shrink tumors - before undergoing surgery.
Most patients, however, are not good candidates for surgery; either because their cancer has spread too extensively or because their general health is not good enough to cope with the stress of surgery. These patients are usually limited to palliative treatment options. Palliative treatments do not attempt to cure a patient - instead they are designed to relieve symptoms and improve the quality of life for peritoneal mesothelioma patients.
How Does Asbestos Cause Peritoneal Mesothelioma?
There are two main theories:
Asbestos fibers are ingested, and these fibers work their way from digestive organs into the peritoneal membrane.
Asbestos fibers are inhaled, and travel to the peritoneal membrane via the lymphatic system.
Symptoms:
* Abdominal pain or swelling
* Changes in bowel habits (such as diarrhea or constipation)
* Development of lumps under the skin on the abdomen
* Night sweats or fever
* Unexplained weight loss
* Nausea or vomiting
* Fatigue
* Anemia
Diagnosis:
A peritoneal mesothelioma diagnosis cannot be made on the basis of symptoms alone. The diagnostic process begins with a thorough medical history and physical examination, followed by sophisticated diagnostic testing, such as a CT scan, PET scan, or MRI.
Following these imaging tests, a biopsy is usually performed to confirm that the cancer involved is indeed mesothelioma. A biopsy is a minor surgical procedure that involves the removal of fluid or tissue from the peritoneum.
After the biopsy, the fluid and tissue is tested in a laboratory for the presence of mesothelioma cells.
Treatment
Some peritoneal mesothelioma patients can opt for intraperitoneal chemotherapy, in which drugs are injected directly into the peritoneum, immediately following surgery. In some cases, patients may undergo radiation therapy first - to shrink tumors - before undergoing surgery.
Most patients, however, are not good candidates for surgery; either because their cancer has spread too extensively or because their general health is not good enough to cope with the stress of surgery. These patients are usually limited to palliative treatment options. Palliative treatments do not attempt to cure a patient - instead they are designed to relieve symptoms and improve the quality of life for peritoneal mesothelioma patients.
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