What is Peritoneal Mesothelioma?

Peritoneal Mesothelioma (also sometimes known as mesothelioma of the abdomen or malignant peritoneal mesothelioma) is cancer of the lining of the abdomen.

Peritoneal Mesothelium is the lining of the abdomen that is made up of a special types of cells called mesothelia.

Peritoneal Mesothelioma, thereofore, is a cancer of the cells that make up the protective lining (peritoneal mesothelium) in the abdomen.

Approximately 2 to 3 out of every 10 mesothelioma patients are disgnosed with peritoneal mesothelioma.

Peritoneal Mesothelioma Symptoms:

Peritoneal Mesothelioma Symptoms often include abdominal swelling, abdominal pain, unexplained weight loss, general weakness, swelling of the feet, and nausea.

Peritoneal Mesothelioma Diagnosis:

• X-ray radiographs, CT scan, MRI scan,

  
  

• Peritoneoscopy/Laparoscopy

  Examination of patient's abdomen is made using a special diagnostic probe (containing a tiny camera and a light) called a peritoneoscope. The peritoneoscope is inserted through an opening made in the abdomen, and a doctor visually examines the abdomen for any abnormality. Peritoneoscopy/Laparoscopy test is carried out in a hospital setting. The patient is usually able to return home within 24 hours following this test.

• Biopsy of Peritoneal Mesothelium Tissue

  If abnormal Peritoneal Mesothelium tissue is found or if there are any visual indicators of malignancy, a small tissue is retrived for further examination under a microscope. Usually, the Peritoneal Mesothelium tissue biopsy is done, if warranted, during the course of Peritoneoscopy/Laparoscopy.

Peritoneal Mesothelioma Treatment:

Peritoneal Mesothelioma treatment options include the following:

• Cytoreductive surgery,
• Intravenous chemotherapy
• Regional chemotherapy (if the disease is localized), and
• Intraperitoneal chemotherapy (using Cisplatin and Doxorubicin).

Peritoneal Mesothelioma Prognosis, Patient Survival Rate:

Even though there is no known/complete cure for malignant peritoneal mesothelioma, the final outcome depends on many factors -including the location, size, type, and stage of the cancerous/malignant tumor as well as the treatment path. Therefore, the prognosis (chances of survial and the extent of recovery) of a Peritoneal Mesothelioma patient is largely determined by the following:

• Clinical presentation,
• Success of cytoreduction surgery,
• Use of intraperitoneal chemotherapy, and
• Gender (female patients survive longer than male patients)

Considering that there has been no effective treatment for Peritoneal Mesothelioma, historically, most Peritoneal Mesothelioma patients had a median survival time of under 1 year. However, appropriate surgical treatment (cytoreduction surgery) when combined with intraperitoneal chemotherapy seem to now result in a median survival of between four to five years. As a result of these latest advances, a great majority of Peritoneal Mesothelioma patients are now able to have a prolonged and high quality of life.

Additional information available on: Lung Cancer Causes, Lung Cancer Risk Factors, Lung Cancer Early Signs, Lung Cancer Symptoms, Lung Cancer Early Diagnosis, Staging of Lung Cancer Tumors, Lung Cancer Treatment, Lung Cancer Vaccine, Lung Cancer Prognosis, Small Cell Lung Cancer, - SCLC, Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer - NSCLC, Mixed Small Cell/Large Cell Lung Cancer, Asbestos, Asbestosis, Mesothelioma, Lung Cancer Caused by Asbestos Exposure, Pleural Mesothelioma, Peritoneal Mesothelioma, Pericardial Mesothelioma, Mesothelioma Diagnosis, Mesothelioma Symptoms, Mesothelioma Treatment, Mesothelioma Drugs, Mesothelioma Surgery, Mesothelioma Chemotherapy Drugs, and Mesothelioma Radiation Therapy.

Check out asbestos news for the latest asbestos lung disease news, and mesothelioma news.

Please visit our Lung Disease reference page for additional information on various lung related health issues.

Note: Consult a qualified medical practitioner if you suspect lung disease. Information published at this mesothelioma lung disease asbestos cancer forum - or most other websites for that matter - should not be relied upon for health decisions. The information presented on this web site is not intended as a substitute for medical care, medical, legal, or professional advise. Please talk with your healthcare provider for all your health concerns.