Peritoneal Mesothelioma

In United States, peritoneal mesothelioma cases account for approximately 20 percent of the three thousands mesothelioma cases yearly.

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.

The development of peritoneal mesothelioma occurs when asbestos fibers are ingested, and these fibers work their way from digestive organs into the peritoneal membrane. Or it occurs when asbestos fibers are inhaled, and travel to the peritoneal membrane via the lymphatic system.

Regardless of how asbestos fibers actually enter the peritoneal layers, once they do enter the membrane, the body is unable to expel them. The fibers become trapped in the peritoneal membrane, and over a period of two or more decades, they cause certain changes in the mesothelial cells of the peritoneum and they also damage the surround tissues and organs.

Asbestos fibers cause long-term inflammation and irritation that eventually causes mesothelial cells to become cancerous. When cells become cancerous, they lose the ability to regulate their own division and growth. Cancerous mesothelial cells divide and grow without restraint, and this uncontrolled cell growth causes thickening of the peritoneum, and the build-up of fluid in the peritoneal layers. Over time, as cancerous cells continue to divide, tumors form.

Most peritoneal mesothelioma symptoms are caused by membrane thickening, fluid build-up, and tumor development. Peritoneal mesothelioma symptoms include weight loss, night sweats or fever, nausea or vomiting, fatigue, anemia, development of the lumps under the skin on the abdomen, pain in abdomen or swelling, diarrhea, constipation,

Peritoneal mesothelioma can be diagnosis by sophisticated diagnosis testing such as MRI, PET scan and CT scan. These test can also provide information that will help determine the patient’s best mesothelioma treatment options. Biopsy test also help to confirm that the cancer is really 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.