Five types of mesothelioma and their causes: Peritoneal mesothelioma

In the fourth part of this five-part blog series, peritoneal mesothelioma will be explored.

The peritoneal is a tissue that lines the abdomen. This tissue protects and lubricates the abdominal organs. When the cells of this lining are cancerous, there is severe swelling of the abdomen and rapid growth of the cancer cells. Mesothelioma in this peritoneal lining is very rare and difficult to accurately diagnose as well as treat.

Just like the other types of mesothelioma covered in this blog series, asbestos exposure is the cause of peritoneal mesothelioma. When a person inhales asbestos dust for a prolonged period of time, the microscopic fibers can pass through the walls of the lungs and become lodged in the tissues lining the abdominal cavity. The long-term irritation this can cause to the tissues can eventually lead to the formation of cancer cells.

This whole process usually takes a long time, decades even. Usually, anywhere from 20 to 50 years will lapse before someone exposed to asbestos will notice mesothelioma symptoms.

According to the National Institutes of Health, the most common symptoms of peritoneal mesothelioma include:
 

·         Nausea or vomiting

·         Inexplicable weight loss

·         Sweating or fever

·         Swelling or pain in the abdomen

·         Ascites (fluid buildup between the peritoneum and the abdominal organs)

·         Anemia

·         Fatigue

·         Diarrhea, constipation or any other inexplicable changes in the bowels

·         Development of lumps under the skin on the abdomen

Treatment for peritoneal mesothelioma is the same as that for other types of the disease — a combination of surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy. None of these treatments can cure mesothelioma, however.

Currently, there are clinical trials and research projects that are working toward the development of a peritoneal mesothelioma cure. The earlier the diagnosis, the better the prognosis, so if you have been exposed to asbestos in the past, get frequent medical exams to screen for all types of mesothelioma.

In the next and final installment of this five-part blog series, pericardial mesothelioma will be covered.