Health Network News

Peritoneal mesothelioma is caused mainly due to the exposure to asbestos and it is found common in men than women. It accounts to about one-fifth of all reported cases of mesothelioma cancer. The lining of abdominal cavity is affected by peritoneal mesothelioma and its symptoms appear only after twenty to thirty years of such exposure. If proper medical attention is not given promptly, it can turn out to be disastrous. A tissue biopsy can lead to an effective diagnosis whereas baffling results will be produced by methods like CT scan.

Clinical symptoms of the cancer normally are pain in abdomen, formation of lumps in abdomen, collection of fluid in the abdomen, fever, fatigue, inexplicable weight loss, malfunctioning of digestive systems and anemia. Some patients may feel uncomfortable many months before the actual symptoms materialize. In many cases, Peritoneal Mesothelioma is detected while the patient is on a check up for problems like hernia, pelvic mass, gall bladder etc.

The different stages of this cancer are presently determined in the tumor, lymph nodes and metastases system (TNM), which is used to determine general cancers. The first level shows localized abrasions and is totally removable. The second stage, where the disease affects the abdominal cavity on peritoneal and organ surfaces, is also curable by aggressive therapies. In the third stage, the infection spreads inside vital organs like colon and liver, but stays inside the abdominal cavity. The malady reaches the fourth stage when the infection spreads from the abdominal cavity to the nearby areas.

Peritoneal mesothelioma patients are administered with strong medication and other treatment methods. Debulking surgery combined with intra peritoneal hyperthermic chemotherapy, intraperitoneal chemotherapy and radiation is the common multimodality treatment opted by doctors. Intake of vital minerals and nutrients is compulsory to make the body cope with the side effects of chemotherapy and other medications.

The physical health and age of the patient are important factors which determine the success of treatment. Proper treatment and timely diagnosis are vital factors which provide relief to the patients.