Peritoneal Mesothelioma

A form of asbestos cancer that attacks the abdominal area, peritoneal asbestos cancer is the second most common type of mesothelioma and accounts for up to 600 cases a year.This type of cancer attacks the peritoneum, which is a membranous layer of tissue that covers the stomach, liver and other abdominal organs. The peritoneum is made up of two layers of cells — parietal and visceral — and supports, lubricates and protects the inner organs.

This type of cancer attacks the peritoneum, which is a membranous layer of tissue that covers the stomach, liver and other abdominal organs. The peritoneum is made up of two layers of cells -- parietal and visceral -- and supports, lubricates and protects the inner organs.

Causes and Symptoms

Like all types of mesothelioma, peritoneal asbestos cancer begins when the victim breathes in asbestos. Researchers think these fibers reach the abdominal area via the lymphatic system or the gastrointestinal system. The asbestos fibers become lodged in the peritoneum for decades and form irritations that eventually become cancerous. By the time these cancer nodules are detected, the cancer has spread, or metastasized.

Some of the earliest signs of abdominal asbestos cancer are similar to less serious diseases. This includes a cough, stomachache, bowel obstructions and anemia. With these signs, doctors often misdiagnose patients and give them inadequate medical care. It is often months before peritoneal mesothelioma patients are given their first chest X-ray and an initial mesothelioma diagnosis. This is usually the first time the abdominal swelling, called ascites, is detected.

Diagnostic Tests

With a confirmed diagnosis, doctors will then prescribe a series of tests, including an MRI, CAT scan and PET scan. These tests can be used to determine the location of the cancerous nodules and possible spread, or malignancy. Using a biopsy, doctors are also able to determine the types of cells involved, which will also help determine the treatment options.

Treatment and Prognosis

The most common treatments for any type of asbestos cancer are chemotherapy, radiation, surgery or a combination of all three, called multimodal therapy. There are also several types of advanced techniques used to help patients:

• Peritonectomy and Cytoreduction - During these procedures, doctors remove the cancerous lining that surrounds the abdominal cavity and the cancerous growths and parts of organs including the bowels, gall bladder, pancreas, spleen, stomach and liver. The goal is to remove all traces of the asbestos cancer.
• HIPEC - Called hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy, this has been found to be effective for treating abdominal cancers, including peritoneal asbestos cancer. The drugs are circulated for several hours during a surgical procedure in an attempt to kill cancer cells while minimizing the risk to healthy cells.
• Paracentesis - This is used to remove excess fluids that accumulate in the space between the linings of the abdomen. This is not meant to be curative, but relieves symptoms. This is also called an ascites or abdominal tap.

In addition, many patients choose Complementary and Alternative Medicines (CAMs). These are not meant to be stand-alone treatments, but used alongside conventional measures. They are aimed at making treatments more tolerable by easing pain or nausea and making life more pleasant.

• Cryotherapy - Also called cryablation, this is used with other treatments to eliminate tumors. Cryotherapy uses probes with a freezing agent, such as liquid nitrogen, to interrupt blood flow to tumors and kill the cancer cells.
• Immunotherapy - By using the body’s own immune system,researchers have found they can disrupt and kill cancer cells. This has shown to be effective in clinical trials.
• Gene therapy - The goal of gene therapy is to repair the damage caused by defective genes by targeting cells. Researchers are continuing work to determine the best course of action for gene therapy.

In addition, many patients choose Complementary and Alternative Medicines (CAMs). These are not meant to be stand-alone treatments, but used alongside conventional measures. They are aimed at making treatments more tolerable by easing pain or nausea and making life more pleasant.

Typically, peritoneal mesothelioma patients live for up to 12 months after a diagnosis, but many live much longer. There are many prognostic factors that can influence the course of the disease, including the type, location and spread of the cancer. Seek a skilled asbestos specialist for your best medical treatment.