Peritoneal mesothelioma. Symptoms. Diagnosis. Treatment

Peritoneal mesothelioma

This form of mesothelioma develops in the lining of the abdominal cavity, known as the peritoneal membrane. Approximately 25 percent of mesotheliomas are of this type.
Peritoneal mesothelioma attacks the abdominal lining or Peritoneum of the lungs, and thus is also known as abdominal mesothelioma. The peritoneum insulates organs of the abdomen and its primary purpose is for protection. The image on the left is of the peritoneum consisting of 2

parts; visceral and parietal peritoneum. The function of the visceral peritoneum is to cover internal abdominal organs and it makes up most of the outer layer of the intestinal tract. The parietal peritoneum (outer layer) on the other hand insulates the abdominal cavity and is attached to the abdominal wall. The space between these two layers is known as the peritoneal cavity, filled with a 50ml serous fluid that allows the 2 layers to freely slide and glide over each other. Another purpose for the serous fluid is to help the intestines move food freely throughout the body. Cancerous cells force the peritoneal cavity to overproduce the serous fluid causing an excessive buildup of fluids in the abdominal cavity. This is also known as ascites.

Peritoneal Mesothelioma Factors of Development

Just like Pleural mesothelioma, the single most important factor for development of Peritoneal mesothelioma is exposure to Asbestos. The process of how tissues in the lungs become malignant or cancerous (the carcinogenic process) is not fully understood by doctors yet. After inhalation of asbestos fibers at workplaces, they cannot be removed by the body's immune system because of their durability. Over a period of time, they cause chronic inflammation of cells in the lungs and develop a fibrosis that stop the peritoneum from functioning properly and protecting abdominal organs. The main difference between pleural & peritoneal mesothelioma is how asbestos fibers penetrate into the peritoneum. Scientists predict there are 3 ways this can happen:
i) Inhaled asbestos fibers are transported through the lymphatic system to the peritoneal cavity (space between the parietal & visceral peritoneum layers). The image above is of the lymphatic system where the black markers are primary translocators of asbestos fibers into the lungs, while the white markers are secondary translocators of asbestos fibers. The diagram shows how asbestos fibers can travel through the lymphatic system starting from the alveolar space or the pulmonary cap into the pleural space.
ii) Asbestos fibers entered the body through foods & drinks that asbestos workers had whilst on the job. Asbestos dust & fibers in the air is common among workplaces such as factories, shipyards & metal works.
iii) Asbestos fibers are carried into the abdominal cavity & lining by being broken down into smaller pieces and transported through the bloodstream.

Peritoneal Mesothelioma Symptoms
Peritoneal mesothelioma symptoms include weight loss and abdominal pain and swelling due to a buildup of fluid in the abdomen. Other symptoms of peritoneal mesothelioma may include bowel obstruction, blood clotting abnormalities, anemia, and fever. If the cancer has spread beyond the mesothelium to other parts of the body, symptoms may include pain, trouble swallowing, or swelling of the neck or face.

Peritoneal Mesothelioma Diagnosis
Diagnosis of Peritoneal mesothelioma is very difficult, if not impossible. Computed Tomography (CT) scans are commonly used to distinguish between the two types of peritoneal mesothelioma; "dry" or "wet". What's interesting is that the image that CT scans produce can vary significantly. In the "dry" type of photos, CT scans reveal small localized masses of tumors with no fluids (ascites). In the "wet" type, CT scans reveal widespread masses of tumors with presence of fluids (ascites). Doctors can then order a removal of fluids from the abdomen via a process called paracentesis. The image on the left is of the Pelvis showing large volumes of free ascites (fluids in the lungs or abdomen). These fluids can then be removed via a process called pleural effusions.
It is important to see a doctor about any of Peritoneal mesothelioma symptoms. Only a doctor can make a diagnosis.

Peritoneal Mesothelioma Treatment

Treatment options available for Peritoneal mesothelioma are similar to what is available for Pleural mesothelioma. Options include Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), X-Rays or Computed Tomography (CT) scans. There is no cure for peritoneal mesothelioma however, it does provide a longer life and a better prognosis than pleural mesothelioma. After being diagnosed with pleural mesothelioma, a patient can expect to live for an average of 1 year to 16 months. On the other hand, a patient diagnosed with Peritoneal mesothelioma can expect to live for another average of 2 - 5 years.