Peritoneal Mesothelioma
Peritoneal Mesothelioma is the name given to the cancer that attacks the lining of the abdomen. The second most prevalent type of mesothelomia, this cancer, like others in its family, is caused by asbestos exposure and affects the lining that protects the contents of the abdomen. This lining, also called the peritoneum, also provides a lubricating fluid to enable the abdomen to glide against the tissue surrounding it and is also supposed to protect the abdomen from damage.There are a number of symptoms associated with this disease. Like all other types of mesothelioma, however, the disease lies dormant for a rather lengthy period of time. Since symptoms may not become evident for decades after exposure, this may mean that by the time a diagnosis is given, it is often already too late to offer any real constructive treatment. Another cause for the delay in discovering the illness may also be due to the fact that most of these symptoms are generally non-specific and can therefore be attributed to a number of other more common ailments. Unless the doctor is made aware of a person's exposure to asbestos in the past, he or she is likely to look at other options before even contemplating mesothelioma. It is therefore important to let your doctor know of any exposure to this substance.
The symptoms of peritoneal mesothelioma may include abdominal pains and weakness, weight loss, nausea, loss of appetite, some abdominal swelling and bowel obstruction. Depending on the location of the cancerous cells, additional problems may also be experienced, such as breathing problems and severe pain.
The treatments available to peritoneal mesothelioma patients can also vary, and may be dependent upon a number of factors. The doctor, once a diagnosis has been made, will often make a recommendation based upon details such as how far along the cancer is and the patient’s general condition and health. Other factors that come into play when a doctor decides on a treatment is the past medical history of the patient and the patient’s age.
Treatments that may be considered include surgery. This entails cutting out part of the abdominal lining and tissue from the abdomen in order to remove the cancer cells there. The decision as to whether or not surgery needs to be performed and if it is, the subsequent question of how much tissue is to be removed, may depend on how far the cancer has spread. Sometimes, it may be necessary for the doctor to remove a lung or a part of the diaphragm for the surgery to succeed.
Radiation Therapy is another option for the treatment of the cancer. High energy x-rays are used to shrink the tumor or tumors, as the case may be, and kill off the cancerous cells in the affected area. There are two ways to administer radiation therapy. The first is through external means. This uses a machine placed outside the body and emits radiation through the body to the affected areas. The second is by placing a source of radiation directly on or into the affected area by way of plastic tubes. Administering the radiation treatment through the tubes can also enable doctors to administer any required drugs this way.
Chemotherapy is a treatment where a combination of drugs is used to try and kill off cancer cells. Drugs may be administered by mouth in tablet form or they may be administered intravenously via a needle into a vein or a muscle. The drug will then enter the blood stream and travel through the body, hopefully killing off any cancer cells along the way.
Peritoneal Mesothelioma is responsible for a number of deaths each year. Although it may not be the most common form of this cancer, many new cases still come to light every year. With continued research and clinical trials, however, doctors and other medical professionals will eventually make it possible to one day find a cure for this disease and give hope to the people who suffer from this cancer.
