Some Facts About Peritoneal Mesothelioma

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Peritoneal mesothelioma is a disease that affects the lining of the abdomen, or peritoneum. Sometimes doctors refer to this disease as mesothelioma of the peritoneum. It is a common misconception that mesothelioma is a type of primary lung cancer; it is not. Mesothelioma is a cancer of the serous membranes. These membranes enclose a number of organs throughout the midsection of the body, including the abdomen.

Peritoneal mesothelioma can spread to the lungs and when this occurs, it is considered secondary lung cancer. Mesothelioma is also sometimes referred to as an asbestos lung cancer. Technically, this is also incorrect, since it does not originate in the lungs. Asbestosis is a type of asbestos lung disease that does originate in the lungs and is often confused with mesothelioma.

Asbestos is a material used for insulation, which is resistant to heat and fire. It is used in the construction or engineering of buildings, ships, household appliances and motors. It has been reported that there is a higher incidence of mesothelioma in males because this type of caner is work related. Males are commonly hired for the construction or engineering of buildings, ships, motors and household appliances which causes the increased incidence of mesothelioma in males.

Medical science does not know exactly how or why, at a cellular level, a carcinogen like asbestos causes a cell to become malignant (cancerous.) Thus it is not known whether only one fiber can cause a tumor to develop or whether it takes many fibers, or what the exact conditions and predispositions are for this change to happen.

At this time there are treatments, but no known cure, for peritoneal mesothelioma. The prognosis depends on various factors, including the size and stage of the tumor, its extent, the cell type, and whether or not the tumor responds to treatment.

Approximately, 20% of reported mesothelioma cases are diagnosed to be peritoneal mesothelioma. While this type of mesothelioma is still associated with exposure to asbestos, this cancer is the result of asbestos dust and particles which have been swallowed, unlike pleural mesothelioma, which is caused by the inhalation of particles. The particles are either swallowed directly, or travel through the trachea to the intestinal tract in mucus and finally become lodged in the peritoneum.

Unfortunately peritoneal mesothelioma is often diagnosed when it is quite advanced. Some people may be too ill to cope with intensive chemotherapy. But you can still have treatment to try to relieve symptoms such as pain, weight loss and other symptoms such as fluid in the abdomen.

Your choice of treatment for peritoneal mesothelioma will depend on a number of factors. These include:

- The stage of your cancer

- Any other medical conditions you may have

- Your general fitness

With more advanced peritoneal mesothelioma, fluid may collect inside your abdomen. If too much fluid collects, it makes your abdomen swell. This can be uncomfortable and heavy.
You can have the fluid drained off. This is called abdominal paracentesis. It is sometimes called an ascitic tap. Your care will be managed by a palliative care team. This is a team of doctors and nurses who are expert in controlling the symptoms of advanced cancer. The team may also include a physiotherapist and a dietician.

If you have mesothelioma or suspect that you may have symptoms of mesothelioma due to asbestos expsoure, you should consult with both a mesothelioma doctor and a mesothelioma lawyer. In order to be fully aware of your rights and have your rights protected and receive maximum damages that may be awarded in your case, you should be prudent and act quickly.