Peritoneal mesothelioma is a rare form of mesothelioma that affects the peritoneum (the lining of the abdominal cavity). Peritoneal mesothelioma only affects about half of the diagnosed mesothelioma cases and it is caused by asbestos exposure. Symptoms of peritoneal mesothelioma appear after the tiny asbestos fibers implant themselves in the peritoneum and act like tiny needles.
Peritoneal Mesothelioma Tumor
There are two types of peritoneal mesothelioma, benign and malignant. The difference is that the benign multicystic peritoneal mesothelioma is not cancerous and will not develop further as opposed to the malignant form. Both of the peritoneal mesothelioma types develop tumors but only the malignant type develops further cancer tissue and tumors.
Primary Peritoneal Mesothelioma
When mesothelioma starts development in the peritoneum and develops the first and primary tumor in the area, the condition is called primary peritoneal mesothelioma. Primary peritoneal mesothelioma is a disease that can be treated by the use of some of the following:
- intraperitoneal chemotherapy (the chemotherapy is administered directly to the peritoneal area)
- surgery (removing the tissue and tumors in the area)
- external radiation therapy
- cytoreduction agents that react only against cancer cells
Diagnosis of peritoneal mesothelioma is a difficult procedure because of the symptoms resembling those of many other diseases. Also, peritoneal mesothelioma doctors need to know exactly if the case is a malignant or benign mesothelioma one in order to establish treatment methods to be used. Peritoneal mesothelioma patients need to be under constant care during treatment, because doctors change the treatment methods or the dosage or composition of chemotherapy drugs according to the responses of the patient.
Peritoneal mesothelioma cancer can be deadly, but almost half of the cases are benign, and thus, are not deadly. Doctors advise patients to be cautious towards any similar symptoms they might experience, and also recommend people that know they could be subject to asbestos exposure to take 2 cancer tests every year in order to detect it as soon as possible and start treating it accordingly.
Peritoneal mesothelioma patients are also advised to be careful with what they eat, and also to quit smoking and avoid places where heavy smoking is taking place. Eating healthy food, such as fresh fruits and vegetables helps when dealing with any kind of disease, even with peritoneal mesothelioma.
Peritoneal Mesothelioma Help!
Please contact asbestosis and mesothelioma centers if you require further information about peritoneal mesothelioma and how it can be treated and diagnosed. It is absolutely free.