Information of Peritoneal Mesothelioma, Peritoneal Mesothelioma

Peritoneal Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma of the peritoneal lining is very rare and poses a challenge to diagnose as well as treat. Unfortunately, it often becomes fatal.

Peritoneal mesothelioma is a cancer that occurs in the abdominal lining, which serves to protect the abdominal organs and secretes fluids allowing for the organs to move smoothly.

The cancer of the peritoneum leads to swelling of the abdomen and kills the healthy cells of the cavity while allowing for the growth of cancer cells.
Causes of Mesothelioma

The only known cause of peritoneal mesothelioma is exposure to asbestos. Lodged asbestos in the lining of the abdomen has been proven to be the cause of the cancer, although it is not understood how the lining becomes infested. The most accepted theory is that dust of the asbestos is ingested through the individual’s food which allows the fibers to easily enter the abdomen. This leads to inflammation and, eventually, cancer.
Latency Period

After the initial asbestos exposure, the cancer often does not manifest itself for up to 50 years. Despite the long latency period, this form of cancer is the most rapidly fatal. At the start of the disease, there are rarely any symptoms of the cancer. The first symptom is typically pain in the abdomen, which can often be mistaken for other conditions therefore delaying correct diagnosis. Later symptoms include swelling of the abdomen, loss of weight, nausea and vomiting, difficulty breathing, as well as obstruction of the bowels, fever, and hernias.