Peritoneal Mesothelioma
Peritoneal mesothelioma is a relatively rare form of malignant mesothelioma, making up twenty to twenty five percent of diagnosed mesothelioma cases. This type of mesothelioma affects the cells of the peritoneal mesothelium, also known as the peritoneum, which is the membrane lining the abdominal cavity wall. In this area of the body the mesothelium membrane also supports and protects organs in the abdomen.
The peritoneum is made up of two layers, called the visceral and parietal layers. The parietal layer is an outer layer that covers the abdominal cavity, while the visceral layer covers internal organs and the intestinal tract.
All types of mesothelioma are caused by the presence of microscopic asbestos fibers which most often enter the human body by inhalation. These fibers are given off by deteriorating or torn asbestos material, they can float in a dust cloud for a long period, and they are unnoticed when inhaled. That is how they enter the lungs and cause pleural mesothelioma in the lung lining. It is less clear how these fibers make their way to the abdominal cavity.
It is possible that they are ingested in some fashion and work their way through the intestinal system just as they pass through the lungs to the outer layer. It has also been suggested that they pass through the body via the lymphatic system. In any case, when they become embedded in the peritoneum they can cause an assortment of symptoms and eventually cause the development of abnormal, malignant cells.
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