Peritoneal Mesothelioma

Peritoneal mesothelioma is a rare form of malignant cancer that attacks the peritoneal sac, or the lining that covers and protects the stomach and abdomen. It develops slowly and silently, growing tumors on the resilient tissue that forms the barrier between organs and bones. Peritoneal mesothelioma is the result of exposure to asbestos.

The prevailing theory of how peritoneal mesothelioma develops is based on ingestion. Most researchers believe that asbestos fibers are swallowed after they settle on food and drink, or when inhaled fibers are coughed up with phlegm and swallowed. Another viable theory is that the fibers are carried through the body via the lymphatic system after the fibers are inhaled.

Peritoneal cases make up approximately 20 percent of all mesothelioma cases, making it a very rare, but significant cancer diagnosis.

Contracting Peritoneal Mesothelioma

The only documented cause of mesothelioma is asbestos exposure, and most people are exposed on the job. The tiny airborne fibers are breathed in and settle unnoticed on everything, including clothing, skin, and lunch. No one knows exactly how much exposure is too much, so it is assumed that no exposure can be considered safe.

Peritoneal mesothelioma is so rare that doctors may never see a case within a lifetime of practice, even in areas where asbestos exposure is common. It is difficult to diagnose and easy to mistake for other, less serious conditions.

How Peritoneal Mesothelioma Develops

Following asbestos exposure, no symptoms may appear for decades. It can be 50 years before there are any symptoms, and some people never have any symptoms, so the disease is only discovered on autopsy.

When asbestos fibers are ingested, they stick in the abdominal lining and irritate the tissue. Over time, tumors form and grow. Eventually, the tumors become large enough to prevent fluid drainage. The fluid secreted normally by the peritoneal lining to lubricate the insides of the body cannot escape, and the abdomen fills. The fluid buildup distends the belly. The abdomen becomes hard and painful as it swells, and breathing and moving normally becomes difficult.

Peritoneal Mesothelioma Symptoms

• Breathing difficulty
• Coughing unrelated to infection or illness
• Pain in chest, back or abdomen
• Swollen or distended abdomen
• Rapid weight loss in excess of 10% of total body weight
• Poor appetite
• Insomnia
• Hoarseness
• Difficulty swallowing