Peritoneal Mesothelioma
Peritoneal mesothelioma develops in the peritoneal lining of the abdominal cavity and accounts for 15–20% of all mesothelioma cases. It is caused by asbestos fibers that are swallowed or migrate from the lungs to the abdomen. Symptoms include abdominal pain, swelling, and unexplained weight loss.
Peritoneal mesothelioma occurs when asbestos fibers reach the peritoneum — the thin membrane lining the abdominal cavity and covering abdominal organs. Researchers believe fibers reach the abdomen either by being swallowed after clearance from the lungs or by migrating through the lymphatic system.
Common symptoms include abdominal distension, pain, nausea, and changes in bowel habits. Because these symptoms overlap with many gastrointestinal conditions, misdiagnosis is common. A definitive diagnosis typically requires a biopsy with immunohistochemistry staining to distinguish it from other abdominal cancers.
Peritoneal mesothelioma patients may have a somewhat better prognosis than pleural mesothelioma patients, particularly when treated with cytoreductive surgery combined with heated intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC). Median survival with this approach can exceed 50 months in eligible patients.
- Also known as
- Malignant peritoneal mesothelioma, Abdominal mesothelioma
- Category
- Medical
- ICD-10 Code
C45.1- Related terms
- Mesothelioma, Pleural Mesothelioma, Pericardial Mesothelioma, Chemotherapy, Prognosis
What are the symptoms of peritoneal mesothelioma?
Common symptoms include abdominal pain, swelling or distension, nausea, unexplained weight loss, and changes in bowel habits.
Is peritoneal mesothelioma treatable?
Cytoreductive surgery combined with heated intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) has shown median survival exceeding 50 months in eligible patients.
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