Mesothelioma
can manifest itself in a number of ways. While mesothelioma pleural cancer of the lining of the lungs- is the most prevalent form of the disease ,peritoneal mesothelioma accounts for about 15% to 20% of all mesothelioma cases diagnosed throughout the world, making it the second most common form. With this type of mesothelioma the lining of the abdomen -known as the peritoneum -is affected That's why this form of cancer is sometimes referred to as abdominal mesothelioma.Causes of Mesothelioma Peritoneal
As with any form of mesothelioma the only known cause at this is exposure to hazardous asbestos. While most asbestos fibers tend to lodge in the lining of the lungs, doctors have a few theories as towhy some in dividuals develop peritoneal rather then mesothelioma pleural.Some experts believe the fibers may be inhaledand transported through the lymph node system to the peritoneal cavity.Others maintain that after the fibers are ingested and make their way to the intestinal tract, they may work themselves into the peritoneal cavity and peritoneum Still, some researchers believe that the fibers are captured and then held by the mucus in the trachea or bronchi and are eventually swallowed.Regardless of how the ibers reach the peritoneum, their presence in the abdominal area causes inflammation, and eventually, tumors form .The tumors grow and spread and ultimately cover the abdominal cavity .
Symptoms of Mesothelioma peritoneal
Like all forms of asbestos -caused cancer, mesothelioma peritoneal can mysteriously lay dormant in the system for up to five decades. Victims of this cancer are usually difficult to diagnose because when the sympoms finally surface, it's oten difficult to make the conection with asbestos , especially when the individual hasn't been exposed to the substance for many ,many years.This means, of course, that by the time diagnosis is confirmed, the disease has reached its advanced stages and treatment is difficult .Furthermore , the symptoms of peritoneal mesothelioma can be easily confused with those of other more common diseases.Therefore, many victims go undiagnosed or are improperly diagnosed or months before the proper conclusion is determined . Symptoms of peritoneal mesothelioma can include.
* Abdominal pain ,acute to severe
* Swelling of the abdominal region due to fluid accumulation
* Breathing difficulties
* Loss of appetite resulting in weight loss
* Bowel obstruction
* Nausea
* Vomiting
* Weakness
* Fever
* Anemia
Symptoms may vary with each patient and can be affected by the location of the tumors,the size of the tumors, and the age and grneral health of the individual in question. When presenting symptoms for diagnosis, it's important for patients to tell the doctor about their exposure to asbestos, even if the exposure occurred many year ago. This knowledge will aid in diagnosis and possibly spare the patient a number of unnecessary tests.
Diagnosis and Treatment
Diagnosis of this rarer form of mesothelioma is much the same as with pleural mesothelioma .Your doctor may order such tests as a traditional X-Ray s can provide some answers the doctor may be seeking ,he or she will usually order a tissue biopsy in order to make a conclusive diagnosis .These biopsies take a sample of the tissue around the abdominal cavity, which is then analyzed to determine whether tumors are present. The biopsy can be uncomfortable but is quick and over in just a few minutes. Once a diagnosis is determined, an oncologist will help decide which mesothelioma treatment is best for the patient. Because mesothelioma peritoneal is often diagnosed in its very late stages , tumor removal by surgery is usually not an option If, hower, sugery is in order ,it may involve removing a portion of the lining and tissue from the abdominal area in order to remove the tumer. If the tumor is unusually large, a lung or a section of the diaphragm may need to be removed as well. More often radiation and chemotherapy are recommended in the treatment of Mesothelioma peritoneal Radiation may be aimed directly at the tumors or used as a palliative measure to relieve pain or lessen symptoms. Common chemotherapy techniques for this kid of mesothelioma ontra- peritoneal chemo , which involves injecting chemotherapy drugs directly into the abdomen .Differant chemo drugs in various combination s are recommended , depending on each individual cas. like radiation,chemotherapy can be a palliative measure, relieving uncomfortable symptoms and improving the quality of life for mesothelioma patients.
Clinical rials are constantly being offered to victims of mesothelioma , including those suffering from the peritoneal variety of the disease.These trials usually offer the opportunity to try experimental medication s or treatments that have not yet been approved by the government organization that oversees the sale of drugs .
Prognosis:
Because it takes so long to diagnose peritoneal mesothelioma, the outcome is not positive. As with other types of the disease , many victims live for less then a year after diagnosis .Doctors and research scientists continue to make strides towards finding a way to cure mesothelioma and or prolong the life of the patient