Malignant Peritoneal Mesothelioma – Important Information

The only known cause of mesothelioma, also known as malignant peritoneal mesothelioma when it develops in the peritoneum, is inhalation of toxic asbestos particles. Mesothelioma can either be benign (non-cancerous) or malignant (cancerous) and develops in the mesothelium, which is a thin protective tissue that surrounds many of the body’s internal organs. Mesothelial tissue is called by different names depending on which organ it is associated with.

When this membranous tissue envelops the lungs it is called the pleura. The peritoneum and pericardium are the names given to the mesothelium surrounding the abdominal cavity and heart respectively. Mesothelioma most commonly develops in the pleura, but is found in the peritoneum in about 15% to 20% of the cases, making it second only to pleural mesothelioma in occurrence. A malignancy found in the peritoneum is called malignant peritoneal mesothelioma. Due to the location of malignant peritoneal mesothelioma it is often referred to as abdominal mesothelioma.

Where Does Malignant Peritoneal Mesothelioma Develop?

After inhaling asbestos fibers they will become lodged in the lungs and is the reason why most cases of mesothelioma develop in lung tissue. However, mesothelial cancer affects other areas such as the peritoneum and pericardium. When it affects the peritoneum it is usually referred to as malignant peritoneal mesothelioma. However, it is still unknown as to how it spreads to areas other than the lungs. One theory suggests that the asbestos fibers are transported through the lymph system to their eventual destination. Another theory has asbestos particles being ingested and then taken by way of the intestinal track to these other locations. One other possible theory is that the fibers, after being inhaled, become stuck in mucus located in the trachea or bronchi and eventually swallowed. Once swallowed they can make their way to the abdominal cavity and result in malignant peritoneal mesothelioma.

Once the fibers become lodged in the membranous abdominal tissue, tumors will eventually form. This is how malignant peritoneal mesothelioma begins its course. As these tumors continue to grow they can eventually spread to the entire abdominal cavity. It can take many decades until symptoms of malignant peritoneal mesothelioma appear. Due to the lengthy time from exposure to symptoms it is usually difficult to diagnose malignant peritoneal mesothelioma, particularly when the victim has not been exposed to asbestos for 20 to 60 years. By the time malignant peritoneal mesothelioma is finally discovered and diagnosed the disease has usually reached such an advanced stage it is fatal within 2 to 4 years.

Symptoms of Malignant Peritoneal Mesothelioma

The symptoms of malignant peritoneal mesothelioma are similar to other diseases and for this reason are often misdiagnosed. Symptoms of peritoneal mesothelioma can include acute abdominal pain, swelling of the abdominal area, accumulation of fluid in the abdominal cavity, nausea and vomiting, loss of appetite, bowel obstruction, weight loss, breathing problems, and fever. Different patients may have different symptoms due to the nature of the disease, its location and tumor size, the age and health of the patient, and other factors.

Deciding which type of treatment is best for the patient can be difficult because there is no cure. Many forms of treatment are to relieve symptoms only, some of which may be only temporary. Removing the tumor surgically is usually not a viable option because the cancer is usually discovered in the later advanced stages. However, when surgery is an option a small tumor will usually involve removing the tumor as well as part of the abdominal tissue. Larger tumors may require the removal of a lung or a portion of the diaphragm.

Since surgery is usually not a peritoneal mesothelioma treatment option, chemotherapy and radiation therapy are the most common courses of treatment. These treatments are not intended to cure the cancer, but are for relieving symptoms and improving the quality of life.

In addition to the above-mentioned treatment methods there are a few experimental therapies that have shown promising results. Because there is no cure, patients have the option to receive these experimental therapies as participants of clinical trials. The clinical trials may consist of various experimental medications or other forms of treatment and offer the patient who suffers with malignant peritoneal mesothelioma hope even in the absence of a cure.