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Peritoneal Mesothelioma-Basic Information For You Should Kno
Peritoneal mesothelioma, a cancer of the lining of the abdominal cavity, is the secondly most common type of mesothelioma after the pleural form, comprising approximately one-fifth to one-third of the total number of all mesothelioma cases diagnosed. These diagnoses are approximately 54.7 per cent male versus 45.3 per cent female, with the median age being 65-69. The latency period appears to be shorter for asbestos-exposed individuals with symptoms appearing 20-30 years after exposure rather than the 30-40 year latency more commonly associated with pleural mesothelioma.

Symptoms

Clinical symptoms at the time of presentation may include;

-         abdominal pain,

-          abdominal mass,

-          increased abdominal size

-          distention of the abdomen,

-         ascites (fluid in the abdomen),

-          fever,

-          weight loss,

-          fatigue,

-          anemia and digestive disturbances

-          Some patients complain of more non-specific symptoms for a number of months prior to a confirmed diagnosis. In a percentage of cases, peritoneal mesothelioma is found incidentally when the patient has sought help for another surgical health disease such as gallbladder, hernia or pelvic mass.

Diagnosis

As with all other forms of mesothelioma, the diagnosis of peritoneal mesothelioma can be difficult.  Abdominal CT Scan findings may help differentiate between the two clinical types of peritoneal mesothelioma, termed “dry” or “wet”, since their appearances are very different upon imaging.

 In the “dry” type, CT scan may reveal multiple small masses or a single dominant localized mass. There is normally little or no ascites.

 In the “wet” type, CT scan may reveal widespread small nodules, but no dominant mass. Ascites is usually present.

If there is fluid in the peritoneum, it may be removed in a procedure referred to as abdominal paracentesis. Unfortunately, as is the case with pleural mesothelioma, the analysis of the fluid sample offer limited diagnostic value.  A definitive diagnosis is usually only made after a tissue biopsy obtained in a Laproscopic exploration is examined in the laboratory.

Staging of Peritoneal Mesothelioma

There is currently no distinct staging system for peritoneal mesothelioma, and if the disease is staged, it is normally done in accordance with the TNM system, the most common general cancer staging system. This system refers to the status of the tumor (T), lymph nodes (N) and metastases (M).

 There are general categories which may also be somewhat helpful in determining stage.

The first category shows a localized lesion able to be completely resected (entirely removed).

 In the second category, the disease is contained within the abdominal cavity on peritoneal and organ surfaces where debulking (the removal of as much, but not the entire tumor) is possible.

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