If you receive a diagnosis of peritoneal mesothelioma, you likely need to learn as much as possible about it. The peritoneum is the lining that surrounds almost all the abdominal organs. This lining provides support as well as protection from external invaders. When mesothelioma begins to penetrate this lining, it can be hard to diagnose. It is a less common form of mesothelioma. Like most cancers, catching this disease in its earliest stages offers the most hope for recovery. Unfortunately, many cases go undetected until it is far too late. Knowledge is power, as they say.

Here are five facts you need to know about peritoneal mesothelioma:

1. Fewer than 500 people per year receive a diagnosis of peritoneal mesothelioma in the US. Most years it accounts for between 20 and 30% of cases diagnosed. The most common form of this disease is pleural mesothelioma, which attacks the lining around the lungs.

2. Peritoneal mesothelioma seems to happen due to ingested asbestos or asbestos absorbed through the blood stream. Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral fiber. Its fireproofing and insulation qualities made it a great favorite in various industries like building materials. Many older buildings and ships have a great deal of asbestos still in them. This led to people breathing in the microscopic particles. In some cases, they may have swallowed them. Somehow, the fibers traveled through to the peritoneum. That is where the cancer got its start.

3. A misdiagnosis of hernias happens often for people with peritoneal mesothelioma. The earliest symptoms of a problem usually come in the shape of unexplained pain in the abdominal area. Doctors will start looking for a cause of the problem. In many cases, they will see a hernia appearing in a particular area. What they may not detect is that the hernia's underlying causes is a swelling due to the peritoneal carcinoma. Sometimes the pain goes unexplained until it's too late.

4. Diagnosis of peritoneal mesothelioma can come in two clinical types: wet and dry. The wet form of this cancer is the more aggressive. It begins to affect the membranes that make up the peritoneum individually. The masses can begin to accumulate fluid in pockets. The dry form of the disease usually forms in a single location. For the dry from of the disease, surgery is usually an option when caught early enough. In the wet stage, treatment becomes more complicated or even impossible.

5. Treatment options for peritoneal mesothelioma include surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy. Nevertheless, treatment really depends on what stage the cancer is at when diagnosed.

• Stage 1 is usually localized and easier to treat. Surgery to remove the tumor and follow-up radiation or chemotherapy can be effective.
• In stage 2, the cancer is larger than in stage 1 and now likely involves the lymph nodes. Surgery is less likely an option. Many oncologists may recommend a treatment of radiation and chemotherapy combined.
• In stage 3 and 4, the treatment options are palliative instead of curative. There are some treatments to take pressure down and to make the patient as comfortable as possible.

This information is just the start of what you need to know about this form of mesothelioma. Knowledge will help you find the best options for you and your loved one. The process has to start somewhere though.

References:

Mesothelioma.com

http://smallcelllungcancer.net/

http://www.mesotheliomaprognosis.net/cancer/peritoneal.php

http://mesotheliomapage.com/

mesothelioma lung cancer

Peritoneal mesothelioma is a rare form of mesothelioma, which is good for about 20% of all mesothelioma cases. Peritoneal mesothelioma peritoneum, hence the name of this form of cancer is called on the lining of the stomach. The peritoneum, the protection of the contents of the stomach and is therefore very important.