Peritoneal Mesothelioma
The Second Most Common Type of Mesothelioma
Peritoneal Mesothelioma is much rarer than Pleural Mesothelioma but is the second most common type of mesothelioma. Tumors form in the abdominal lining. The peritoneum is a protective membrane that surrounds the abdomen. Peritoneal mesothelioma can develop on both layers, the parietal layer, and the visceral layer.
Peritoneal mesothelioma is caused by asbestos exposure when asbestos dust is ingested, rather than inhaled. Swallowed fibers travel through the digestive system to the peritoneum.
Survival Rate
The survival rate depends on the stage of cancer and the types of cancer treatment available. Surgery normally plays a major role in survival. Patients that qualify for surgery can live five years or more.
Misdiagnosis is common because this type of cancer is so rare. Some of our clients have had to fight for their life and healthcare when it came to properly diagnose this disease.
Stages of Peritoneal Mesothelioma
The cancerous tissue is minimal and tumors are contained within the abdominal lining, and lymph nodes are free of cancer.
The cancerous tissue is moderate and tumors have not spread outside the lining or to lymph nodes.
The cancerous tissue is more extensive and tumors may have spread outside the peritoneal lining, to lymph nodes, or both.
Treatment
Treatment includes surgery, chemotherapy, and immunotherapy. Doctors often believe that combining treatment often works best, rather than one treatment. Surgery is the most promising treatment option, but only effective for early-stage cancer. Chemotherapy can shrink the tumors and slow the growth of the spread of cancer.