What Causes Peritoneal Mesothelioma?
The majority of mesothelioma cases affecting the peritoneum result from asbestos fibers inhaled or swallowed. The fibers can reach the peritoneum, which is a protective layer that covers the abdominal cavity and organs.
A health care professional collects tissue or cell samples for testing to diagnose mesothelioma. Doctors use a cancer staging system to determine tumor stage and mesothelioma cells type.
Asbestos Exposure
Asbestos fibers are an example of a mineral fiber that, if inhaled or ingested can result in mesothelioma cancerous tissues. This rare cancer affects the lining of organs such as the pleura (chest cavity) and the peritoneum (abdomen). It can take as long as 50 years from initial exposure to asbestos until symptoms begin to manifest, making it difficult to determine the cause.
Asbestos exposure can cause the pleura (the lining of the chest cavity) to develop thick patches and widespread fibrosis. Pleural effusions are fluids that appear on chest X-rays and reduce lung capacity when measured using lung function testing. Mesothelioma can also grow in the abdomen, causing the peritoneum to develop scar tissue and forming tumors on it.
Peritoneal mesothelioma is less common than pleural mesothelioma but is still the second most prevalent type of mesothelioma. It is caused by inhaling or swallowing of asbestos fibers that are trapped in the peritoneum, causing genetic damage over time. This process causes inflammation and a buildup of fluids in the abdomen, which leads to symptoms such as fatigue, abdominal pain and weight loss.
The symptoms of peritoneal mesothelioma are often misdiagnosed as digestive problems, like colitis or diverticulitis. causes of mesothelioma other than asbestos may confuse doctors and delay treatment. The result could be complications.
If diagnosed, peritoneal cancer can be treated with surgery and heated chemotherapy. Patients must remain under the care and supervision of a doctor familiar with their medical history. This will allow them to keep the track of any changes and detect symptoms early, which could help improve the mesothelioma treatment outcome.
Anyone who has been exposed to asbestos should seek medical attention immediately if they experience breathing difficulties or a persistent cough. A doctor will conduct an X-ray of the chest, lung function test, and biopsy to determine if mesothelioma or another asbestos disease is the cause of their symptoms. This will help them determine the most efficient treatment for mesothelioma or other asbestos-related diseases. Patients should also have regular checkups in order to observe any signs related to asbestos, and keep their doctor informed of any changes to their health. This will help them detect any asbestos-related disease sooner and receive better mesothelioma treatments.
Genetics
Inhaling or ingestion of asbestos fibers can trigger mesothelioma. These asbestos fibers can enter the body through the lungs and into other tissues. Once they get into the digestive tract, they get trapped in the peritoneal tissue which is found in the stomach and abdominal organs. The immune system of the body tries to remove asbestos fibers, but they are entrapped in the peritoneum. Over time, the irritant effects of asbestos fibers on the tissue can cause damage to DNA and scarring. The cells begin to mutate and eventually form tumors.
Asbestos exposure is a primary cause of peritoneal mesothelioma but there are other reasons as well. Certain cases of peritoneal mesothelioma result from abdominal radiation for a different disease. Genetic mutations could also be a factor in mesothelioma's growth.
Mesothelioma is more common in females than males and is more prevalent among people over 45. A specialized blood test can determine whether an individual has a mesothelioma-related gene change known as BAP1. BAP1 mutations can increase a person's mesothelioma risk and can be used to determine those who may benefit from preventative measures, such as avoiding asbestos exposure.
The diagnosis of mesothelioma may be long as it is often misdiagnosed as other illnesses. Mesothelioma specialists have experience with this cancer and can help patients receive a quick and accurate diagnosis.
Mesothelioma treatments include chemotherapy, surgery, and radiation. These treatments can enhance the life expectancy of patients and quality of life.
The mesothelioma stage is the most important element in determining the treatment options. Mesothelioma is classified in four categories with category one being the disease with the lowest development that is able to be completely removed surgically. Categories two and three indicate more advanced disease that cannot be completely removed, but can be treated through debulking (removing as much of the tumor as possible) and chemotherapy. Four is a more advanced illness that has spread to other areas of the body.
The best treatment for the peritoneal cancer is a combination of chemotherapy, surgery and radiation. Doctors may also recommend a fluid drain to reduce discomfort that is caused by the buildup of fluid in the stomach. This treatment involves inserting a thin needle into the abdomen as part of a procedure referred to as paracentesis or tapping ascitic.
Environmental Exposure
Peritoneal mesothelioma is a cancer of the lining of the abdomen known as the peritoneum. The only cause that is known for this rare type of cancer is ingesting asbestos fibers. Exposure to asbestos can occur decades before symptoms develop. In some cases patients, they do not be diagnosed until the cancer has spread to other parts of the body.
When doctors suspect mesothelioma, they typically begin with a series of general tests. These include X-rays, CT scans and blood tests. These tests let doctors assess the size of stomach tumors as well as other organs. Doctors can also inject safe dye into the patient's bloodstream to make the masses in the abdomen stand out more on imaging.
The results of the test will aid doctors in determining if there is a "dry" or "wet", form of the disease. Dry mesothelioma in the peritoneal lining usually results in minimal or no fluid buildup in the abdominal cavity. It is typical for mesothelioma to cause ascites, or fluid buildup, that can be seen in imaging. Ascites can lead to an increase in pressure in the abdomen and that is why it is crucial for patients to consult a specialist immediately if they notice any symptoms.
Asbestos can also affect a person's immunity and make them more prone to certain illnesses. This is especially true if the person breathes in or swallows asbestos fibers, which could enter the digestive tract and travel to other areas of the body. Additionally, studies have revealed that other contaminants from the environment like cadmium (Cd) and lead (Pb) and mercury (Hg) lower the immune response and increase the risk of contracting an infection.
If a doctor suspects the peritoneal msothelioma has been found, he will likely perform an in-person biopsy. This procedure involves removing tiny portions of the tumor that is tested under the microscope. A biopsy can help doctors determine the type of cancer and determine treatment options.
Symptoms of peritoneal mesothelioma are similar to symptoms of other diseases and can be difficult for doctors to diagnose. If you have questions about your symptoms, call our Patient Help Team today. We'll connect you to an experienced mesothelioma expert. Our team is always available to assist you.
Smoking
Mesothelioma specialists advise stopping smoking as the best way to protect yourself from asbestos exposure. People with had a history of exposure to asbestos are at a higher chance of developing peritoneal cancer and other cancers caused by asbestos.
When asbestos fibers are consumed and become trapped in the linings of the abdomen they can trigger peritoneal mesothelioma. The fibers cause irritation and inflammation that leads to tumor growth. As time passes, these tumors grow and cause fluid accumulation in the abdomen. The symptoms of peritoneal mesothelioma are abdominal pain, bloating that is more frequent or abdominal distention and ascites.
In a small number of cases, peritoneal mesothelioma may spread to other organs in the abdomen. This can result in severe symptoms such as bowel obstruction, which can be life-threatening.
A peritoneal mesothelioma diagnosis is usually made by a doctor or another health professional who suspects that a patient is suffering from the disease according to their medical history as well as other signs and symptoms. Patients may undergo tests to confirm the diagnosis of mesothelioma. The tests can include an MRI scan that is computerized or magnetic resonance imaging.
A mesothelioma expert can help those who suspect they have the disease ensure that they receive the most effective treatment. A mesothelioma expert can give a thorough analysis of symptoms and refer patients to the right doctors for further testing and the possibility of a biopsy.
Patients who are diagnosed with mesothelioma often undergo surgery to remove cancerous tissue. They might also undergo chemotherapy and other radiation therapies in order to kill any remaining cancerous cells. These treatments can improve a patient's quality of life and extend their life span.
If you or someone you love has been diagnosed with peritoneal mesothelioma, call the Patient Help Team at MD Anderson to meet with a knowledgeable mesothelioma doctor. Our team can connect you to an expert near you. Contact us at 1-888-596-0289. Our services are free for all. We have a partnership with a group of the nation's most renowned mesothelioma experts, including those at MD Anderson. We can also assist in submitting a compensation claim to recover funds from bankruptcy trusts set up by asbestos companies.