What Causes Peritoneal Mesothelioma?
Most peritoneal cases of mesothelioma are caused by asbestos fibers swallowed or inhaled. The fibers are absorbed into the peritoneum, which is a protective layer that covers the abdominal cavity and organs.
A health professional will collect tissue or cell samples for testing to determine mesothelioma. Doctors use a cancer staging system to determine the tumor stage and mesothelioma type.
Asbestos Exposure
Asbestos fibers are a type mineral fiber that, when 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 up to 50 years from initial exposure to asbestos to when symptoms begin, making diagnosis difficult.
Asbestos exposure can cause the pleura (the lining of the chest cavity) to form thick patches and widespread fibrosis. Pleural effusions are the fluids that show up on chest X-rays, and decrease lung capacity when measured with lung function testing. Mesothelioma may also grow in the abdomen. The peritoneum will develop scar tissue and tumors could form.
Peritoneal Mesothelioma: While less common than pleural Mesothelioma it is still the second-most frequent type of Mesothelioma. The cancer is caused by asbestos fibers that are trapped in the peritoneum that cause genetic damage as time passes. This process creates inflammation and a buildup of excess fluid in the abdomen, leading to symptoms such as fatigue, abdominal pain and weight loss.
Symptoms such as colitis and diverticulitis are often misdiagnosed by doctors as peritoneal malignant msothelioma. This could cause confusion for doctors and delay treatment, possibly creating complications.
When peritoneal cancer is diagnosed, it can be treated by surgery and chemotherapy that is heated. Patients should still be under the supervision of a doctor who is familiar with their medical background. This will help them keep track of any changes and detect symptoms early, which could improve mesothelioma treatment outcomes.
Anyone exposed to asbestos should seek medical attention immediately in the event of breathing problems or an ongoing cough. A doctor will perform a chest X-ray, pulmonary function test, and biopsy to determine if mesothelioma or an other asbestos-related disease is the source of the symptoms. This will also assist them to determine the most efficient treatment for mesothelioma or other asbestos-related diseases. Patients should also have regular health checkups to detect any symptoms linked to asbestos, and keep their doctor informed of any changes to their health. This will allow them to detect any asbestos-related illness earlier and receive better mesothelioma treatment.
Genetics
Consuming asbestos fibers can cause mesothelioma. These fibers can enter through the lungs or other tissues. Once they reach the digestive tract, they get trapped in the peritoneal tissue that is found in the abdominal and stomach organs. The body's immune system attempts to eliminate asbestos fibers, however they remain in the peritoneum. The irritant effect asbestos fibers exert on the tissue results in scarring and DNA damage over time. Cells begin to change and develop into tumors.
Asbestos is the primary cause However, there are other causes. Some cases of peritoneal mesothelioma develop due to abdominal radiation for a different disease. Genetic mutations may also play a part in the development mesothelioma.
Mesothelioma is more common in men than women, and is more likely to affect those who are over 45. A blood test that is specific to the patient can determine whether an individual has a mesothelioma-related gene change called BAP1. BAP1 mutations can increase a person’s risk of mesothelioma and can be used as a tool to determine if someone could benefit from preventative measures like avoiding asbestos.
A mesothelioma diagnosis may be a lengthy process since mesothelioma can be mistakenly identified as other illnesses. The specialists in mesothelioma are experienced with the cancer and can provide a fast and precise diagnosis.
Treatments for mesothelioma can include chemotherapy, surgery and radiation. These treatments can enhance the patient's lifespan and quality of life.
what is mesothelioma caused by is the primary factor in determining treatment options. Mesothelioma is classified into four categories with category one being the least developed disease that can be completely removed surgically. Categories two and three indicate more advanced cancers that cannot be completely removed but may be treated by debulking (removing as much of the tumor as it is possible) and chemotherapy. The fourth category indicates more advanced illness that has spread to other regions of the body.
The most effective treatment for peritoneal cancer is to undergo surgery in conjunction with radiation and chemotherapy. Doctors may also recommend a fluid drain to reduce discomfort that is caused by the buildup of excess fluid in the stomach. This procedure involves inserting a needle into the abdomen in a procedure known as paracentesis, also known as an ascitic tap.
Environmental Exposure
Peritoneal Mesothelioma is a cancer that affects the lining in the abdomen, referred to as the peritoneum. Ingestion of asbestos fibers is the only known reason for rare cancer. Exposure to asbestos can occur decades before symptoms develop. In some cases, patients do not get a diagnosis until cancer has spread to other parts of the body.
If doctors suspect mesothelioma they usually start by conducting several general tests. These include X-rays, CT scans and blood tests. These tests let doctors determine the size of tumors on the stomach and in other organs. Doctors may also inject a safe dye into the bloodstream of the patient to make any mass in the abdomen stand out on imaging.
The test results can aid doctors in determining the "dry" or "wet" form of the disease. Dry peritoneal msothelioma could cause little or no accumulation of fluid in the abdominal cavity. Wet peritoneal mesothelioma typically causes ascites, or fluid buildup which can be observed on a scan. Ascites can lead to a rise in abdominal pressure. Patients should seek out a specialist if they notice any signs.
Asbestos exposure can also impact the immune system of an individual which makes them more prone to certain infections. This is particularly true when a person is exposed to asbestos fibers and swallows them. These fibers can enter the digestive system and move to other parts of the body. Studies have also revealed that other environmental pollutants, such as lead, cadmium (Pb), and mercury (Hg) can reduce the immune response and increase the risk of infection.
If a doctor suspects that peritoneal msothelioma may be present the doctor will likely conduct an in-person biopsy. This procedure involves the removal of a tiny portion of the tumor for testing under the microscope. A biopsy will determine the mesothelioma's type and help doctors decide on the best treatment option.
Symptoms of peritoneal mesothelioma are similar to those of other conditions, and may be difficult for doctors to diagnose. If you have questions regarding your symptoms, call our Patient Help Team today. We will connect with an experienced mesothelioma expert. Our team is available to assist you at all times.
Smoking
Mesothelioma specialists recommend to stop smoking as a protection against asbestos exposure. Patients with a history of asbestos exposure are at an increased risk of developing peritoneal mesothelioma and other cancers triggered by asbestos.
When asbestos fibers are inhaled and get trapped in the abdominal linings, they can cause mesothelioma peritoneal. These fibers can cause inflammation and irritation which can lead to the development of tumors. As time passes, these tumors grow and cause fluid to accumulate in the abdomen. The symptoms of peritoneal mesothelioma are abdominal pain, bloating and swollenness or abdominal distention and ascites.
In a tiny percentage of cases, peritoneal mesothelioma may be spread to other organs in the abdomen. This can cause serious symptoms, like obstructions of the bowel that could be life-threatening.
A peritoneal mesothelioma diagnosis is typically made by a physician or other health professional who suspects the patient is suffering from the disease based on their medical history and other signs and symptoms. Patients may undergo tests in order to confirm the diagnosis of mesothelioma. They could include the computed tomography scan, magnetic resonance imaging, as well as blood tests.
Anyone who suspects mesothelioma must seek out the advice of an experienced mesothelioma specialist in order to help ensure they receive the most effective treatment. A mesothelioma expert can give a thorough analysis of symptoms and recommend patients to the right doctors to conduct further tests and the possibility of a biopsy.
Patients with mesothelioma are often operated on to remove any cancerous tissues. They can also undergo chemotherapy or other radiation treatments to eliminate any remaining cancerous cells. These treatments can enhance a patient's quality of life and extend their life span.
Contact the Patient Help Team of MD Anderson to speak to an expert mesothelioma physician If you or someone you know has been diagnosed with this type of cancer. Our team can help you find a specialist in your area. Call 1-888-596-0289. Our services are offered free of charge. We work with a nationwide network of top mesothelioma specialists including those from MD Anderson. We can help you file an action for compensation to recover funds that asbestos companies have set aside in bankruptcy trusts.