Peritoneal Mesothelioma

What Is Peritoneal Mesothelioma?

Peritoneal mesothelioma is a cancer of the peritoneum. It’s the thin tissue around the abdominal organs. The main cause is asbestos exposure from inhaling its fibers. These thin fibers can eventually travel to and get stuck in the abdomen. Over time, they irritate the tissue and cause damage that leads to mesothelioma.

Many survivors of mesothelioma were exposed to asbestos in high-risk jobs. These include construction, firefighting and the military. Epifanio Figueroa, a mesothelioma survivor, was exposed to asbestos while working on cars. Decades later, doctors diagnosed him with peritoneal mesothelioma.

Symptoms of Peritoneal Mesothelioma

The most common symptoms of peritoneal mesothelioma are fluid buildup, abdominal pain and bloating. Fluid in the abdomen puts pressure on internal organs. This causes pain and discomfort. Other signs are changes in bowel movements, weight loss or fever. A 2023 report in Radiology Case Reports reported the risk of bowel obstruction with peritoneal mesothelioma.

Mesothelioma symptoms may not show for decades after initial asbestos exposure. For peritoneal mesothelioma, the latency period is 20 to 40 years. Many people don’t have symptoms until the later stages. Some have vague, intermittent symptoms. This makes it hard to get a correct diagnosis.

Tammy Frank is a 25-year survivor of peritoneal mesothelioma. She told The Mesothelioma Center that she “had a lot of nausea and vomiting.” Tammy also lost some hair and experienced fatigue.

Severe and Rare Symptoms

Peritoneal metastasis can cause severe, rare symptoms. Tumors spread to the liver, intestines and other organs. Distant metastases are rarer. They occur in only 10% to 50% of stage 4 mesothelioma cases. It can affect distant organs, including the chest and brain.

While not many patients show these rare symptoms, they should be reported to your doctor. They may be a sign of a worsening condition.

Causes of Peritoneal Mesothelioma

Asbestos exposure is the main risk factor for peritoneal mesothelioma. First, a person inhales asbestos fibers. Then, the fibers enter the abdomen via the bloodstream. Once there, the fibers can get trapped. Over time, they cause inflammation, irritation and DNA damage. This can lead to abnormal cell growth and tumors.

Many mesothelioma survivors were exposed to asbestos at work. We spoke to mesothelioma survivor James D. about his peritoneal mesothelioma. He told us the exposure happened while working as a mechanic in Chicago. Others were exposed while serving in the U.S. armed forces.

Asbestos workers may bring home fibers on their skin, hair and clothes. Anyone who touches that person or their clothes is at risk of secondary exposure.

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How Is Peritoneal Mesothelioma Diagnosed?

Peritoneal mesothelioma is diagnosed with a biopsy or tissue sample. It’s the only way to confirm malignant mesothelioma cells.  

If you have a history of asbestos exposure, you should consider talking to your doctor. Your mesothelioma diagnostic process may require mesothelioma screenings. These tests involve X-rays or CT scans. Some have symptoms that prompt blood tests and imaging scans. Doctors may also order MRIs. They provide better images of abnormal growths in other scans.

A pathologist will examine the biopsy. They will look for epithelioid, sarcomatoid or biphasic mesothelioma cell types. Your doctor will use this to suggest the best therapies for your mesothelioma cell type.

Trina Reif is a 20-year survivor of peritoneal mesothelioma. Her first symptom was fluid in her abdomen. Her doctor, Dr. Anton Strocel, spoke to The Mesothelioma Center about her symptoms. “She presented to me with unexplained ascites (excess abdominal fluid),” he said. Trina had an exploratory laparotomy and peritoneal biopsies before her diagnosis.

Staging Peritoneal Mesothelioma

Peritoneal mesothelioma staging is vital. It shows how far the disease has spread and guides treatment options. The Peritoneal Cancer Index is the system most used to stage peritoneal mesothelioma. PCI measures the size and spread of tumors in the abdomen.

Peritoneal Mesothelioma Treatment Options

The most common treatment for peritoneal mesothelioma is chemotherapy. But treatment type depends on several factors. These include disease stage, patient’s overall health and treatment goals.

A multimodal therapy using HIPEC may be best. But not all patients qualify for surgery. Enrolling in a clinical trial can provide access to new and experimental therapies.

Dr. Joseph Skitzki, a surgical oncologist at Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, regularly delivers the HIPEC treatment to his peritoneal mesothelioma patients. “The results are quite impressive. About 80% of patients who are eligible for the treatment will be alive at five years, and about half of that number without any further evidence of disease.”

Peritoneal Mesothelioma Prognosis

The prognosis for peritoneal mesothelioma varies. It depends on the diagnosis stage and how well the treatment worked. Early diagnosis and aggressive treatment with surgery and HIPEC can boost survival rates. Many patients can live for years after treatment. Some may have long-term remission.

Your overall health and any coexisting conditions also play a role. Karen Selby is a registered nurse and Patient Advocate at The Mesothelioma Center. We interviewed her about the life expectancy for peritoneal mesothelioma patients. “Everyone is different,” she said. “No one can look at a diagnosis of mesothelioma and tell you what your life expectancy is.”

Tammy Frank

Verified Asbestos.com Survivor

20-Year Peritoneal Mesothelioma Survivor Celebrates Life

“I spend most of my time now helping others,” Tammy Frank said from her home in Cartersville, Georgia. “I never, ever thought I’d still be here 20 year later. I’ve been blessed. So I must be here for a reason.”

Tammy Frank

Verified Asbestos.com Survivor

Read Tammy’s Story

Living With Peritoneal Mesothelioma

Living with peritoneal mesothelioma can be challenging. Patients and caregivers may face physical and emotional issues. Patients often need a strong support system. It should include family, friends and health care providers.

Support groups and counselors can help patients cope with these challenges. Patients must also work closely with their medical team. This is to manage symptoms and maintain the best quality of life.

How to Find a Peritoneal Mesothelioma Specialist?

Finding the right specialist is key for treating peritoneal mesothelioma. Experts in this field know advanced treatments like HIPEC. They know the unique challenges of this rare disease. The following doctors are top peritoneal mesothelioma specialists.

Top cancer treatment centers have experienced multidisciplinary teams. They offer mesothelioma clinical trials and support services for patients and their families. Experience matters when treating mesothelioma. Finding a top treatment center is crucial. It will help ensure the best outcomes.

Common Questions About Peritoneal Mesothelioma

Is there a cure for peritoneal mesothelioma?

There is no cure for peritoneal mesothelioma or any other type. HIPEC with cytoreductive surgery and long-term chemo gives the best results. It boosts lifespan by over 5 years. About 75% of patients treated with them live longer than 5 years.

Why is early detection of peritoneal mesothelioma important?

Early detection of mesothelioma improves treatment outcomes. It also boosts the chances of long-term survival. Those with a history of asbestos exposure should seek a peritoneal mesothelioma specialist.

Can peritoneal mesothelioma go into remission?

Yes, it can go into remission. About 12% of peritoneal mesothelioma patients who get aggressive treatment have complete remission. Partial remission is also possible. Remission isn’t the same as a cure. Doctors watch patients closely. Cancer can return after remission.

Any tips for managing a peritoneal mesothelioma diagnosis?

Managing a cancer diagnosis is challenging for patients and their loved ones. There is no one right way to cope with mesothelioma. Knowing the details of your diagnosis can help you decide. Talking to a counselor, joining a support group, and eating well are all helpful. So are relaxing and exercising to manage your mental health.

Compensation for peritoneal mesothelioma can help pay for treatment. Legal options include lawsuits, settlements and trust funds.

What questions should I ask my doctor about peritoneal mesothelioma?

Health care communication is key. Here’s a short list of questions to ask.

Peritoneal Mesothelioma Questions

• Has my cancer spread beyond my abdomen?
• What are my treatment options?
• How can I manage side effects and symptoms?
• Do I qualify for surgery or HIPEC?
• How can I access emerging treatments or clinical trials?

Prepare questions before medical appointments. It will help you communicate with care providers. You will also have more control over your diagnosis and treatment.

Can peritoneal mesothelioma be misdiagnosed?

Peritoneal mesothelioma is often misdiagnosed. It happens because of its non-specific symptoms. Many patients are first diagnosed with IBS or other gut issues. Later, they receive an accurate mesothelioma diagnosis.

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