Peritoneal mesothelioma is a rare form of cancer that occurs in the abdominal cavity and lining of the stomach. According to a 2007 National Library of Medicine review on peritoneal mesothelioma, only one or two individuals per million are diagnosed with the disease in the U.S. each year. Peritoneal mesothelioma usually occurs in individuals who have been exposed to asbestos and strikes men more often than women. The prognosis for peritoneal mesothelioma is poor, and treatment depends upon how far the disease has progressed.
Surgery
Surgical removal of mesothelioma tumors may be performed to remove the cancer, slow its growth or relieve symptoms of the disease. As peritoneal mesothelioma may not be diagnosed until the disease is more advanced, surgery may involve removing some of the surrounding tissue as well. Surgery for mesothelioma is usually done in conjunction with other treatments, such as radiation or chemotherapy.
Radiation
Radiation therapy used to treat the disease and may involve whole abdominal radiation or high energy rays focused on tumors to shrink them. Though radiation kills cancer cells, it is rarely used alone as a treatment for ridding the abdomen of cancer. Radiation aimed at the abdomen may cause nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. Fatigue is also a common side effect of radiation treatments.
Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy is used to kill or stop the growth of malignant cells in many forms of cancer. Chemotherapy may be taken orally or by injection. A new procedure of injecting chemotherapy drugs directly into the abdominal cavity for treatment of peritoneal mesothelioma is being studied. Side effects associated with chemotherapy include nausea, fatigue, hair loss and weight loss. The side effects usually disappear after treatment has stopped.
Immunotherapy
A newer procedure, immunotherapy, may be used to treat peritoneal mesothelioma. Immunotherapy involves activating an individuals cells or introducing agents to the body that stimulate an immune system response to help fight the cancer. Immunotherapy is rarely used alone and is commonly used in conjunction with chemotherapy.
Paracentesis
Paracentesis is an abdominal procedure done to drain fluids from the stomach in an attempt to relieve pain associated with peritoneal mesothelioma. The procedure may be done in a hospital or physician's office and involves inserting a thin tube into the abdomen to drain the fluids. Paracentesis is not used to cure or treat the disease but to alleviate symptoms.
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