Peritoneal Mesothelioma
Peritoneal mesothelioma occurs in the lining of the abdominal cavity, or peritoneum. It also affects the stomach area, and may spread to the liver, spleen or bowel. Peritoneal mesothelioma is the second-most common type of mesothelioma, and accounts for about 10 – 20% of all cases. Proportionately, peritoneal mesothelioma is more common in women than in men. It accounts for about 24% of all mesothelioma cases in women versus 8% for men.
Peritoneal mesothelioma typically causes gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, obstructed bowels, weight loss, fever, and pain. As the disease progresses, fluid often accumulates in the abdomen in a condition known as ascites. This causes the belly to become painfully swollen and distended.
Symptoms of peritoneal mesothelioma may include:
- Pain in your abdomen
- Abdominal swelling
- Nausea
- Obstructed bowels
- Fever and/or night sweats
- Loss of appetite
- Weight loss for no known reason
Unfortunately, like other forms of the disease, peritoneal mesothelioma is often hard to diagnose. In some cases, it may be initially misdiagnosed as an abdominal hernia or other less serious condition. As a result, many cases of peritoneal mesothelioma are not diagnosed until the late stages, when it is already very advanced and difficult to treat.
Thus, if you know that you or anyone in your household has a history of asbestos exposure, it is particularly important to go to the doctor immediately if you begin to show any of the symptoms of peritoneal mesothelioma. You should also be sure to inform your doctor that you have been exposed to asbestos in the past, so that he or she is aware that you are at risk for mesothelioma.
