Peritoneal Mesothelioma (Abdominal Mesothelioma)

Malignant peritoneal mesothelioma is an extremely rare condition. Only 100 to 500 cases are diagnosed in the US each year, making up less than 30% of all mesothelioma cases.

Peritoneal mesothelioma is a cancer affecting the abdominal lining, or peritoneum (paira-tin-e-um), which is why is is sometimes referred to as abdominal mesothelioma. This membrane supports and covers the organs of the abdomen.

The peritoneum is made of two parts, the visceral and parietal peritoneum. The visceral peritoneum covers the internal organs and makes up most of the outer layer of the intestinal tract. Covering the abdominal cavity is the parietal peritoneum.

Cells in these linings secrete a fluid which allows organs to move against one another. For instance, as the intestines move food through the body. The cells of the mesothelium are designed to create fluid, but the cancer causes them to overproduce, creating a build up of excess fluid in the abdominal cavity.

Because pleural mesothelioma is more common and often spreads to the peritoneal cavity, it is important to determine if pleural mesothelioma is the primary cancer.

• I need a peritoneal mesothelioma lawyer.

How does asbestos cause peritoneal mesothelioma?

Although there's no definitive explanation, it is widely believed that asbestos causes peritoneal mesothelioma in one of two ways. First, asbestos fibers may be ingested, and when in the intestinal tract, the fibers may work themselves into the peritoneal cavity and peritoneum. Second, they may be inhaled and transported through the lymph node system to the peritoneal cavity.

• What are the symptoms of peritoneal mesothelioma?
• How is mesothelioma diagnosed?
• Recent Peritoneal Mesothelioma Journal Articles:
  • 11/15/08 - Ectopic decidual reaction mimicking peritoneal tubercles: a report of three cases
  • 11/11/08 - Novel and existing mutations in the tyrosine kinase domain of the epidermal growth factor receptor are predictors of optimal resectability in malignant peritoneal mesothelioma
  • 11/05/08 - Cytoreductive surgery and intraperitoneal chemotherapy for peritoneal mesothelioma
  • 10/23/08 - Malignant abdominal mesothelioma: defining the role of surgery
  • 10/09/08 - Peritoneal Mesothelioma
• Peritoneal Mesothelioma Clinical Trials
  • ONCONASE Plus Doxorubicin Versus Doxorubicin Alone For Patients With Malignant Pleural or Peritoneal Mesothelioma Who Have Had No More Than One Prior Chemotherapy Regimen
  • Radiation Therapy in Preventing Metastatic Cancer in Patients Who Have Diagnostic Procedures to Identify Malignant Mesothelioma
  • ALIMTA (Pemetrexed) Plus Gemcitabine (Gemzar) for Patients with Malignant Pleural or Peritoneal Mesothelioma Who Have Not Had Previous Chemotherapy