Peritoneal mesothelioma is a rare type of cancer

that affects the lining of the abdomen. It occurs in the tissues
lining the abdominal cavity that contain a fluid that enables the
organs to move and work properly. It is a cancer, which is associated
with asbestos exposure, a mineral belonging to the amphibole group
used in making fireproof articles. Asbestos exposure can cause severe
health complications.

Peritoneal mesothelioma is sometimes also referred as diffuse
peritoneal mesothelioma, as this is the place where the cancer spreads
out. Among asbestos related diseases, peritoneal mesothelioma is the
most common cancer.

Peritoneal mesothelioma can prove fatal in many circumstances if
proper diagnosis and treatment is not done. The latency period is very
long [ten to fifty years] and most of the time it is diagnosed when
the disease is well spread into the body. Mesothelioma can affect any
part and organ of the body if not detected on time.

Peritoneal Mesothelioma Symptoms
The symptoms may not appear soon after exposure to asbestos. It may
take a long latency period and symptoms may be clear after a long
time.

• Most of the symptoms resemble that of flu

• Stomach pains and fever

• Abdominal swelling may occur

• Due to swelling of abdomen, extreme pain in the internal organs may take place

• Shortness of breath accompanied by a persistent cough due to build
up of fluid between the lining of the lungs and the chest cavity known
as pleural effusion.

Peritoneal Mesothelioma origins
Asbestos is the main cause for people developing peritoneal
mesothelioma. Asbestos is a material used in shipyards and industries.
Asbestos adds to the durability and fire resistance quality and gives
strength to products and protects them against corrosion. Inhalation
of asbestos can be serious and fatal in many cases. It causes the scar
tissues to develop on lower lobes of both lungs, leading to minor cuts
and lacerations in tissue. It can impair lung elasticity and the
lung's ability to sufficiently exchange gases.

Diagnosis - Peritoneal mesothelioma
One of the major obstacles in diagnosing peritoneal mesothelioma lies
in its symptoms resembling flu with fever and other symptoms. Many
patients and doctors are unable to recognize the disease unless the
tumors of peritoneal mesothelioma cause severe adnominal swelling and
pain.

The diagnosis may be based on X- ray or CT scan. In both these methods
of diagnosis, detailed images of the body are taken in which the
complete picture of the body becomes clear and the doctor is able to
identify where the cancerous cells are located.

Sometimes, an exploratory surgery is also performed based on the
doctor's recommendation. Also, a biopsy is carried out in which a
sample of the cells is taken from the affected portion of the body,
and it tested under the microscope to check for abnormal growth. A
blood test is also done to rule out possibilities of other diseases
and ailments.