Peritoneal mesothelioma is the second-most common form of mesothelioma, making up roughly 15-20% of cases. It develops in the peritoneum — the membrane lining the abdominal cavity and covering the abdominal organs.

Cause

Peritoneal mesothelioma is caused by asbestos exposure. It is thought to develop after asbestos fibers are swallowed, or after inhaled fibers migrate to the abdominal lining. Like other forms, it appears decades after exposure.

Symptoms

  • Abdominal swelling and bloating (from fluid buildup, called ascites)
  • Abdominal pain or cramping
  • Changes in bowel habits
  • Nausea and loss of appetite
  • Unexplained weight loss
  • A feeling of fullness

Because these symptoms mimic many common digestive conditions, peritoneal mesothelioma is often not suspected until it is advanced — again making an asbestos-exposure history critical to earlier diagnosis.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis involves imaging (CT, MRI), analysis of abdominal fluid, and a biopsy to confirm mesothelioma and its cell type.

Treatment

A leading treatment for eligible peritoneal patients is cytoreductive surgery combined with HIPEC (heated intraperitoneal chemotherapy) — surgery to remove visible tumor followed by heated chemotherapy delivered directly into the abdomen. Other treatments include systemic chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and clinical trials. Peritoneal mesothelioma treated with cytoreductive surgery plus HIPEC has, for some patients, shown notably better outcomes than historically expected — which is why evaluation at an experienced specialty center matters.

Prognosis

Prognosis varies by cell type, extent of disease, and treatment. See the life expectancy and prognosis guide for more.

If you were diagnosed with peritoneal mesothelioma and were exposed to asbestos at work, in the military, or in a building, you may be entitled to significant compensation through asbestos trust funds and civil litigation.

This information is educational, drawn from sources such as the American Cancer Society and National Cancer Institute, and is not medical advice. Consult your own physician about diagnosis and treatment.