Peritoneal mesothelioma attacks the peritoneum, a tissue in the abdomen. This type of mesothelioma accounts for 10% or even 20% of all cases of mesothelioma. Is different from the more common form of mesothelioma, which attacks the pleura, a garrison of tissue in the chest. Symptoms are different, and the prognosis is also different. However, as with all types of mesothelioma, peritoneal mesothelioma is often attributed to exposure to asbestos, the mineral carcinogen used extensively in the years before the strict regulations imposed were in the 80s.

A Rare Cancer
Between 100 and 500 cases of peritoneal mesothelioma are diagnosed each year in the United States. Almost all individuals who are diagnosed with this cancer have a history of exposure to asbestos. In many cases, pleural mesothelioma (chest) may extend into the peritoneal cavity, but this would still be a diagnosis of pleural mesothelioma (which has spread metastasis), is not considered a case of peritoneal mesothelioma begin in the peritoneum.

Symptoms of Peritoneal Mesothelioma
The signs and symptoms of peritoneal mesothelioma may include:
* Abdominal swelling
* Lump tissue in the abdomen
* Abdominal pain
* A change in bowel habits, such as diarrhea or frequent
* Unexplained weight loss

Unfortunately, it is common that the peritoneal mesothelioma may not show symptoms until the cancer is advanced.

Diagnosis of Peritoneal Mesothelioma
People who are ultimately diagnosed with peritoneal mesothelioma usually first visit your doctor for symptoms of abdominal swelling. There are other possible causes of abdominal swelling than the peritoneal mesothelioma, and cirrhosis of the liver. It may take some time and a range of medical tests to correctly identify the peritoneal mesothelioma.

Once the peritoneal mesothelioma are diagnosed correctly, it is difficult to predict how a patient will be aggressive because this variant of mesothelioma has an extremely diverse. It is possible, or not, a patient can have severe and recurrent abdominal pain. The cancer can also spread to the peritoneal metastasis of lymph nodes.

Treatment for Peritoneal Mesothelioma
There is still no cure for peritoneal mesothelioma. However, some studies are showing promising results. It is best to ask your doctor about the details of your event – the stage of cancer, its location, the prognosis and possible treatment options.