Peritoneal mesothelioma is one form of mesothelioma cancer that affects the lining of the abdominal cavity. About one-fifth of all the cases of mesothelioma cancer recorded are found to be peritoneal mesothelioma. More than women, men become victims of this malady and it is caused due to over exposure to asbestos. The signs and symptoms of the disease start appearing only twenty or thirty years after being exposed to asbestos. Timely diagnosis and treatment is the only way to prolong the lives of the victims. A tissue biopsy is an effective way of diagnosis, whereas other methods like CT scan may give complicated results.
The first signs and symptoms that the patient would encounter in peritoneal mesothelioma are the formation of lumps in the abdomen, fatigue, hyperthermia, accumulation of fluid in the peritoneal cavity, weight loss, GI malfunction and anemia. Before the signs and symptoms of the cancer develop, some patients may experience uneasy feelings. It may also happen that peritoneal mesothelioma is diagnosed while the affected person goes for a check up related to some other health issues like pelvic mass, gall bladder, hernia etc.
Most cancer cells can be recognized through tissue biopsy. General cancers are determined using this system. Localized abrasions, which are shown in the first level, are totally removable. In the second stage, the disease affects the abdominal cavity on peritoneal and organ surfaces. The disease is curable in this stage with the help of strong treatments. The third stage is when the infection spreads to liver and colon thereby affecting their functions. Still the disease remains inside the abdominal cavity. When the infection advances from the abdominal cavity to adjoining organs the infection reaches the fourth stage.
Peritoneal mesothelioma patients are managed with strong medication and other treatment methods. Debulking surgery combined with intra peritoneal hyperthermic chemotherapy, intraperitoneal chemotherapy and radiation is the common multimodality treatment opted by doctors. Intake of vital minerals and nutrients is required to make the body endure with the side effects of chemotherapy and other medications.
The physical health and age of the patient are important factors which determine the success of treatment. Good treatment and timely diagnosis are vital factors which provide relief to the patients.
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