Peritoneal Cancer

Overview

The peritoneum is an epithelial membrane that lines the abdomen. There are several layers of the abdomen and two connected regions of the peritoneum. The peritoneum covers the uterus, bladder, and rectum. Cancer of the peritoneum is rare, and several studies have demonstrated that a small percentage of epithelial ovarian cancers result from peritoneal cancer. Peritoneal cancer is difficult to diagnose because the symptoms are very similar to ovarian cancer.

Types

Peritoneal cancer is rare, so it is difficult to distinguish the types. The cancer can affect any part of the peritoneum including the areas that cover the uterus, bladder, and rectum. There exists evidence that peritoneal cancer can actually cause ovarian cancer to develop. In certain circumstances, peritoneal cancer and ovarian cancer appear indistinguishable.

Symptoms

Symptoms of peritoneal cancer closely resemble the symptoms of other uterine cancers. As a result, the condition is difficult to diagnose based on symptoms, alone. Many people may not experience any symptoms at all. When there are symptoms, they closely resemble symptoms of other cancers, such as ovarian cancer. Common symptoms include abdominal pain, gas, indigestion, bloating, swelling, cramps, nausea, diarrhea, constipation, and the urge to urinate. Other symptoms include appetite loss, weight gain and weight loss, and abnormal bleeding.

Causes/Risk Factors

It is believed that certain genes are linked to peritoneal cancer. In any case, there is no conclusive evidence that pinpoints the exact causes. People with peritoneal cancer have a higher risk of developing certain cancers that affect the epithelial cells that line the ovaries. Women who are at risk for ovarian cancer are also at risk for peritoneal cancer.

Tests/Diagnosis

Many peritoneum cancer diagnoses begin with routine pelvic exams in which a doctor checks the uterus, vagina, ovaries, fallopian tubes, bladder, and rectum. A doctor may chose to follow up with an ultrasound or CT scan in order to distinguish healthy tissue from abnormal masses, cysts that are filled with fluids, and tumors. A CA-125 Assay is a blood test that helps determine whether women are at risk for ovarian or peritoneal cancer. A doctor might choose to perform a lower GI series or barium enema in order to identify tumors in this area. A doctor might choose to perform a biopsy and remove tissue to examine under a microscope for a pathology report.

Treatment

The treatment depends on how developed the peritoneal cancer is. If your cancer has spread, you will need more extensive treatment. If your overall health is poor, you may need more extensive treatment since the cancer may cause more damage.

Typical treatments begin with surgery. Doctors will choose to operate if you have an abnormal mass in the pelvis. The surgeon will also remove the mass in order to conduct a pathology test. Some patients may need to undergo chemotherapy to destroy residual tumor cells. Chemotherapy treatments are typically administered once a week or every several weeks. Treatment will vary based on the type of chemotherapy drugs that are used.

Many patients are not diagnosed until the diseased has advanced beyond the point of control. If the condition is untreatable with extensive chemotherapy, doctors will focus on relieving symptoms of pain, weight loss, and fluid retention. This type of care does not treat the condition; rather, it focuses on alleviating symptoms.