Malignant peritoneal mesothelioma is a type of cancer primarily caused by exposure to asbestos. Asbestos was common in the building and manufacturing industries until the 1980s. Despite its rarity, peritoneal mesothelioma poses significant challenges for patients, healthcare providers, and researchers.
By shedding light on this often-overlooked form of cancer, we hope to increase awareness and understanding, potentially leading to earlier diagnoses and improved patient outcomes. It’s also helpful to know more about peritoneal mesothelioma when you work with a mesothelioma lawyer.
This information can help you seek maximum compensation so you can pursue a treatment program despite the costs of your care. You can learn what you deserve in a settlement package by consulting a mesothelioma attorney. Through legal representation, you can access the resources required to support a better outcome for your asbestos case.
Learning More About Peritoneal Mesothelioma
Peritoneal mesothelioma accounts for approximately 20 to 25 percent of all mesothelioma cases, making it the second most common form of mesothelioma. It falls behind pleural mesothelioma (in the first place), which affects the lining of the lungs.
The peritoneum, the target of this cancer, is a thin, protective membrane that covers the abdominal organs and supports their functioning.
The disease typically develops decades after initial asbestos exposure, with a latency period ranging from 20 to 50 years. This delay between exposure and the onset of symptoms contributes to the challenges of dealing with the disease. This makes legal assistance from a mesothelioma lawyer upon a diagnosis even more important.
Causes and Risk Factors
The primary cause of peritoneal mesothelioma is exposure to asbestos fibers. When these microscopic fibers are inhaled or ingested, they can become lodged in the peritoneum, causing irritation and inflammation over time. This chronic inflammation can eventually lead to genetic changes in the cells, resulting in the development of cancer.
While asbestos exposure is the most significant risk factor, other potential contributing factors include:
- Radiation exposure: Some studies suggest a link between radiation therapy for other cancers and an increased risk of mesothelioma.
- Genetic factors: Certain genetic mutations may increase susceptibility to mesothelioma.
- Erionite exposure: In some regions, exposure to erionite, a naturally occurring mineral similar to asbestos, has been associated with mesothelioma.
Not everyone exposed to asbestos will develop mesothelioma, and the disease can occur in individuals with no known asbestos exposure. However, a history of asbestos exposure significantly increases the risk.
Signs and Symptoms
The symptoms of malignant peritoneal mesothelioma (MPM) can be vague and easily mistaken for other, less serious conditions. This often leads to delays in diagnosis. Common symptoms include:
- Abdominal pain and swelling
- Weight loss
- Nausea and vomiting
- Changes in bowel habits (constipation or diarrhea)
- Loss of appetite
- Fatigue
- Night sweats
- Fever
- Anemia
As the disease progresses, patients may experience more severe symptoms such as abdominal distension due to fluid buildup (ascites), bowel obstruction, and cachexia (severe weight loss and muscle wasting).
Diagnosis
Diagnosing peritoneal mesothelioma can be challenging due to its rarity and the non-specific nature of its symptoms. The diagnostic process typically involves several steps:
Medical history and physical examination: The doctor will inquire about symptoms, occupational history, and potential asbestos exposure.
Imaging studies: CT scans, MRIs, and PET scans can help visualize abnormalities in the abdominal cavity.
Blood tests: While not definitive, certain blood markers, such as mesothelin and osteopontin, may be elevated in mesothelioma patients.
Biopsy: This is the only definitive way to diagnose peritoneal mesothelioma. A tissue sample is taken and examined under a microscope. There are several biopsy methods:
- Paracentesis: A needle removes fluid from the abdominal cavity for analysis.
- Laparoscopy: A minimally invasive procedure where a small camera is inserted through a small incision to view the abdominal cavity and take tissue samples.
- Laparotomy: An open surgical procedure that allows for direct visualization and sampling of suspicious areas.
Immunohistochemistry: This technique uses special stains to identify specific proteins in the tissue sample, helping to differentiate mesothelioma from other types of cancer.
Staging
Unlike pleural mesothelioma, there is no universally accepted staging system for peritoneal mesothelioma. However, doctors often use the Peritoneal Cancer Index (PCI) to assess the extent of the disease. The PCI divides the abdomen into 13 regions and assigns a score based on tumor size in each region. The total score helps guide treatment decisions and provides prognostic information.
Treatment Options
Treatment for peritoneal mesothelioma typically involves a multimodal approach, combining different therapies to achieve the best possible outcomes. The main treatment options include:
- Cytoreductive Surgery (CRS): This aggressive surgical procedure aims to remove all visible tumors from the abdominal cavity. It may involve removing parts of affected organs, such as the peritoneum, intestine, spleen, or gallbladder.
- Hyperthermic Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy (HIPEC): Often performed immediately after CRS, HIPEC involves circulating heated chemotherapy drugs directly in the abdominal cavity for 60-90 minutes. This technique allows higher drug concentrations to reach the tumor site while minimizing systemic side effects.
- Systemic Chemotherapy: Intravenous neoadjuvant chemotherapy may be used before surgery to shrink tumors, while adjuvant chemotherapy may be used after surgery to kill remaining cancer cells. Chemotherapy may also be recommended as the primary treatment for patients who are not eligible for surgery.
- Targeted Therapy: These drugs target specific molecular pathways involved in cancer growth. For example, bevacizumab and atezolizumab have shown some benefit in this respect.
- Radiation Therapy: While less commonly used for peritoneal mesothelioma due to the diffuse nature of the disease, radiation may be employed in specific situations to alleviate symptoms or target localized tumors.
- Palliative Care: This type of care focuses on improving quality of life and managing symptoms, regardless of the stage of disease. It may include procedures to drain fluid buildup, manage pain, and support nutrition.
Treatment choice depends on various factors, including the extent of the disease, the patient’s overall health, and personal preferences. A multidisciplinary team of specialists typically works together to develop an individualized treatment plan.
Prognosis and Survival Rates
The prognosis for peritoneal mesothelioma has historically been poor, with median survival times of six to 12 months with traditional treatments. However, advancements in treatment, particularly the combination of CRS and HIPEC, have significantly improved outcomes for some patients.
For patients who are candidates for CRS-HIPEC, median survival times of 3-5 years have been reported, with some patients living ten years or more. Factors that influence prognosis include:
- The stage of the disease at diagnosis
- Completeness of a surgical resection
- Response to chemotherapy
- Overall health
- Cell type (epithelioid mesothelioma generally has a better prognosis than sarcomatoid or biphasic types)
Survival statistics are based on historical data and may not reflect the latest treatment advancements. Each case is unique, and some patients significantly outlive average survival times.
Contact a Mesothelioma Lawyer Today
Have you or a loved one been diagnosed with peritoneal mesothelioma? If so, you need to contact a mesothelioma attorney immediately. At Vogelzang Law, the right attorney can get you the compensation you need to enable you to access proper treatment, counseling, and complementary therapies.
Call for your free case review with a mesothelioma lawyer today.
