What is Peritoneal Mesothelioma?

Your peritoneum is the thin membrane that lines your abdominal cavity and helps lubricate internal organs, allowing them to contract and expand within their normal function. Peritoneal mesothelioma is one of the raresttypes of mesothelioma, a deadly form of cancer caused by asbestos exposure.

New York mesothelioma attorney Joseph P. Williams and the team at The Williams Law Firm, P.C., are dedicated to helping asbestos exposure victims and their families cope with the challenges of mesothelioma and asbestos-related lung cancer by fighting for the monetary compensation you need. Mr. Williams has recovered hundreds of millions of dollars in verdicts and settlements for those dealing with the emotional, physical and financial stresses of mesothelioma and lung cancer.

Symptoms of Peritoneal Mesothelioma

Peritoneal mesothelioma initially causes a gradual thickening of the peritoneum. As the disease progresses, a build up of fluids and/or mesothelioma tumors develop, placing pressure on the internal organs and producing significant abdominal pain. Other symptoms of peritoneal mesothelioma may include:

• Nausea and vomiting
• Changes in bowel habits
• Lumps under the skin in the abdominal area
• Night sweats
• Weight loss
• Fatigue
• Anemia 

Like all types of mesothelioma, peritoneal mesothelioma is a direct result of asbestos exposure and generally has a latency period of about 20 to 50 years. Perhaps due to the latency period, peritoneal mesothelioma is often mistaken in its early stages for minor abdominal issues or a hernia. If you have been exposed to asbestos at any point in your life, it is important to be aware of this condition and to talk to your doctor immediately if you begin to develop symptoms of this disease.

Treating Peritoneal Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma treatment is most effective when the disease is caught early on. Stage 1 peritoneal mesothelioma may initially focus on surgical options such as peritonectomy to remove abdominal malignancies. For more advanced stages, cytoreductive surgery, in which multiple surgeries are used to remove parts of the abdomen and gall bladder, may also be used.

Both of these procedures must be combined with chemotherapy to control the spread of the cancer as well as improve life expectancy and quality of life. Unfortunately, peritoneal mesothelioma is often not diagnosed until the cancer is in an advanced stage, rendering curative treatments ineffective.