Peritoneal Mesothelioma
Peritoneal mesothelioma is a rare type of asbestos cancer that affects the tissue lining the abdominal cavity (peritoneum). The peritoneum is a membrane that encases and protects the abdominal cavity. The only known cause of peritoneal mesothelioma is exposure to a carcinogenic mineral called asbestos.
Peritoneal mesothelioma is the second most common type of malignant mesothelioma, accounting for approximately 10 to 20 percent of all confirmed mesothelioma cases. It is one of three types of malignant mesothelioma, the other two of which are pleural mesothelioma, which affects the tissue lining the lungs, and pericardial mesothelioma, which affects the tissue lining the heart.
Testicular Peritoneal Mesothelioma
The tissue that encases the testicles (scrotum) is actually an extension of the peritoneum. In rare cases, peritoneal mesothelioma can cause cancerous growths on the testicles.
Peritoneal mesothelioma can occur when asbestos fibers become lodged in the peritoneum. (These fibers can be ingested or inhaled.) It is believed that testicular peritoneal mesothelioma can occur when these asbestos fibers migrate to the scrotal outpouring of the peritoneum.
Peritoneal Mesothelioma Symptoms
Peritoneal mesothelioma can take anywhere from 20 to 30 years to fully mature and become symptomatic. This latency period is shorter than the 30 to 50 year period associated with pleural mesothelioma.
The most common presenting symptom of peritoneal mesothelioma is abdominal pain caused by the accumulation of fluid in the peritoneal space (ascites). As the peritoneal space fills with fluid, it causes a general swelling of the abdomen that can cause discomfort and pain.
The fluid buildup and swelling also can put upward pressure on the lung cavity. This, in turn, can cause chest pain and shortness of breath. Ascites can be relieved through a treatment called fine-needle aspiration, in which a thin needle is inserted into the peritoneal space for drainage.
In addition to upper abdominal pain, chest pain and shortness of breath, there are a number of other symptoms associated with peritoneal mesothelioma, some of which include:
- Weight loss
- Fever
- Chronic cough
- Low red blood cell count (anemia)
It is important to visit a doctor following development of the aforementioned symptoms. If a case of peritoneal mesothelioma is diagnosed early, a specialist will have more options in treatment planning.
Peritoneal Mesothelioma Prognosis & Treatment
Malignant mesothelioma is an aggressive cancer that has thus far proven incurable. Median survival times vary based on the type of malignant mesothelioma. Studies have determined that the median post-diagnostic survival rate for peritoneal mesothelioma is approximately one year. Although current treatments do not cure the disease, they can extend survival beyond the median. By undergoing intensive treatments with a mesothelioma specialist, some patients can extend their lives.
Traditional treatments for peritoneal mesothelioma are the same as those used to treat other cancers: surgery, chemotherapy and/or radiotherapy. These treatments are often used in conjunction with one another (multimodal therapy) to enhance their effect. In certain cases, all three treatments are used (trimodal therapy) to remove and destroy as many mesothelioma cells as possible.
Alternative mesothelioma treatments are also available. Faced with the grim prognosis associated with peritoneal mesothelioma, many mesothelioma patients choose to undergo these treatments. Some of the newer mesothelioma treatment options include:
- Intensity modulated radiotherapy (IMRT)
- New mesothelioma chemotherapy agents
- Immunotherapy
- Gene therapy
Peritoneal Mesothelioma Victims’ Rights
Peritoneal mesothelioma victims are advised to consult with an attorney. A mesothelioma attorney can help trace a case of peritoneal mesothelioma to the source of asbestos exposure. Asbestos litigation is designed to compensate those who have been affected or injured by asbestos exposure. A mesothelioma lawsuit can help to defray the costs associated with treatment, loss of work and pain and suffering.
Our attorneys are gifted California mesothelioma attorneys who have filed a number of asbestos lawsuits in California and across the country. These lawsuits have helped our clients to receive compensation for the devastating illnesses caused by asbestos exposure.
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Levin Simes Kaiser & Gornick, LLP
44 Montgomery Street, 36th floor
San Francisco, CA 94104
Ph: 1.800.901.4001
Fax: 415.981.1270
