Peritoneal Mesothelioma Symptoms

Peritoneal mesothelioma is a form of malignant mesothelioma that affects the lining that protects the abdomen. Peritoneal mesothelioma develops many years after exposure to asbestos, a mineral that was commonly used in thousands of building and commercial products until the 1970s and is still in limited use in the United States and widespread use in many other countries today.


Peritoneal mesothelioma is the second most common type of mesothelioma, the other types being pleural mesothelioma, pericardian mesothelioma and testicular mesothelioma. About 20 percent of malignant mesothelioma cases diagnosed each year are peritoneal mesothelioma. Malignant mesothelioma is not common.  An overwhelming number of patients develop pleural mesothelioma, making peritoneal mesothelioma a very rare diagnosis.


People are most often exposed to asbestos on the job. When the tiny fibers are disturbed, they float in the air and settle everywhere, including clothing, skin, food, and drink. Asbestos may be ingested when people breathe the tiny fibers in, cough them up and swallow, or when fibers are ingested with food or drinks.


After exposure to asbestos, nothing apparent may happen for up to 50 years. Over time, cancerous tumors form, grow and spread. The cells in the peritoneal tissue become inflamed and swell, closing the gaps in the lining that allow fluid to drain. Fluid builds up in the abdomen, which leads to most of the symptoms associated with peritoneal mesothelioma, a rare type of malignant mesothelioma.


Diagnosis of peritoneal mesothelioma is extremely difficult due to its rarity. Most doctors, except those who practice near certain types of mines and in areas populated mostly by industrial workers, might never see a case during their lifetimes. The symptoms are easily mistaken for less serious and more common ailments. It is often only after the symptoms prove to be resistant to treatment and persist that the doctor looks for other answers. Since an improper diagnosis can lead to delay of proper treatment, it is important for the patient to make sure that the doctor knows if he has been exposed to asbestos at any point during his life.


Peritoneal Mesothelioma Symptoms:

• Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
• Coughing without signs of respiratory infection
• Pain in chest or abdomen
• The abdomen becomes swollen and taut (indicating fluid buildup)
• Unexplained weight loss of more than 10% of body weight
• Loss of appetite
• Sleeplessness
• Hoarse or husky voice
• Difficulty swallowing

How Peritoneal Mesothelioma Symptoms Develop:


Peritoneal mesothelioma attacks the protective membrane that covers the abdomen and organs. There are two layers of the lining, the parietal peritoneum and the visceral peritoneum. The parietal peritoneum covers the abdominal cavity, extending to cover the heart and lungs.  The visceral peritoneum protects the upper part of the intestinal tract and the internal organs.


The linings are made up of cells that function as lubricators, secreting fluid that allows the organs and linings to rub against each other and move without friction. The symptoms of peritoneal mesothelioma appear when the inflamed cells overproduce fluid and tumors cover the peritoneum, preventing drainage. The abdominal cavity fills with fluid, putting pressure on all the internal organs, the belly visibly swells and feels taut, and the lungs are squeezed and unable to expand enough to draw a full breath.