Peritoneal mesothelioma cancer affects the peritoneum.
The peritoneum is also known as the lining of the abdomen. Peritoneal
mesothelioma is the second most common form of all the mesothelioma cancers, accounting for only 10% - 20% of all cases. It is also
the most painful form of all three. Other parts that get affected are the pleura and the pericardium. Peritoneal mesothelioma can
also spread to the lungs. When this happens is is also known as secondary lung cancer (but technically, it isn't lung cancer). Some
people think mesothelioma is a form of lung cancer, and this is incorrect. The cancer doesn't originate in the lungs. Doctors
sometimes call it 'mesothelioma of the peritoneum'.
How peritoneal mesothelioma comes about is not clearly understood
but it is widely believed that the asbestos fibres lodge themselves in the peritoneum. (The way pleural mesothelioma occurs is better understood
and that is further explained in the pleural mesothelioma page). Another belief is that the fibres entered the body via the oral route. Most workplaces (asbestos
mines & processing facilities) had 'clouds' of asbestos fibres which could have settled onto the workers' food and clothing. The fibres
that lodged themselves onto the clothing could've ended up being inhaled by whoever did the laundry or the cooking (most likely the wife).
These asbestos fibres lead to chronic inflammation and cancerous tumors begin to grow. In some cases this leads to a condition we call
asbestosis. This is a type of lung disease which originates in the lungs. It is often confused with mesothelioma. This is
probably the manner in which family members could also get mesothelioma.
Men should definately read this !
Most people are unaware of this but peritoneal mesothelioma can also affect a man's testicles. However, this is an extremely rare form of
the disease. Surgery is also performed just as with other organs that are located within the abdomen. The section of the mesothelium is removed,
and sometimes the organ (in this case, the testicles) that is infected. The latter procedure is known as an orchidectomy or orchiectomy
(the surgical removal of the testes). The layer that covers the scrotum is actually an outpouching of the peritoneum. The asbestos fibres may
well move form the abdomen onto the peritoneum that surrounds the scrotum.
A person exhibiting the first signs of mesothelioma will normally experience upper abdominal
pain. This is caused by the accumulation of fluid which causes swelling and discomfort. As with the majority of mesothelioma patients, all three
kinds of cancer (mesothelioma) cells are exhibited; epitheloid, sarcomatoid, and biphasic. Those with the biphasic type usually have the shortest
life expectancy.
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