Peritoneal Mesothelioma is a cancer that 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.
If you get diagnosed with
mesothelioma you are entitled to a FREE claim which will get you connected with a mesothelioma
lawyer.
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