© 2005 Mesothelioma-Charter.org. All rights reserved. Disclaimer
Peritoneal mesothelioma is a primary tumor of the mesothelial lining of the peritoneum. The tumor spreads into the pleural space (abdomen). It affects the liver, spleen and bowels. The diagnosis is better with peritoneal mesothelioma than with pleural mesothelioma. In approximately 50% of cases, chest x-rays show evidence of pleural plaques in patients with primary peritoneal mesothelioma.
A background discussion of the disease.
Detailed descriptions of the three types of mesothelioma.
The most common risk factors & diagnosis.
Several treatment options and clinical trials are presented.
Legal implications associated with mesothelioma.
A causal connection between asbestos and mesothelioma.
Valuable mesothelioma law resources.
The incidence rate of malignant peritoneal mesothelioma and exposure to asbestos has been reported to be as high as 83%. Sex, age or ethnicity does not impact the likelihood for contracting the disease. Malignant peritoneal mesothelioma usually exhibits symptoms and signs of advanced stage disease, including weight loss, ascites (fluid in the abdominal region) and an abdominal mass. Thrombocytosis is common and is associated with a poor prognosis.
Treatment options for peritoneal mesothelioma usually consist of surgery. However, complete surgical removal is very rarely feasible and may only show a survival benefit when used in conjunction with additional therapy.
Recently, multimodality treatment (multi-pronged) of peritoneal mesothelioma has become more common for a select patient population.
This figure is significantly higher than the only 20% that are detected in patients of pleural mesothelioma. This suggests a higher level of asbestos exposure in patients with peritoneal mesothelioma.
