What Causes Peritoneal Mesothelioma?The majority of mesothelioma cases in the peritoneal region are caused by asbestos fibers inhaled or swallowed. The fibers can reach the peritoneum, which is a protective layer that covers the abdominal cavity and organs.A health professional will collect tissue or cell samples for testing to determine mesothelioma. Doctors use the cancer staging system to determine the stage and the type of mesothelioma cell.Asbestos ExposureAsbestos fibers are a kind of mineral fiber that, if inhaled or eaten, can cause mesothelioma cells that are cancerous. This rare form of cancer affects the lining of organs, including the chest cavity (pleura) and abdomen (peritoneum). It can take as long as 50 years from the moment of exposure to asbestos until symptoms begin to manifest, making it difficult to determine the cause.Asbestos exposure can cause the pleura (the lining of the chest cavity) to develop thickened patches and widespread fibrosis. Pleural effusions are fluids that appear on chest X-rays and reduce lung capacity when measured with lung function testing. Mesothelioma may also develop in the abdomen and cause the peritoneum to develop scar tissue and forming tumors on it.Peritoneal Mesothelioma: While less prevalent than pleural Mesothelioma, it is still the second most common type of Mesothelioma. The cancer is caused by asbestos fibers entrapped in the peritoneum. These fibers causes genetic damage over time. This causes inflammation and the build-up of fluids in the abdomen, which leads to symptoms such as fatigue, abdominal pain and weight loss.The symptoms of peritoneal mesothelioma are often misdiagnosed as digestive issues, such as colitis or diverticulitis. This can cause confusion for doctors and delay treatment. Complications may result.When peritoneal cancer is diagnosed, it can be treated by surgery and chemotherapy that is heated. Patients must remain under the care and supervision of a doctor familiar with their medical history. This will enable them to keep track of changes and detect symptoms earlier, which will help improve the mesothelioma treatment results.If you experience breathing problems or have a persistent cold, you should see a doctor immediately. A doctor will conduct an X-ray of the chest as well as a pulmonary test and biopsy to determine if mesothelioma is the reason for symptoms. This will also assist them to determine the most efficient treatment for mesothelioma or other asbestos-related diseases. Patients should also have regular checkups in order to monitor any symptoms related to asbestos and keep their doctor informed of any changes to their health. This will allow them to catch any asbestos-related diseases sooner which will allow them to receive better mesothelioma treatment options.GeneticsInhaling asbestos fibers or eating them may cause mesothelioma. These asbestos fibers can be absorbed by the lungs as well as other tissues. Once they reach the digestive tract, they get trapped in the peritoneal tissue which is found in the stomach and abdominal organs. The immune system of the body tries to remove asbestos fibers, but they are trapped in the peritoneum. The irritant effect that asbestos fibers cause on the tissue results in scarring and DNA damage over time. The cells begin to transform and develop into tumors.Asbestos is the main cause however there are other causes. Certain mesothelioma cases develop as a result of abdominal radiation. Genetic mutations can be a factor in the development mesothelioma.Mesothelioma is more common in males than females and is more likely to affect those older than 45. A specific blood test will determine if a person is affected by a mesothelioma related gene mutation known as BAP1. BAP1 mutations increase a person's mesothelioma risk and can be used to determine those who would benefit from preventative measures such as avoiding asbestos exposure.A mesothelioma diagnosis may be a long process, because mesothelioma is often mistakenly diagnosed as other diseases. Specialists in mesothelioma have experience with the cancer and can provide a quick and accurate diagnosis.Mesothelioma treatments include chemotherapy, surgery and radiation. These treatments can improve the quality of life for patients and extend their lives.The stage of mesothelioma is the most crucial factor in determining the treatment options. The four mesothelioma categories are: category 1 which is the smallest advanced form of the disease, can be completely removed through surgery. Categories two and three are more advanced disease that cannot be completely removed but may be treated by debulking (removing as much of the tumor as is possible) and chemotherapy. The fourth category indicates more advanced condition that has spread to other regions of the body.The best treatment for the peritoneal cancer is a combination of surgery, chemotherapy and radiation. Doctors can also employ an incision to alleviate discomfort caused by an excessive amount of stomach fluid. This treatment involves inserting a thin needle into the abdomen as part of a procedure known as paracentesis, or tapping with ascitic.Environmental ExposurePeritoneal mesothelioma affects the lining of the abdomen known as the peritoneum. The only reason that has been identified for this rare type of cancer is ingesting asbestos fibers. Exposure to asbestos can occur decades before symptoms develop. In some instances patients, they don't be diagnosed until the cancer has spread to other areas of the body.When doctors suspect mesothelioma they usually start with a series general tests. These include X-rays, CT scans and blood tests. These allow physicians to see the size of tumors in the stomach and other organs. causes of mesothelioma other than asbestos can inject a color into the bloodstream of the patient in order to make the abdominal tumors more visible on imaging.The results of tests will help doctors distinguish between the "dry" or "wet" type of the disease. Dry peritoneal mesothelioma often results in little or no fluid buildup in the abdominal cavity. Peritoneal cancers that are wet can cause ascites or fluid buildup which is evident on imaging. Ascites can lead to a rise in abdominal pressure. Patients should seek out an expert when they notice any signs.Asbestos exposure can also impact the immune system of a person and make them more vulnerable to certain infections. This is especially true if the person is exposed to asbestos fibers and swallows them. These fibers can get into the digestive system and travel to other parts of the body. Additionally, studies have revealed that other contaminants from the environment like mercury (Hg), cadmium (Cd) and lead (Pb) and mercury (Hg) reduce the immune system and increase the risk of getting sick.If doctors suspect that peritoneal mesothelioma is the cause then he or she will likely perform a biopsy. This procedure involves the removal of a tiny piece of the tumor to be examined under microscope. A biopsy can aid doctors in determining the type of cancer and determine the best treatment options.The symptoms of peritoneal cancer are similar to those of other conditions, and may be difficult for doctors to identify. If you have any questions about your symptoms, contact our Patient Help Team today. We will connect you with an experienced mesothelioma specialist. Our team is prepared to help you 24/7.SmokingMesothelioma specialists recommend stopping smoking as the best protection against asbestos exposure. People who have had a history of asbestos exposure are more prone to develop peritoneal cancers and other asbestos-related cancers.Peritoneal mesothelioma occurs when ingested asbestos fibers are stuck in the abdomen's lining and abdominal organs (peritoneum). The fibers can cause irritation and inflammation which can lead to tumor development. As time passes, these tumors grow and cause fluid to build up in the abdomen. Symptoms of peritoneal mesothelioma include abdominal pain, increased bloating or distention of the abdomen and ascites.In rare cases the peritoneal msothelioma could be spread to other organs of the abdomen. This can cause severe symptoms such as bowel obstruction, which can be life-threatening.A peritoneal mesothelioma diagnosis is usually determined by a physician or other health care professional who suspects that the patient might be suffering from the disease based on their medical history as well as other symptoms and signs. Patients can undergo tests to confirm the diagnosis of mesothelioma. These tests may include computerized tomography scans or magnetic resonance imaging.A mesothelioma specialist can aid those who suspect the disease to ensure that they receive the most effective treatment. A mesothelioma specialist will offer a thorough assessment of symptoms and recommend patients to the right doctors to conduct further tests and the possibility of a biopsy.Patients suffering from mesothelioma are usually operated on to remove any cancerous tissue. They may also undergo chemotherapy or other radiation treatments to eliminate any remaining cancer cells. These treatments can improve the quality of life of a patient and extend their lifespan.If you or someone close to you has been diagnosed with peritoneal cancer, contact the Patient Help Team at MD Anderson to talk to a mesothelioma expert doctor. Our team can connect you to an expert in your area. Call us at 1-888-596-0289. Our services are for free. We have a partnership with a group of the nation's top mesothelioma experts, including the ones at MD Anderson. We can help you file a compensation claim for funds that asbestos companies have set aside in bankruptcy trusts.