What Causes Peritoneal Mesothelioma?Most peritoneal cases of mesothelioma are caused by asbestos fibers swallowed or inhaled. These fibers travel to the peritoneum, which protects the abdominal cavity, organs and the lungs.A health care provider collects tissue or cell samples for analysis to identify mesothelioma. Doctors utilize a cancer staging system to determine the tumor stage and mesothelioma cells type.Asbestos ExposureAsbestos is a kind of mineral fiber which, when inhaled or swallowed can cause mesothelioma to become cancerous. This rare cancer affects the lining of organs such as the pleura (chest cavity) and peritoneum (abdomen). The symptoms can develop at any time between 50 and 50 years after the asbestos exposure, making it difficult to identify.Asbestos exposure can cause the pleura (the lining of the chest cavity) to develop thick patches and widespread fibrosis. Pleural effusions are the fluids that are visible on chest X-rays, and reduce lung capacity when measured by lung function testing. Mesothelioma may also develop in the abdomen, causing the peritoneum to grow scar tissue and then forming tumors on it.Peritoneal Mesothelioma: Although less common than pleural mesothelioma it is still the second-most frequent type of Mesothelioma. The cancer is caused by asbestos fibers trapped in the peritoneum that causes genetic damage over time. This causes inflammation and the accumulation of fluids in the abdomen. This can result in symptoms such as abdominal pain, fatigue, and weight loss.Symptoms of peritoneal mesothelioma are often misdiagnosed as chronic digestive issues, such as diverticulitis or colitis. This can confuse doctors and delay treatment, creating complications.If diagnosed, peritoneal cancer can be treated with surgery and chemotherapy that is heated. Patients should remain under the supervision of a doctor familiar with their medical background. This will help them keep on top of any changes and detect symptoms early, which will help improve the mesothelioma treatment outcome.Anyone who has been exposed to asbestos should see a doctor immediately if they experience breathing difficulties or an ongoing cough. A doctor will perform a chest X ray, pulmonary test and biopsy in order to determine whether mesothelioma is the reason for symptoms. This will also help them determine the most effective treatment for mesothelioma and other asbestos-related diseases. Patients should also have regular health checkups to detect any symptoms linked 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.GeneticsConsuming asbestos fibers could cause mesothelioma. The asbestos fibers can be absorbed through the lungs or through other tissues. When they reach the digestive tract, they are trapped in the peritoneal tissues that lines the stomach and abdominal organs. The immune system of the body attempts to expel asbestos fibers but they are entrapped in the peritoneum. The irritating effect asbestos fibers have on the tissue causes scarring and DNA damage over time. The cells start to mutate, and eventually grow into tumors.Asbestos exposure is a primary cause of peritoneal mesothelioma, but there are other causes as well. Certain cases of peritoneal mesothelioma are caused by abdominal radiation for another disease. Genetic mutations may also play a part in the development of mesothelioma.Mesothelioma affects more women than men and is more common among those older than 45. A blood test is a way to determine if a person has the mesothelioma gene change BAP1. BAP1 mutations can increase the risk of mesothelioma for a person and can be used to determine if someone might benefit from preventative strategies such as avoiding asbestos.A mesothelioma diagnosis may be a lengthy process as mesothelioma is often mistakenly diagnosed as other diseases. Mesothelioma specialists have expertise in this type of cancer and can assist patients receive a speedy and accurate diagnosis.Treatments for mesothelioma include surgery, chemo and radiation. These treatments can improve the quality of life for patients and extend their lives.The mesothelioma stage is the most significant element in determining the treatment options. Mesothelioma is classified in four categories, with category one indicating the least developed disease that can be completely removed surgically. The categories two and three are for more severe diseases which aren't able to be completely eliminated but can be treated with debulking (removing the most tumors possible) and chemotherapy. Category four indicates more advanced disease that has spread to other parts of the body.The most effective treatment for peritoneal cancer is to combine of chemotherapy, surgery and radiation. A doctor can also employ an incision to drain fluids to alleviate uncomfortable symptoms due to the accumulation of excess fluid in the stomach. This treatment involves inserting a thin needle into the abdomen as part of a procedure known as paracentesis, or ascitic tapping.Environmental ExposurePeritoneal mesothelioma has an effect on the abdominal lining, called the peritoneum. Ingestion of asbestos fibers is the sole known cause of this rare cancer. Exposure to asbestos can occur decades before symptoms develop. In some cases patients, they don't get a diagnosis until cancer spreads to other parts of the body.When doctors suspect mesothelioma, they usually start by conducting several general tests. These include X rays, CT scans, and blood tests. These tests let doctors assess the size of tumors on the stomach as well as other organs. Doctors can inject a color into the bloodstream of the patient in order to make the masses in the abdomen more apparent on an imaging.The results of the test will aid doctors in determining if there is a "dry" or "wet" type of the disease. Dry mesothelioma of the peritoneal region usually results in minimal or no fluid buildup in the abdominal cavity. Wet peritoneal cancers can cause ascites or fluid buildup that can be seen when viewed on an imaging. Ascites can lead to a rise in abdominal pressure. Patients should consult an expert when they notice any symptoms.Asbestos exposure can affect the immune system of an individual and make them more vulnerable to certain illnesses. This is particularly true if the person breathes in or swallows asbestos fibers, which could be absorbed into the digestive tract, and then travel to other areas of the body. In addition, research has revealed that other contaminants from the environment such as mercury (Hg), cadmium (Cd) and lead (Pb) and mercury (Hg) lower the immune response and increase the risk of contracting an infection.If a physician suspects that the peritoneal msothelioma has been found the doctor will likely conduct a biopsy. how much asbestos can cause mesothelioma involves removing a small sample of the tumor that is tested under the microscope. A biopsy will determine the mesothelioma type and aid doctors in deciding on treatment options.The symptoms of peritoneal mesothelioma are similar to symptoms 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 always available to assist you.SmokingMesothelioma experts recommend quitting smoking as the best preventive measure 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 happens when asbestos fibers are trapped in the lining of the abdomen and abdominal organs (peritoneum). These fibers can cause irritation and inflammation, which leads to the development of tumors. Over time, these tumors spread and lead to a buildup of fluid in the abdomen. The symptoms of peritoneal mesothelioma are abdominal pain, bloating and swollenness 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 physician or other health professional will diagnose peritoneal mesothelioma based on the patient's medical history as well as other symptoms. Patients can undergo tests to confirm a mesothelioma diagnosis. They could include the computed tomography scan, magnetic resonance imaging, as well as blood tests.A mesothelioma expert can help those who suspect they have the disease to ensure that they receive the best possible treatment. An expert in mesothelioma can analyze symptoms and refer patients to a doctor who can perform further testing and biopsy.Patients diagnosed with mesothelioma often undergo surgery to eliminate any cancerous tissue. They may also undergo chemotherapy or other radiation treatments in order to kill any remaining cancer cells. These treatments can improve a patient's quality of life and prolong their lives.If you or someone you love has been diagnosed with peritoneal mesothelioma, contact the Patient Help Team at MD Anderson to meet with a knowledgeable mesothelioma doctor. Our team can assist you to find a specialist in your area. Contact us at 1-888-596-0289. Our services are completely free for all. We work with a network of mesothelioma experts across the country. experts, including the ones at MD Anderson. We can also help you in filing a compensation claim to get money from bankruptcy trusts established by asbestos companies.