Peritoneal mesothelioma

Peritoneal Mesothelioma

Peritoneal Mesothelioma is the name given to the cancer that attacks the lining of the abdomen. This type of cancer is caused by asbestos exposure, and it affects the lining that protects the contents of the abdomen and which also provides a lubricating fluid to enable the organs to move and work properly.

The peritoneum is made of two parts, the visceral and parietal peritoneum. The visceral peritoneum covers the internal organs and makes up most of the outer layer of the intestinal tract. Covering the abdominal cavity is the parietal peritoneum.

Symptoms of peritoneal mesothelioma

Symptoms of peritoneal mesothelioma include weight loss and abdominal pain and swelling due to a buildup of fluid in the abdomen. Other symptoms of peritoneal mesothelioma may include bowel obstruction, blood clotting abnormalities, anemia, and fever. If the cancer has spread beyond the mesothelium to other parts of the body, symptoms may include pain, trouble swallowing, or swelling of the neck or face.

See also

Mesothelioma, Asbestosis Malignant mesothelioma

External links

• Malignant mesothelioma entry in the public domain NCI Dictionary of Cancer Terms
• Peritoneal-mesothelioma Mesothelioma Information
• Peritoneal-mesothelioma Mesothelioma: Questions and Answers

This article includes text from the U.S. National Cancer Institute's public domain Dictionary of Cancer Terms.