Peritoneal cancer is a rare cancer. It develops in a thin layer of tissue that lines the abdomen. It also covers the uterus, bladder, and rectum.Peritoneal cancer can occur anywhere in the abdominal space. It affects the surface of organs contained inside the peritoneum.
Risks of Peritoneal Cancer
Primary peritoneal cancer is more common in women than in men. Women at risk for ovarian cancer are also at increased risk for peritoneal cancer. This is even more likely if you have the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genetic mutations. Older age is another risk factor for peritoneal cancer.
Peritoneal Cancer Symptoms
Peritoneal cancer can be hard to detect in the early stages. That's because its symptoms are vague and hard to pinpoint. When clear symptoms do occur, the disease has often progressed. Then, symptoms resemble those of ovarian cancer. Many of these symptoms are due to buildup of fluid (ascites) in the abdomen. Peritoneal cancer symptoms may include:
Detection and diagnosis of retroperitoneal cancer
Retroperitoneal sarcomas are detected and diagnosed through exams, imaging tests and procedures that may include:
Peritoneal Cancer Treatments
You may have more than one type of treatment for peritoneal cancer. The type of treatment you have depends upon:
Surgery. Surgery not only helps with diagnosis. It may also remove any tumors. To stage and treat this cancer, a surgeon removes all visible disease. The surgeon may also remove the ovaries,
fallopian tubes, and uterus as well. Depending upon what is found, the surgeon may also remove other tissue and organs.
Chemotherapy. The drugs for treating peritoneal cancer are similar to those used for ovarian cancer. You may receive these drugs by injection on an outpatient basis every one, two, or three weeks. Sometimes, chemotherapy is delivered directly into the abdomen through a catheter that was placed under the skin during surgery. This is called intraperitoneal chemotherapy. You also receive it about every three weeks, but it is a more complex treatment cycle.
HIPEC (hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy). This is administration of heated chemotherapy into the peritoneum after surgery. This technique is common for peritoneal cancer that has spread from the appendix, colon, or stomach.
Palliative care. Doctors often diagnose peritoneal cancer in advanced stages. Supportive care can help relieve symptoms of peritoneal cancer such as pain, weight loss, or fluid buildup.