Peritoneal is a thin membrane of the mesothelial cells, coating many of the vital organs in the abdomen.
Peritoneal Mesothelioma is a cancerous lining in this membrane resulting from an extensive exposure to asbestos.
Peritoneal Mesothelioma accounts for about one-fifth of all Mesotheliomas and sometimes is diagnosed by a chance prior to the onset of any of the symptoms.
Once the illness erupts, the individual normally exhibits abdominal pains, weakness, weight loss, loss of appetite, nausea, and abdominal swelling.
Peritoneal Mesothelioma at times is diagnosed by coincidence, prior to any symptoms becoming apparent.
For instance, the cancerous cells can be identified on a routine abdominal x-ray.
The progressing Peritoneal Mesothelioma exerts pressure on the internal abdominal organs causing impediments in digestion.
If the tumor presses on the upper part of the organs it can obstruct breathing passages.
Commonly, the first step towards detection of Peritoneal Mesothelioma is the X-rays and CT scans.
However, the actual diagnosis is made only by examining a piece of tissue.
If any abnormality is observed in the x-ray scan, the doctor will proceed to obtaining a tissue sample, which referred to as biopsy.
A number of explanations can account for asbestos fibers penetrating into the peritoneum, causing for Peritoneal Mesothelioma.
The fist is that fibers caught by the mucus of the trachea and bronchi end up being swallowed.
Some of them lodge in the intestinal tract and from there they pass through the intestinal wall into the peritoneum.
The second explanation is that fibers that lodge in the lungs can move into the lymphatic system and be transported to the peritoneum