Primary Peritoneal Cancer
Description
The peritoneum is a thin layer of tissue that lines your abdomen and also covers organs within it, such as the Bladder, Intestines, Rectum, and Uterus. Primary peritoneal cancer is extremely rare and occurs when the cells within the peritoneum grow abnormally. Primary peritoneal cancer develops within the peritoneum's cells. Secondary peritoneal cancer is a type of peritoneal cancer that begins elsewhere in the body and spreads to the peritoneum.
Peritoneal cancer develops differently than ovarian cancer. Ovarian cancer typically begins within the ovaries or in the cells at the far end of the fallopian tubes.
Symptoms
- A bloated abdomen with or without pain
- Constipation
- Diarrhea
- Loss of appetite
- Feeling unwell
Primary peritoneal cancer symptoms can be vague and difficult to detect. Many of the symptoms are more likely to be the result of another medical condition. That is why, as soon as you suspect something is wrong, you should consult your doctor.
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View MoreCauses
It is unknown why some people develop primary peritoneal cancer. Women are more likely than men to develop primary peritoneal cancer. Risk factors for peritoneal cancer include:
- Age: A woman over the age of sixty is more likely to develop primary peritoneal cancer.
- Endometriosis
- Genetics: People who are born with certain gene mutations (changes) are at a higher risk of developing the disease.
- Height: Taller people are more likely to develop primary peritoneal cancer.
- Hormone replacement therapy: Women who use hormone replacement therapy after menopause are at a higher risk.
- Obesity: where people with more body fat are at a higher risk
- Reproductive history: with infertility and/or no biological children being more at risk.
Diagnostics
- Pelvic exam: To determine if any part of the abdomen is enlarged or if there is a lump of any kind.
- Blood test: To look for tumor markers in the blood.
- Scans: Ultrasound to examine the abdomen, for example. An abdominal or transvaginal ultrasound may be performed. MRI or CT scans may also be required to determine whether the cancer has spread to your abdomen.
- Laparoscopy: for diagnosis. During a laparoscopy, a biopsy or paracentesis may be performed.
Treatment
The treatment of primary peritoneal cancer is determined by several factors, including the cancer's size, location within the abdomen, and whether it has spread to other organs within the peritoneal cavity.
- Surgery: to remove as much cancer as possible from the abdomen before undergoing chemotherapy. This is known as debulking surgery.
- Chemotherapy: It is used before surgery to shrink the tumor, after surgery when you have recovered, or on its own if surgery is not an option. The chemotherapy medications most commonly used for PPC are the same as those used for ovarian cancer. Cisplatin or Carboplatin, as well as Taxane (Paclitaxel or Taxotere) in combination, are examples of platinum-based medicines.
- Targeted therapy: These are drugs that specifically target cancer cells while not affecting normal cells.
- Hormonal therapy: In advanced cases, it may be combined with chemotherapy. This helps to prevent cancer cells from growing by preventing natural hormones from reaching them.
- Radiation therapy: Although radiotherapy is rarely used for PPCs, oncologists may use it to shrink tumors and alleviate symptoms.
