mrsamct
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Joined: 06 Aug 2011
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 Posted: Thu Sep 08, 2011 6:23 am Post subject: Peritoneal Cancer |
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Peritoneum is the thin and delicate, transparent membrane that lines the abdominal cavity and covers all the organs of the abdominal cavity, including the liver, intestine, uterus, bladder and rectum. This membrane protects the contents of the abdomen, and secretes a lubricating fluid that helps the organs of the abdominal cavity to move smoothly, when we move. Peritoneum is basically composed of epithelial cells, the same cells that also line the surface of the ovaries. This is the reason why, peritoneum cancer is quite similar to the most common type of ovarian cancer, known as epithelial cancer. Both peritoneal and epithelial cancers are usually treated in the same way. Primary peritoneal cancer is the cancer that develops in the peritoneal tissues. But, when cancer from other parts of the body metastasize into peritoneum, it is referred to as secondary peritoneal cancer.
Causes of Peritoneal Cancer
Peritoneal cancer is more common among women and elderly. Men rarely develop this type of cancer. The actual causes of primary peritoneal cancer are still unknown, though it is sometimes associated with a defective inherited gene; the same gene which is generally linked to breast cancer and ovarian cancer.
Peritoneal Cancer Symptoms
The signs and symptoms of peritoneal cancer are not very specific in the sense that, these symptoms can be produced by many other health conditions as well. The symptoms are usually quite difficult to recognize, especially in the early stage of the condition. In general, the peritoneal cancer symptoms closely resemble the symptoms of ovarian cancer. Some of the important signs and symptoms of the condition are:
* Loss of appetite
* Abdominal pain, especially in the lower abdomen
* Abdominal discomfort and indigestion
* Nausea and bloating
* Diarrhea or constipation
* Frequent urination
* Unexplained weight gain or loss
* Swelling in the abdomen due to the accumulation of fluid in the peritoneal cavity
* Unusual vaginal bleeding
Diagnosis and Treatment of Peritoneal Cancer
Diagnosis of peritoneal cancer requires a proper evaluation of the symptoms, physical examination and a number of diagnostic tests. The physicians usually examine the pelvic region of the body to look for any abnormality of the ovaries, uterus, vagina, fallopian tubes and bladder and rectum. The different tests and examinations that are performed include, ultrasound, CT scan, blood test to measure the level of CA-125, barium enema or lower gastrointestinal series test and biopsy.
Treatment as well as peritoneal cancer prognosis depends on the stage at which the cancer gets detected. Generally, peritoneal and ovarian cancer are detected only in the later stages, either at stage 3 or stage 4. When the cancer is confined within the lining of the abdomen, it is termed as stage 3, while stage 4 means that the cancer has spread to other organs such as, liver, lungs or the lymph nodes. Depending on the stage at which the cancer is detected, physicians develop an effective peritoneal cancer treatment plan.
Typically, the treatment options available for this cancer are, surgery, chemotherapy and radiotherapy. Surgery is performed when there is a pelvic mass, and when the place from where the cancer developed initially is not very clear. Chemotherapy, on the other hand, relies on drugs and medications that can inhibit the growth and development of cancerous cells. These medications are usually given after surgery, especially when it is not possible to remove all of the malignant tumors. However, sometimes, chemotherapy can precede surgery, when it is felt that the tumor is too large and hence, quite difficult to remove. Occasionally, radiotherapy is also carried out to destroy the cancerous cells with the help of radiation.
But, if the cancer is detected only in the advanced stage, then the only option left is supportive or palliative care, which aims at alleviating the symptoms, so as to make the patient as comfortable as possible. Peritoneal cancer life expectancy depends on the stage at which the cancer is detected, as well as the age and overall health condition of the individual. The same factors would also determine peritoneal cancer survival rate. So, early diagnosis is the most crucial part for the effective treatment of peritoneal cancer and to ensure proper recovery.
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