Carcinomatosis

Carcinomatosis is a medical condition characterized by the widespread dissemination of cancerous tumors throughout the body. It is often associated with advanced stages of cancer and can involve multiple organs and tissues. Carcinomatosis is a serious condition that can significantly impact a patient's prognosis and quality of life.

Pathophysiology

Carcinomatosis occurs when cancer cells spread from the primary tumor site to other parts of the body. This process, known as metastasis, can occur through several mechanisms:

• Hematogenous spread: Cancer cells enter the bloodstream and travel to distant organs.
• Lymphatic spread: Cancer cells invade the lymphatic system and spread to regional and distant lymph nodes.
• Transcoelomic spread: Cancer cells spread across body cavities, such as the peritoneal cavity, leading to conditions like peritoneal carcinomatosis.

The presence of carcinomatosis often indicates an advanced stage of cancer, where the disease has become systemic and is no longer confined to the original site.

Clinical Presentation

The symptoms of carcinomatosis vary depending on the organs involved and the extent of the disease. Common symptoms include:

• Unexplained weight loss
• Fatigue
• Pain in affected areas
• Ascites (fluid accumulation in the abdomen)
• Pleural effusion (fluid accumulation around the lungs)

Diagnosis

Diagnosing carcinomatosis typically involves a combination of imaging studies and biopsy. Common diagnostic tools include:

• Computed tomography (CT) scans
• Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
• Positron emission tomography (PET) scans
• Biopsy of affected tissues

Treatment

The treatment of carcinomatosis depends on the type of primary cancer, the extent of spread, and the patient's overall health. Treatment options may include:

• Chemotherapy: Systemic treatment to target cancer cells throughout the body.
• Radiation therapy: Localized treatment to control symptoms and reduce tumor size.
• Surgery: In some cases, surgical intervention may be possible to remove tumors or relieve symptoms.
• Palliative care: Focused on improving quality of life and managing symptoms.

Prognosis

The prognosis for patients with carcinomatosis is generally poor, as it indicates advanced disease. However, outcomes can vary based on the type of cancer, the extent of spread, and the patient's response to treatment.

Also see

• Metastasis
• Peritoneal carcinomatosis
• Cancer
• Oncology