Peritoneal cancer

Peritoneal cancer is a rare type of cancer that develops in the peritoneum, a thin, delicate sheet that lines the inside wall of the abdomen and covers the uterus and extends over the bladder and rectum. The peritoneum is made of epithelial cells.

Causes and Risk Factors

The exact cause of peritoneal cancer is not known. However, certain factors may increase the risk of developing this disease. These include having a personal or family history of ovarian cancer, breast cancer, or colorectal cancer, or having certain genetic mutations such as BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutations or Lynch syndrome.

Symptoms

Symptoms of peritoneal cancer can be vague and similar to other conditions. They may include abdominal discomfort or pain, bloating, feeling full quickly when eating, changes in bowel habits, such as constipation, and unexplained weight loss or gain.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of peritoneal cancer typically involves a physical examination, a review of the patient's medical history, and imaging tests such as CT scan or MRI. A biopsy may also be performed, in which a small sample of tissue is removed and examined under a microscope.

Treatment

Treatment for peritoneal cancer depends on the stage of the disease, the patient's overall health, and personal preferences. Options may include surgery to remove as much of the cancer as possible, chemotherapy, targeted therapy, and radiation therapy.

Prognosis

The prognosis for peritoneal cancer varies depending on factors such as the stage of the disease at diagnosis, the patient's overall health, and the effectiveness of treatment.

See Also

• Ovarian cancer
• Colorectal cancer
• Breast cancer
• Cancer treatment