What is Peritoneal cancer? This alarming question persists and remains unknown to many. But for it to be known, one needs answers. To begin with, let us understand what it is and gradually cover the remaining aspects through this blog.
Peritoneal cancer is a rare and severe condition that affects the thin layer of tissue lining the abdomen, known as the peritoneum. There are two significant ways in which it can occur. The first is wherein the cancer can originate within the peritoneum itself, and the secondary is the disease that is said to have other beginnings elsewhere in the body. Despite being an uncommon cancer, a more profound comprehension of all its aspects becomes necessary.
Symptoms Of Peritoneal Cancer
The early stages of peritoneal cancer are often elusive. However, a series of symptoms can yield a better picture if connected. These are:
- Persistent abdominal pain and bloating
- Unexplained weight loss, often accompanied by decreased appetite
- Nausea and vomiting due to pressure on internal organs
- Changes in bowel movements
- Fatigue
- It may, with time, lead to more symptoms, such as water accumulation in the abdomen and difficulties in breathing.
Diagnosis
The diagnostic test must involve careful, sequential movement through a series of steps, starting with a physical examination. The primary diagnostic and imaging modalities, such as ultrasound, MRI, and CT, identify tumor locations and determine whether they have spread.
Specific blood tests, such as a CA-125, can at least provide some indication of cancer. However, these are not conclusive in understanding this condition. In addition, the physician may do a laparoscopy, an invasive surgical procedure that allows direct sight of the peritoneum and the collection of tissue samples for biopsy.
Modes Of Treatment
In the case of peritoneum cancer, treatment is multi-fold and might be any of the following, depending on diagnosis and severity.
Surgery
This is usually the first-line treatment, with surgical procedures entailing the removal of as much of the cancer as possible. Depending on the tumor’s location and size, many procedures may be necessary for its care. These consist of oophorectomy, omentectomy, and hysterectomy.
Source: Freepik
Chemotherapy
This operation eliminates any remaining cancer cells. In intraperitoneal chemotherapy, drugs are injected into the region surrounding the belly instead of passing via veins. Hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy, which involves heating the chemotherapy to specifically target the issue spot, is a far more promising approach to this treatment.
Targeted Therapy
This method involves drugs that act on cancerous cells without damaging normal cells. This approach often works in cases where other methods become unfeasible.
Hormonal Therapy
This is sometimes carried out in conjunction with chemotherapy in patients. The goal is to target hormones that may stimulate the cancer cell’s growth. This is particularly effective for hormone-sensitive cancers.
Radiation Therapy
While this is not a commonly used method of treatment for peritoneal cancer, the therapy can nonetheless prove to be effective for patients with recurrent cancer symptoms.
Risk Factors
Genetics
The risk of peritoneal cancer is relatively high, mainly if there is a patient in the family with BRCA1 or BRCA2 genes. Thus, it is essential to pursue genetic counseling for such people.
Source: Freepik
Age
It is another essential element that might impose risks attached to developing this severe disease. Most cases occur in people over 60, proving the need for follow-up checkups in this age group.
Reproductive History
A patient may be predisposed to peritoneal cancer if they are infertile and may not have biological offspring; this illustrates how complex the relationship between reproductive factors and the development of the disease is. The reproductive condition known as endometriosis, in which the lining of the uterus develops outside of the organ, has frequently been linked to an increased risk of developing peritoneal cancer.
Thus, frequent medical examinations and genetic counseling are highly recommended to know the risk of such cancers.
Final Words
To sum up, Peritoneal cancer, also known as ‘peritoneal carcinomatosis,’ is a rare cancerous condition. Ongoing studies and treatment trials, however, may ultimately improve the quality of life for people fighting against it. Even scientists worldwide have finally unwrapped its complexities and found more effective ways to fight against it. By remaining informed and proactive, individuals may fight this disease and enhance their chances for success.
References
- Healthline. Peritoneal Cancer: What You Need to Know.
- Yale Medicine. Peritoneal Cancer.
