Summary about Disease
Peritoneal cancer is a rare cancer that develops in the peritoneum, the thin layer of tissue lining the abdomen and covering most of the abdominal organs. It's often closely related to ovarian cancer, particularly high-grade serous ovarian cancer, and can be difficult to distinguish between the two. Primary peritoneal cancer means the cancer originated in the peritoneum, while secondary peritoneal cancer (more common) is when cancer has spread to the peritoneum from another site, such as the ovaries, stomach, colon, or pancreas.
Symptoms
Symptoms of peritoneal cancer can be vague and often mimic other, more common conditions. Common symptoms include:
Abdominal pain or discomfort
Abdominal bloating or distension (ascites - fluid accumulation in the abdomen)
Nausea and vomiting
Changes in bowel habits (constipation or diarrhea)
Loss of appetite
Unexplained weight loss
Fatigue
Feeling of fullness after eating only a small amount
Causes
The exact causes of primary peritoneal cancer are not fully understood. Risk factors and associations include:
Genetics: Women with mutations in the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes (associated with increased risk of ovarian and breast cancer) also have an increased risk of peritoneal cancer.
Family history: A family history of ovarian, breast, or colon cancer may increase the risk.
Exposure to asbestos: While more commonly associated with mesothelioma, asbestos exposure has been linked to an increased risk of various cancers, including some peritoneal cancers.
Hormonal factors: Like ovarian cancer, hormonal factors are thought to play a role, but the exact mechanisms are not fully understood.
Medicine Used
Treatment for peritoneal cancer typically involves a combination of surgery and chemotherapy. Common chemotherapy drugs used include:
Platinum-based drugs: Carboplatin and cisplatin are frequently used.
Taxanes: Paclitaxel and docetaxel are also commonly used in combination with platinum-based drugs.
Other Chemotherapy drugs: Gemcitabine, doxorubicin and irinotecan may be used. Targeted therapies and immunotherapies may also be considered in certain situations, depending on the specific characteristics of the cancer. HIPEC (Hyperthermic Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy) might be an option for some patients after surgery. It involves circulating heated chemotherapy drugs directly into the abdominal cavity to kill remaining cancer cells.
Is Communicable
Peritoneal cancer is not communicable. It is not caused by an infectious agent and cannot be spread from person to person.
Precautions
There are no specific precautions to prevent peritoneal cancer as the exact causes are often unknown. However, some general recommendations include:
Genetic testing: If there is a strong family history of ovarian, breast, or colon cancer, consider genetic testing for BRCA1/2 mutations.
Prophylactic surgery: For women with BRCA1/2 mutations, prophylactic oophorectomy (removal of the ovaries and fallopian tubes) may be considered to reduce the risk of ovarian and peritoneal cancer.
Healthy lifestyle: Maintaining a healthy weight, eating a balanced diet, and engaging in regular physical activity may help reduce the risk of cancer in general.
Avoid asbestos exposure: If possible, avoid exposure to asbestos.
How long does an outbreak last?
Peritoneal cancer isn't an "outbreak" like an infectious disease. It's a chronic disease that develops over time. Treatment can extend survival and manage symptoms, but it is not a short-term illness. The duration of the disease and the effectiveness of treatment vary greatly depending on the stage, grade, and subtype of the cancer, as well as the individual's overall health.
How is it diagnosed?
Diagnosis typically involves a combination of:
Physical exam and medical history: To assess symptoms and risk factors.
Imaging tests: CT scans, MRI scans, and PET scans can help visualize the abdomen and identify tumors or fluid buildup.
Blood tests: CA-125, a tumor marker, may be elevated in some cases, but it's not specific to peritoneal cancer.
Paracentesis: Fluid is collected from the abdomen (ascites) and examined for cancer cells.
Biopsy: A tissue sample is taken from the peritoneum (usually during surgery) and examined under a microscope to confirm the diagnosis and determine the type of cancer.
Laparoscopy or Laparotomy: Surgical procedures to visualize the abdominal cavity and obtain biopsies.
Timeline of Symptoms
The timeline of symptoms can vary greatly from person to person. Some individuals may experience vague symptoms for months before diagnosis, while others may have a more rapid onset of symptoms. It's difficult to provide a specific timeline, as the progression of the disease can be quite variable.
Early Stages: Symptoms might be subtle and easily dismissed (e.g., mild abdominal discomfort, bloating).
Later Stages: Symptoms tend to become more pronounced as the cancer progresses (e.g., significant abdominal pain, distension, bowel changes, weight loss).
Important Considerations
Peritoneal cancer is a rare and complex disease.
Early diagnosis can be challenging due to vague symptoms.
Treatment is typically multimodal, involving surgery and chemotherapy.
Prognosis varies depending on the stage, grade, and subtype of the cancer, as well as the individual's overall health.
Clinical trials may offer access to new treatments.
Palliative care is important for managing symptoms and improving quality of life.
Consultation with a gynecologic oncologist or a medical oncologist experienced in treating peritoneal cancer is crucial for optimal care.