Peritoneal mesothelioma is a type of cancer that affects the tissue that surrounds abdominal organs, called the peritoneal membrane or the mesothelial layer. It is the second most common type of mesothelioma and affects 300 to 400 Americans each year.
Experts are still not certain why peritoneal mesothelioma develops. Some people with this cancer have been exposed to asbestos or radiation, and some have a history of chronic inflammation of the peritoneum. But for most people, it’s not clear why the disease occurs.
Memorial Sloan-Kettering has one of the country’s largest and most experienced programs in treating peritoneal-based tumors. Among the variety of such tumors that we treat are those associated with the appendix, colon, and ovaries, as well as teratomas (an encapsulated tumor) and gastrointestinal neuroendocrine tumors.
Our many experts in surgery and medical oncology collaborate in the treatment of these difficult cases.
We are actively searching for new therapies to treat peritoneal disease, and are collaborating with Memorial Sloan-Kettering experts in pleural mesothelioma and other areas to identify genetic mutations in these diseases that might help us find new treatments for them.
Peritoneal mesothelioma may cause symptoms such as pain or bloating in the abdominal area, or unexplained weight loss. But many people have no symptoms at all and do not realize that there is something wrong until they have undergone surgery or a radiology test for another issue.
The first step in receiving the appropriate treatment for peritoneal mesothelioma is to confirm the diagnosis. Only then will your doctors be able to determine whether surgery or chemotherapy is the best approach for you.
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