HIPEC

Term: HIPECDefinition: Hyperthermic Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy (HIPEC) is a treatment method where heated chemotherapy drugs are circulated directly into the abdominal cavity to target cancer cells, often used in cases of advanced abdominal cancers.Phonetic Pronunciation: (hye-per-THUR-mik in-trah-per-ih-TON-ee-ul kee-moh-THAIR-uh-pee)Origin: The term HIPEC is derived from English medical terminology. "Hyperthermic" comes from "hyper," meaning over or above, and "thermic," related to heat. "Intraperitoneal" refers to the peritoneum, the membrane lining the abdominal cavity, from the Greek "peri" (around) and "teinein" (to stretch). "Chemotherapy" is from "chemo," indicating a chemical, and "therapy," meaning treatment.Significance in Asbestos Context: HIPEC is significant in asbestos-related cases because it can be used to treat mesothelioma, a cancer often caused by asbestos exposure. It offers a targeted approach to managing advanced stages of the disease, potentially improving outcomes for patients with peritoneal mesothelioma.Example Sentence: Following his diagnosis with peritoneal mesothelioma due to asbestos exposure, the patient underwent HIPEC to target the cancer cells directly within his abdominal cavity.Related Terms: Mesothelioma, Peritoneal Mesothelioma, Chemotherapy, Cytoreductive Surgery, Asbestos ExposureNotes: - HIPEC is typically used in conjunction with cytoreductive surgery. - It is not a cure but can extend life expectancy and improve quality of life. - The procedure is highly specialized and not available at all medical centers.