Frequently Asked Questions About Peritoneal Mesothelioma
How effective is cytoreductive surgery with HIPEC for peritoneal mesothelioma?
Cytoreductive surgery combined with Hyperthermic Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy (HIPEC) is considered a potentially effective treatment for peritoneal mesothelioma.
Effectiveness of Cytoreductive Surgery with HIPEC:
This combined treatment involves removing as much of the cancer as possible via surgery, followed by a heated chemotherapy solution that's applied directly to the abdominal cavity. The heat is thought to enhance the chemotherapy's effectiveness.
Studies show that this combination can extend survival rates. For example, a 2018 study published in the Journal of Clinical Oncology reported a median survival time of 53 months for peritoneal mesothelioma patients treated with cytoreductive surgery and HIPEC.
However, not all patients are suitable candidates for this intensive procedure. Factors such as overall health, the extent of the disease, and individual response to treatment can affect its suitability and effectiveness.
Please remember, while these results are promising, each patient's situation is unique. It's essential to discuss the best treatment options with your healthcare team who can consider individual health factors and latest research.
Visit our page on peritoneal mesothelioma treatments and prognosis for the latest information on HIPEC and other treatments.
What is ascites, and how does it relate to peritoneal mesothelioma?
Ascites refers to the abnormal accumulation of fluid in the abdomen, often leading to swelling and discomfort. This condition can occur in various diseases, including peritoneal mesothelioma, a type of cancer that affects the lining of the abdomen.
In peritoneal mesothelioma, cancer cells can irritate the peritoneum (abdominal lining) and cause it to secrete excess fluid. This fluid can then accumulate in the abdominal cavity, leading to ascites. Common symptoms of ascites include abdominal bloating, discomfort, and shortness of breath.
It's important to note that ascites can also be caused by other conditions such as liver disease, so its presence doesn't automatically indicate mesothelioma. If you or a loved one are experiencing these symptoms, it's crucial to seek medical evaluation for a proper diagnosis.
Can talcum powder use cause peritoneal mesothelioma?
Yes. Talcum powder contaminated with asbestos has been linked to every known type of mesothelioma, including peritoneal mesothelioma. Asbestos is the primary cause of mesothelioma, and when asbestos fibers are present in talc, they can be inhaled or swallowed during use—especially when talcum powder is applied to the face, body, or genital area. Once inside the body, asbestos fibers can migrate through tissues and lymphatic pathways, potentially reaching the lining of the abdomen and causing peritoneal mesothelioma.
Asbestos contamination in talc occurs because both minerals are often found close together in the earth. If talc is mined without rigorous testing and purification, it can carry dangerous amounts of asbestos into consumer products. This contamination has been confirmed in laboratory tests of popular talcum powder brands.
If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with mesothelioma and used talcum powder regularly, especially in earlier decades, it may have been contaminated with asbestos. Give us a call at 833-4-ASBESTOS and we'll explain what legal options are available.
Why is peritoneal mesothelioma often misdiagnosed as ovarian cancer?
Peritoneal mesothelioma is often misdiagnosed as ovarian cancer due to several reasons:
Similar Symptoms: Both conditions can present with similar symptoms such as abdominal swelling, pain, bloating, and changes in bowel habits, which can lead to confusion.
Rareness: Peritoneal mesothelioma is an extremely rare cancer, with only a few hundred cases diagnosed each year in the United States. In contrast, ovarian cancer is far more common, affecting tens of thousands of women annually. Because of this, doctors are much more likely to suspect ovarian cancer first when a woman presents with symptoms like abdominal pain, bloating, or fluid buildup—delaying an accurate diagnosis of peritoneal mesothelioma.
Imaging Overlaps: Imaging tests like CT scans may show similar results for both diseases, which can also lead to an incorrect initial diagnosis.
Histological Resemblance: Even under microscopic examination, the cells of peritoneal mesothelioma can closely resemble those of ovarian cancer, leading to further diagnostic confusion.
However, a definitive diagnosis can usually be reached through a combination of detailed patient history, considering asbestos exposure, and sophisticated diagnostic tests like immunohistochemistry. It's important to discuss any potential history of asbestos exposure with your healthcare provider to aid in accurate diagnosis. Always seek a second opinion if you have concerns about your diagnosis.
How does peritoneal mesothelioma affect digestion and appetite?
Peritoneal mesothelioma, a type of cancer that develops in the lining of the abdomen, can significantly affect digestion and appetite in several ways:
Loss of Appetite: Cancer itself, as well as treatments such as chemotherapy, can cause a loss of appetite. This reduced appetite can lead to weight loss and malnutrition.
Abdominal Pain and Swelling: The growth of a tumor can cause abdominal pain and bloating, which may result in discomfort during eating and a reduced desire to eat.
Bowel Obstruction: A tumor can potentially block the intestines, either partially or completely, disrupting the normal digestive process. This can lead to symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and constipation, which can further hamper appetite and digestion.
Fluid Accumulation: Peritoneal mesothelioma often causes a buildup of fluid in the abdomen (ascites), which can create a feeling of fullness and suppress appetite.
It's essential to communicate any changes in appetite or digestion to your medical team, as there are treatments and strategies that can help manage these symptoms and improve your quality of life.
Is peritoneal mesothelioma curable?
Peritoneal mesothelioma, like other forms of mesothelioma, is generally not considered curable. However, early detection and modern treatment options can significantly improve a patient's prognosis and quality of life.
In particular, a surgical procedure called cytoreductive surgery, often combined with a heated chemotherapy treatment called hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC), has shown promising results.
While this approach is not a cure, it can significantly extend life expectancy and improve the quality of life for some patients. Every individual's case is different, so it is important to discuss all treatment options with your healthcare team.
Remember, medical science is constantly advancing and new therapies are being researched and developed. It's essential to stay informed about the latest developments in mesothelioma treatment; our page on peritoneal mesothelioma treatments and prognosis is updated regularly.
How long can you live with peritoneal mesothelioma?
The prognosis for peritoneal mesothelioma varies based on several factors, including the stage of the disease, the patient's age, and overall health. On average, the survival rate is about one year, but improvements in treatments have extended this significantly for some patients.
With aggressive treatment, such as surgery combined with hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC), the median survival rate can extend up to 5 years or more for select patients. This procedure involves surgically removing the tumors and then flushing the abdominal cavity with heated chemotherapy drugs to kill any remaining cancer cells.
However, it's important to remember that these are averages and each person's situation is unique. Always consult with your healthcare provider for a more personalized prognosis based upon your treatment plan.
Should I Get a Second Opinion for a Peritoneal Mesothelioma Diagnosis?
Yes—if you've been diagnosed with peritoneal mesothelioma, getting a second opinion is not just recommended, it’s essential. This cancer is rare and often misdiagnosed, especially when proper histological and immunohistochemical testing is not performed. Without a detailed pathology review—including specific staining panels to distinguish mesothelioma from other abdominal cancers—any diagnosis of peritoneal mesothelioma should be treated as inconclusive.
Many physicians, even oncologists, may never see a confirmed case of peritoneal mesothelioma in their entire careers. That’s why it’s critical to consult a specialist or a cancer center with specific experience diagnosing and treating mesothelioma.
If you need help finding a qualified medical center or arranging a second opinion, call our office at 833-4-ASBESTOS. We can help you connect with experts who know how to properly diagnose and treat this complex disease.