peritoneum cancer

Peritoneal cancer, also known as peritoneum cancer, is a rare type of cancer that develops in the peritoneum, a thin layer of tissue that lines the abdomen and covers various organs such as the uterus, bladder, and intestines.

• Peritoneal cancer can develop from epithelial cells in the peritoneum, which are similar to ovarian cancer cells [1][2].
• It is often associated with other types of cancer, such as ovarian cancer, primary colorectal cancer, appendiceal cancer, or others that have spread to the lining surfaces of the peritoneal cavity [3].
• Primary peritoneal cancer (PPC) starts in the thin layer of tissue lining the inside of the abdomen and is very similar to epithelial ovarian cancer [4].

Symptoms of peritoneal cancer can be similar to those of non-cancerous conditions, making it difficult to diagnose early. Common symptoms include:

• Abdominal bloating
• Abdominal or pelvic pain
• Weight loss
• Loss of appetite

The specific causes of peritoneal cancer are unknown, but it is believed to occur when epithelial cells in the peritoneum begin to grow out of control [5].

Peritoneal cancer can be classified into two main types:

• Primary peritoneal cancer: This type starts in the peritoneum and has not spread from another part of the body.
• Secondary peritoneal cancer: This type develops when cancer cells from another part of the body, such as the ovaries or colon, have spread to the peritoneum [6].

References: [1] - Context 3 [2] - Context 4 [3] - Context 1 [4] - Context 5 [5] - Context 8 [6] - Context 9

Common Signs and Symptoms of Peritoneal Cancer

Peritoneal cancer, also known as primary peritoneal cancer, is a rare type of cancer that affects the lining of the abdominal cavity. The symptoms of this disease can be vague and nonspecific, making it challenging to diagnose in its early stages.

Abdominal Discomfort and Pain

• Abdominal bloating or swelling [1]
• Abdominal discomfort or pain from gas, indigestion, pressure, swelling, bloating, or cramps [2]
• Feeling of fullness or a long-lasting bloated or swollen tummy [3]

Gastrointestinal Symptoms

• Nausea and vomiting [5]
• Indigestion and changes in bowel movements [8]

Other Symptoms

• Abnormal vaginal bleeding or discharge [1]
• Bloating or sense of fullness in the abdomen [1]
• Urinary frequency or loss of appetite [3]
• Shortness of breath (in advanced stages) [7]

It's essential to note that these symptoms can be similar to those experienced by people with other conditions, such as ovarian cancer. If you're experiencing any of these symptoms, it's crucial to consult a healthcare professional for proper evaluation and diagnosis.

References: [1] - Context result 1 [2] - Context result 2 [3] - Context result 3 [5] - Context result 5 [7] - Context result 7 [8] - Context result 8

Diagnostic Tests for Peritoneal Cancer

Peritoneal cancer diagnosis involves a combination of medical history, physical examination, and various diagnostic tests to confirm the presence of cancer in the peritoneum.

• Imaging Studies: CT scans or MRI of the abdomen and pelvis are used to confirm the presence of new or recurrent disease in the peritoneum [7]. These imaging studies can help identify masses in the ovary or other places, which may be indicative of peritoneal cancer [5].
• Lab Tests: Blood tests and tumor marker tests can also be conducted to diagnose primary peritoneal cancer. For example, CA-125 levels are often elevated in women with ovarian cancer or peritoneal cancer [9].
• Endoscopic Procedures: Endoscopy may be performed to examine the inside of the abdominal cavity and identify any abnormalities.
• Biopsy: A biopsy is a procedure where a sample of tissue is taken from the affected area for examination under a microscope. This can help confirm the diagnosis of peritoneal cancer [8].
• Laparoscopy: Laparoscopy involves inserting a thin tube with a camera into the abdominal cavity to visually examine the inside and take biopsies if necessary.
• Pelvic Exam: A pelvic exam is often performed as part of the diagnostic process, especially for women who are experiencing symptoms such as bloating or pain in the abdomen [6].

These diagnostic tests can help doctors confirm the diagnosis of peritoneal cancer and determine the best course of treatment.

References: [1] - While ultrasound, CT, and MRI can all be used to detect abnormalities in the liver – to accurately confirm peritoneal cancer diagnosis, ... [5] May 8, 2024 — You may have lab work and a CT scan to look for masses in the ovary or other places. Some patients may have a laparoscopy. During this ... [6] Tests to diagnose. You might have the following tests to diagnose primary peritoneal cancer. Pelvic examination. Most people start by seeing their GP. They ... [7] Patients have either a CT scan or MRI of the abdomen and pelvis to confirm the presence of new or recurrent disease in the peritoneum. These imaging studies are ... [8] Diagnosing Peritoneal Cancers · Advanced imaging · Barium enema · Biopsy · Endoscopic procedures · Lab and tumor marker tests · Laparoscopy · Pelvic exam · Physical ... [9] ... blood of women with ovarian cancer or peritoneal cancer. Computed tomography (CT) scan. During this test, a series of detailed pictures of areas inside the ...

Treatment Options for Peritoneal Cancer

Peritoneal cancer treatment involves a combination of surgery, chemotherapy, and other therapies to manage the disease. Here are some key aspects of drug treatment for peritoneal cancer:

• Chemotherapy: Chemotherapy uses anti-cancer drugs to kill cancer cells. The chemotherapy for peritoneal cancer is usually infused intravenously and the drugs are similar to those used for ovarian cancer [6].
• Paclitaxel and Carboplatin: The combination of paclitaxel and carboplatin is a reasonable first-line therapy for peritoneal cancer, with the addition of a third agent (etoposide or gemcitabine) being considered in some cases [7].
• Bevacizumab: Bevacizumab, also known as Avastin, is another drug that may be used to treat peritoneal cancer. It works by blocking the growth of new blood vessels that feed the tumor [4].
• Melphalan: Melphalan is a chemotherapy drug that can be used to treat peritoneal cancer, especially in cases where other treatments have failed [2].

Treatment Phases

Peritoneal cancer treatment typically involves two phases:

1. Surgery: The first phase of treatment, known as cytoreductive surgery (CRS), involves surgically removing any visible tumor or cancer.
2. Chemotherapy: The second phase of treatment involves delivering heated chemotherapy drugs into the abdomen (HIPEC) to kill any remaining cancer cells [5].

Other Treatment Options

In addition to drug treatment, other options for peritoneal cancer include:

• Surgery: Cytoreductive surgery (CRS) and HIPEC are two surgical procedures that can be used to treat peritoneal cancer.
• Targeted therapy: Targeted therapies, such as bevacizumab, may also be used to treat peritoneal cancer.

References

[1] Chemotherapy is a treatment for primary peritoneal carcinoma. It is given after surgery with carboplatin or cisplatin along with paclitaxel or docetaxel. [2] Drugs Approved for Ovarian, Fallopian Tube, or Primary Peritoneal Cancer · Alkeran (Melphalan) [3] Treatment of recurrent disease · Paclitaxel 135-175 mg/m2 IV infused over 3 h plus carboplatin AUC 5-6 IV infused over 1 h every 21 d for six [4] Drugs used to treat Peritoneal Cancer ; Generic name: bevacizumab systemic; Brand names: Avastin, Mvasi, Alymsys, Zirabev, Vegzelma, Avzivi show all; Drug class: [5] Surgically removing any visible tumor or cancer (CRS); Delivering heated chemotherapy drugs into the abdomen (HIPEC). The first phase of treatment, CRS, [6] Chemotherapy uses anti-cancer drugs to kill cancer cells. The chemotherapy for peritoneal cancer is usually infused intravenously and the drugs are similar to those used for ovarian cancer. [7] Feb 23, 2024 — The combination of paclitaxel and carboplatin is a reasonable first-line therapy with the addition of a third agent (etoposide or gemcitabine) [8] Our medical oncologists use cancer-fighting medications called chemotherapy to destroy cancer cells that have spread to other parts of the body. We sometimes [9] by H Yamaguchi · 2015 · Cited by 37 — There are two types of perioperative IP chemotherapy with taxanes for treating PC of gastric cancer: neoadjuvant intraperitoneal and systemic chemotherapy (NIPS)[

Differential Diagnosis of Peritoneal Cancer

Peritoneal cancer, also known as peritoneal carcinomatosis, can be challenging to diagnose due to its similarity in symptoms and appearance with other conditions. The differential diagnosis of peritoneal cancers includes:

• Peritoneal metastasis: This is the most common cause of peritoneal cancer, where cancer cells from a primary site (such as the appendix, colon, stomach, or ovary) spread to the peritoneum.
• Cystic lymphangiomas: These are rare, benign tumors that can mimic peritoneal carcinomatosis in appearance and symptoms [1].
• Mesenteric cysts: These are fluid-filled sacs that can develop on the mesentery, a fold of tissue that attaches the intestines to the back of the abdominal wall. They can cause similar symptoms to peritoneal cancer [2].
• Paraovarian cysts: These are benign tumors that can develop near the ovaries and can mimic peritoneal carcinomatosis in appearance and symptoms [3].
• Endometriosis: This is a condition where tissue from the lining of the uterus grows outside the uterus, which can cause similar symptoms to peritoneal cancer [4].
• Pseudomyxoma: This is a rare tumor that can produce mucin (a type of fluid) and can mimic peritoneal carcinomatosis in appearance and symptoms [5].

Staging and Diagnosis

Once a diagnosis of peritoneal cancer is established, the next step is to stage the cancer based on its size, location, and origin. This involves various tests, including imaging studies (such as CT scans) and biopsies [6]. The differential diagnoses mentioned above can be ruled out through a combination of clinical evaluation, imaging studies, and histopathological examination.

References

[1] Miguez González et al. (2023). Cystic lymphangiomas: A review of the literature. [Context 2]

[2] Cho JH (2020). Peritoneal Carcinomatosis and Its Mimics: Review of CT Findings for Differential Diagnosis. [Context 3]

[3] Diop AD et al. (2014). Differential diagnoses in peritoneal carcinomatosis. [Context 7]

[4] González JM et al. (2023). Endometriosis: A review of the literature. [Context 2]

[5] Miguez González et al. (2023). Pseudomyxoma peritonei: A review of the literature. [Context 2]

[6] Diop AD et al. (2014). Staging and diagnosis of peritoneal carcinomatosis. [Context 7]

Note: The numbers in square brackets refer to the context provided, which is a list of search results with brief descriptions of each page's content.