Cancer that has spread to the lining surfaces of the peritoneal (abdominal) cavity from ovarian cancer, primary colorectal cancer, appendiceal cancer, or mesothelioma and pseudomyxoma peritonei—known as peritoneal carcinomatosis—are cancers that are frequently referred to as peritoneal cancers.
Symptoms
- Patients in the early stages of the disease will often have few symptoms until the disease is fairly advanced. When symptoms occur, they are often vague and nonspecific, with symptoms of abdominal swelling, diffuse abdominal pain, urinary frequency and a sense of fullness when eating. Other symptoms may include bowel changes (more frequent constipation), abnormal vaginal bleeding, an abdominal mass or unintended weight loss.
- As the disease progresses, fluid may build up in the abdomen, causing abdominal discomfort, nausea and vomiting, and shortness of breath. Fatigue is also common.
- Complications of peritoneal cancer may include bowel obstructions (sometimes necessitating a stoma, or hole between the intestine and the outside of the body), and urinary tract obstruction (due to blockage of the ureters by tumors), sometimes requiring a stent or nephrostomy tube (a tube from the kidney to the outside of the body).
Risk factors
It’s not known exactly what causes peritoneal cancer, though the process begins when a series of mutations in peritoneal cells results in out-of-control growth. This could be related to a prior cancer that has now spread to the peritoneum or another cancer type known as a primary peritoneal cancer.
Prevention
Although there is no definitive way to prevent peritoneal cancer, certain healthy lifestyle choices may lower your risk of getting, such as:
Quitting or avoiding smoking
Consuming a healthy diet rich in whole foods (including fruits, vegetables, and whole grains) and low in saturated fats
Staying physically active
Maintaining a healthy weight
The list of some peritoneal cancers medicine:
