Peritoneal mesothelioma accounts for 10-20% of all mesothelioma cases and is the second most common form of mesothelioma cancer behind pleural mesothelioma. As with all forms of mesothelioma, peritoneal mesothelioma is caused by exposure to asbestos fibers.
If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with peritoneal mesothelioma, you should speak with the national peritoneal mesothelioma lawyers at BCH about your legal case right away.
What Is Peritoneal Mesothelioma?
Peritoneal mesothelioma is cancer of the peritoneum, which is the mesothelial membrane that lines the abdominal cavity. It is caused by swallowing asbestos fibers, as opposed to breathing it into the lungs—which is what causes the most common form of mesothelioma known as pleural mesothelioma.
Symptoms of Peritoneal Mesothelioma
Symptoms of peritoneal mesothelioma may be different than the common symptoms listed for pleural mesothelioma. Peritoneal mesothelioma often results in increased thickness of the membrane as well as an excuse of pleural fluid. For this reason, symptoms can be painful.
Symptoms of peritoneal mesothelioma may include:
- Constipation
- Diarrhea
- Nausea and vomiting
- Feelings of exhaustion / fatigue
- Unexplained, sudden weight loss
- Swelling in the stomach area
- Pain in the stomach area
Treatment for Peritoneal Mesothelioma
The most common and effective treatments for peritoneal mesothelioma are hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) with surgery and systemic chemotherapy. Typically, doctors will use multiple treatment modalities according to the specific needs of their patients. If you've been diagnosed with peritoneal mesothelioma, it's important to discuss all your treatment options with your physician.
Cytoreductive Surgery with Heated Chemotherapy
Peritoneal mesothelioma patients who qualify for surgery will benefit most from heated chemotherapy, also known as hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy. A study conducted in 2019 found that 65% of peritoneal mesothelioma patients who received heated chemotherapy lived five years longer. However, not every patient qualifies for this surgery.
Systemic Chemotherapy
Patients who do not qualify for heated chemotherapy or surgery can be treated with systemic chemotherapy. Chemotherapy drugs have been shown to slow the spread of peritoneal mesothelioma cancer and reduce the size of tumors. The most common chemotherapy drugs given to peritoneal mesothelioma patients are pemetrexed, cisplatin, carboplatin, and gemcitabine.
Palliative Peritoneal Mesothelioma Treatment
In addition to cancer-fighting treatments, peritoneal mesothelioma patients also receive palliative care to improve their quality of life. Patients may be prescribed medication that eases pain and other symptoms. Their doctor might also perform a paracentesis procedure to drain excess fluid in the patient's abdomen. Physical therapy may also be prescribed.
Contact BCH For Your Free Case Evaluation
Call our mesothelioma trial lawyers. We can review your case for free, hear your story, and help you understand your options. Medical care is important; so is legal expertise. You need the right team on your side.We are a firm of devoted and compassionate attorneys, we strive to represent our clients with excellence and care.
Call BCH at (713) 909-7910Â for your free case consultation.
