Abdominal Mesothelioma

What is Abdominal Mesothelioma?

Abdominal Mesothelioma is a cancer affecting the membrane which lines the abdominal cavity and covers the organs therein. This type of cancer is called Peritoneal Mesothelioma, a name derived from the peritoneum or abdominal lining. The peritoneum is further described as the visceral peritoneum (the part covering the internal organs) and the parietal peritoneum (the part covering the abdominal cavity).

Exposure to asbestos, especially on the job, is the main cause of mesothelioma. Shipyards and construction sites are notoriously high-risk areas.

Fortunately, abdominal mesothelioma is very rare. Malignant mesothelioma may not appear for 25 years after one has been exposed to asbestos, but sadly, it can be quite aggressive once it appears.
Peritoneal Mesothelioma

Symptoms of Peritoneal or Abdominal Mesothelioma include weight loss, swelling of the abdomen, fever, anemia, and bowel obstruction. One can see that these symptoms often indicate other less serious medical conditions but if you have been exposed to asbestos it is important to make sure that you are not at risk. Keep in mind that asbestos exposure includes second-hand vulnerability. For example, if you live with someone who might bring asbestos dust home on their clothes, you could be a candidate for abdominal mesothelioma.
Abdominal Mesothelioma

It is believed that abdominal mesothelioma stems from asbestos fibers being ingested and once in the intestinal tract they work themselves into the peritoneal cavity. As well, asbestos fibers may be inhaled and then transported to the peritoneal cavity via the lymph node system.

If a biopsy reveals cancer cells, treatments are available. The chance of recovery depends on many circumstances, such as the size of the cancer and how far it has spread. Early diagnosis of mesothelioma is an extremely important first step in fighting abdominal mesothelioma.