Cancer Information

Know About Peritoneal Cancer

Peritoneum is a semi-permeable serous membrane that forms the inner covering of the abdominal cavity thus providing protection to the various abdominal organs such as intestines, liver, stomach, etc. Epithelial cells make this peritoneum. Peritoneal lining produces a lubricating fluid which protects the organs within the abdomen cavity by making them move smoothly whenever there is movement.

Primary peritoneal cancer (PPC) is the cancer which starts in the peritoneum and is rare. It is usually found in women aging between 40 and 60, while it rarely occurs in men. The cancerous growth can begin in any part of the membrane PPC. However, it mostly happens in the lower part of the abdomen (pelvis).

Ovaries are made of three types of tissues, and the ovarian tumors are named in accordance to where the tumor started.
1. Epithelial cells constitute the outer lining of the ovary. When the tumor starts from this lining it is called epithelial tumor and the cancer is called epithelial ovarian cancer or peritoneal ovarian cancer.
2. Germ cells are present inside the ovary. Every month the eggs that are released in the fallopian tubes are developed from these cells. Cells that produce the eggs give rise to germ cell tumors.
3. Stromal cells produce estrogen and progesterone female hormones. Stromal tumors actually originate from these cells.

Reasons of this PPC are not clearly known and specified. Usually a symptom does not show for long time. But some symptoms are: pain in the lower abdomen, changes in the regular pattern of bowel like- constipation, frequent urination, diarrhea, weight gain (which does not signify any reason), swelling in the lower abdomen, sickness and loss of appetite. These symptoms are usually taken very lightly and ignored. Regular body check is the only answer to early detection of any disease.
If the specific blood-test is done to check the level of CA 125 protein and the level is higher than normal, then it confirms PPC or ovarian cancer. Other tests done are ultrasound scan, pelvic ultrasound, vaginal ultrasound, CT scan, MRI scan, laparoscopy, laparotomy, abdominal fluid aspiration to verify PPC. Once the tests are positive the treatment is surgery, chemotherapy or radiotherapy.

Tags: ovarian peritoneal cancer, peritoneal ovarian cancer, Primary peritoneal cancer