What are the symptoms and causes of peritoneal cancer?

The peritoneum is basically a thin layer of tissues present inside the wall of the abdomen that covers the uterus, bladder, intestines, and rectum which is made up of epithelial cells. The main function of the peritoneum layer is to help with the lubrication that helps organs to move smoothly inside the abdomen. Peritoneum cancer is a very rare type of cancer that develops in the peritoneum layer. Peritoneal cancer is similar to the most common type of ovarian cancer as it affects epithelial tissues. It is seen that women that suffer from genetic mutations BRCA1 and BRCA2 are at great risk of having peritoneal cancer. Also, peritoneal cancer is very difficult to diagnose in time as the symptoms do not appear in the early stages.

Peritoneal cancer symptoms

The symptoms of peritoneal cancer usually depend upon the type of cancer, the stage of cancer, and its spread of it. Usually, the symptoms do not appear in the early stages which makes it difficult to diagnose and treat. Still, some of the symptoms experienced by some individuals include:

• Indigestion
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Abdominal pain
• Fatigue
• Enlarged abdomen
• Bloating
• Loss of appetite
• Fluctuation in weight( weight gain or weight loss)
• A feeling of fullness in the stomach
• Vaginal discharge
• Back Pain
• Shortness of breath
• Difficulty in eating
• Urinary blockage
• Disturbed bowel movement

Peritoneal cancer causes

The exact cause of peritoneal cancer is unknown but there are a few factors that may increase the risk of having peritoneal cancer. Some of the risk factors for peritoneal cancer include:

• Ageing
• Family history of peritoneal or ovarian cancer
• Presence of genetic mutation BRCA1 and BRCA2
• Obesity
• Hormone therapy after menopause
• Endometriosis
• Consumption of birth control pills
• Removal of the fallopian tube
• Removal of the ovary

Stages of Peritoneal cancer

It is essential to diagnose Peritoneal cancer in the initial stages as it provides a better opportunity for treatment and prevents it from spreading or metastasizing.

Primary stage: The primary stage of peritoneal Cancer is similar to ovarian cancer. It is classified as stage 3 which is further divided into 3A- and at this stage, cancer spreads to the lymph nodes present outside the peritoneum layer, 3 B- and at this stage, cancer gets spread to the peritoneum outside the pelvis around 2 cms and 3C- at this stage, the cancerous cells spread way outside the pelvis and get spread to the lymph node that is present outside the surface of that includes the liver or spleen.

Secondary peritoneal cancer

Secondary petrol cancer is often classified as stage 4 cancer and at this point, the condition is quite life-threatening as cancer spreads to other organs of the body.

Stage 4A- At this age of cancer the cancer cells get spread to the fluid that gets built up in the lungs at this stage of highly dangerous high-level medical treatment.

Stage 4B- At this point the cancer cells spread to different organs and tissues outside the abdomen that includes the lungs, liver, groin, lymph nodes, etc.

How long can you live with stage 4 peritoneal cancer?

When peritoneal cancer gets identified or diagnosed in the early stages in those cases a survival rate varies from 11 to 18 months. But in the secondary stage of peritoneal cancer, the survival rate decreases to 4-7 months.

How can we help with the treatment?

If you are looking for Peritoneal cancer treatment in India then be assured as our team will assist you and guide you through the entire process of your medical treatment.

The following will be provided to you:

• Expert oncologists, doctors, and surgeon
• Transparent communication
• Coordinated assistance
• Prior appointments with specialists and follow-up queries
• Assistance with medical tests
• Assistance in follow-up queries
• Assistance with hospital formalities
• 24*7 availability
• Assistance with therapies
• Rehabilitation
• Travel arrangements
• Assistance for accommodation and healthy recovery
• Assistance in emergencies

Our team offers you the highest quality health trip and one of the best aftercare for our patients. We have a team of dedicated and passionate health professionals who are always available to assist you throughout your medical tour.