Peritoneal mesothelioma sarcoma is a rare cancer which attacks the abdominal lining (also referred to as the peritoneum). Caused by exposure to asbestos, patients with peritoneal mesothelioma often go undiagnosed until the disease is in its final stages.
While treatment is mostly palliative and not curative, doctors and mesothelioma specialists can offer a number of treatment options, including peritoneal mesothelioma surgery, to relieve symptoms and possibly extend life expectancy. Currently several treatment centers now offer peritoneal mesothelioma sarcoma treatments that involve several courses of surgery over a specific interval, with chemotherapy, radiation and other treatments being used either during or after a surgery:
- Peritoneal Mesothelioma Surgery – Cytoreductive surgery coupled with Intraperitoneal chemotherapy is now considered to be the standard of care in the treatment of peritoneal mesothelioma. During this surgery, the visible mesothelioma tumors are removed from the peritoneum. Though not curative, extended survivals have been reported by a select group of surgeons who specialize in the treatment of peritoneal mesothelioma.
- Peritoneal Chemotherapy Treatment – Chemotherapy is not considered curative as a primary peritoneal mesothelioma treatment option. This is not to say that chemotherapy is not without benefit to a patient affected by mesothelioma. Studies have demonstrated that the most active regimen can reduce tumors in 40% of patients and extend life in those that respond to chemotherapy. Chemotherapy has also been shown to palliate symptoms including reducing shortness of breath, reduction of ascites or effusions, reduction of pain and improvement in the quality of life.
- Peritoneal Radiation Treatments – Radiation has proved to have limited effect as a primary treatment for abdominal (peritoneal) mesothelioma. However, as a palliative treatment during and after surgery, it has proven useful in preventing malignant seeding of the incision sites. Its use is highly recommended in both pleural and peritoneal mesothelioma to prevent the spread of mesothelioma in the area of surgical incisions.
Do you have specific questions or concerns about peritoneal mesothelioma treatment, peritoneal mesothelioma surgery or details on side effects and risks? The Mesothelioma Foundation is here to offer support guidance and help. Talk to a mesothelioma expert for the latest information on treatments and clinical trials.
