Peritoneal mesothelioma is a rare form of mesothelioma, which accounted for nearly 20% of all mesothelioma cases are happening. Peritoneal mesothelioma affects the lining of the stomach tissue called the peritoneum, therefore, this form of cancer is called peritoneal mesothelioma. Peritoneum has an extremely important role as it serves to protect the contents of the stomach.
Currently, there is still only one cause of peritoneal mesothelioma are known, namely exposure to asbestos dust and fibers. Only a few months since the first was exposed to asbestos exposure without getting adequate protection already may cause peritoneal mesothelioma 30-50 years later. Those who suffer from peritoneal mesothelioma is mostly the elderly who work associated with asbestos several decades ago when while working they don't get protection from asbestos dust. Many of them are suffering from this disease are being filed a multi-million dollar lawsuit against the companies that caused them to be exposed to asbestos.
There are two different ways that cause asbestos fibers can get into the peritoneum. The first way is the most common cause of asbestos fibers can reach the peritoneum is because they are trapped in the throat and in the lung by phlegm and eventually ingested. The second way that causes asbestos fibers can reach the peritoneum is because they stayed in the lungs, which then moved to the lymphatic system and finally transported to the peritoneum. Asbestos exposure received constantly will cause a large amount of fiber that built/formed in the peritoneum.
Despite its success rate could remain low, however there are several methods for treating peritoneal mesothelioma. Chances of survival of patients with peritoneal mesothelioma depends on how the handling of them early and aggressive cancer that was treated. Currently, the research laboratories and pharmaceutical companies in the United States are conducting various studies related to treatment of peritoneal mesothelioma.