All You Need To Know About Peritoneal Cancer!

Cancer can start in any living cell. In this write up we will see the cancer of peritoneum. It is a thin and transparent membrane which covers or lines the abdominal cavity. The function of this membrane is to produce a lubricating fluid which makes it possible to move the internal organ smoothly when we move. The peritoneum is made with the epithelial cells which are similar to the cells lining the ovaries. And this is the reason peritoneum cancer is all similar to the cancer of epithelial cells cancer of ovaries. It has two types one is primary peritoneum cancer when it starts in the peritoneal cells. It is secondary when it is reached to the peritoneum from the other body parts affected with cancer. 

Let’s see what causes peritoneal cancer. 

This is most common in women and elderly. Men rarely become victim of this sort of cancer. It is not known yet why this cancer develops in the individual. However it is assumed that it is genetically transmitted from one generation to another. Sometimes it is linked with the defective inherited gene which is connected with the breast and ovarian cancer.

What are the symptoms of peritoneal cancer?

The symptoms are quite difficult to understand in the first stage of cancer. Generally the symptoms are similar to the ovarian cancer. These are given below:

• Loss of hunger

• Pain in the lower abdomen

• Feeling satisfied even after having small share of food. 

• Diarrhea or constipation

• Frequent urination

• Nausea and bloating

• Sudden weight loss or gain

• Swelling in the abdomen

• Accumulation of fluid in the peritoneal cavity

• Abnormal vaginal bleeding

Diagnosis of peritoneal cancer depends on the symptoms shown by the disease. Treatment option includes surgery and chemotherapy. Occasionally radiotherapy is also used to eradicate the cancerous cells.