Understanding Primary Peritoneal Cancer

 Introduction

Primary Peritoneal cancer is rare cancer that starts in the peritoneum. The peritoneum is a thin layer of tissue made of epithelial cells that lines the abdomen and covers the uterus, bladder, and rectum. It produces a fluid that allows organs to move smoothly inside the abdomen.

Peritoneal cancer should not be confused with intestinal or stomach cancer or cancers that spread to the peritoneum. Peritoneal cancer primarily starts in the peritoneum, says an oncologist specialist in Kolkata.

Link Between Peritoneal and Ovarian Cancer

Peritoneal cancer behaves like ovarian cancer. The reason is that the ovaries' surface is made of epithelial cells, and so is the peritoneum. Therefore, both cancer causes similar symptoms. Treatment of these cancers is also identical. 

Peritoneal cancer, however, can occur anywhere in the abdominal space, even if your ovaries have been removed. It affects the surface of organs contained within the peritoneum.

The exact causes of peritoneal cancer remain unknown. However, according to the best cancer doctors in Kolkata, it comes from ovarian tissue implants left in the abdomen during fetal development. They also think it possible that the peritoneum undergoes changes that make it more like the ovaries.

Peritoneal Cancer Risk Factors 

Compared to men, women are more at risk of developing primary peritoneal cancer. Women who are at risk for ovarian cancer also has a high chance of developing peritoneal cancer. The chance increases even more if women have the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genetic mutations. Old age is another risk factor for peritoneal cancer.

Symptoms of Peritoneal Cancer

Peritoneal cancer symptoms include -

• Abdominal pain or discomfort from gas and indigestion
• Abdomen feels full even after a light meal
• Nausea or diarrhoea
• Constipation
• Frequent urination
• Loss of appetite
• Unintentional weight gain or loss
• Abnormal vaginal bleeding
• Rectal bleeding
• Shortness of breath

Peritoneal Cancer Treatments

Peritoneal cancer treatment varies according to the stage and grade of cancer. It also depends on the size and location of cancer and also on your age and overall health. 

The two primary treatments of this cancer include surgery and chemotherapy, says an oncologist specialist in Kolkata.