Peritoneal cancer is incredibly rare; it accounts for less than 1% of all cancer diagnoses annually. If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with peritoneal cancer, this diagnosis may be overwhelming and can lead to many questions, including how and where to get treated, survivorship and other details. The OSUCCC – James is a national leader in providing peritoneal cancer care.
What is peritoneal cancer?
Peritoneal cancer is a rare form of gastrointestinal cancer found in the lining of your abdomen (the peritoneum), and depending on where it originates, may be classified (and treated) differently.
The peritoneum is a thin layer of tissue that lines the abdomen, and cancer found in this area is designated as primary or secondary. While it’s not known what causes peritoneal cancer, certain risk factors can increase your likelihood of developing it, so you should be aware of them and discuss any concerns with your doctor.
Primary peritoneal cancers
Primary peritoneal cancer begins in the peritoneum and, depending on its stage, may have spread to other parts of the body.
Primary peritoneal cancer is most often diagnosed in females assigned at birth, and its risk factors are like those for ovarian cancer. Most females assigned at birth are diagnosed with primary peritoneal cancer at age 60 or older, and those with endometriosis carry an elevated risk.
Examples of primary peritoneal cancers include:
- Benign (noncancerous) or malignant (cancerous) mesothelioma
- Desmoplastic small-round-cell tumors
Like other gastrointestinal cancers, primary peritoneal cancer often doesn’t show symptoms until it has advanced; diagnoses for this cancer type typically don’t occur until later.
Secondary peritoneal cancers
If peritoneal cancer has originated from a different organ and spread to the lining in the belly, it’s considered a secondary peritoneal cancer.
Secondary peritoneal cancer can start in the gastrointestinal or reproductive systems and is treated as a metastatic form of cancer due to the disease spreading into the peritoneum.
At the OSUCCC – James, our team of peritoneal cancer specialists treats more peritoneal cancers than any hospital in the region. Our collaborative approach means your doctor(s) and care teams work together across disciplines to develop a targeted treatment plan, and they’re focused solely on peritoneal tumors.
Peritoneal cancer symptoms
Peritoneal cancers may not cause symptoms in the early stages. In some rare cases, there are no symptoms even if peritoneal cancer has reached an advanced stage.
Symptoms of peritoneal cancer may include:
- Stomach pain
- Bloating
- Nausea and/or vomiting
- Weight loss or weight gain
- Changes in urinary or bowel habits
- Pressure in the abdomen
- Loss of appetite
Symptoms may change as peritoneal cancer reaches advanced stages and can cause ascites, which is fluid buildup in the abdominal cavity. This can cause stomach pain, fatigue, shortness of breath, increased abdominal size and nausea.
If you’ve experienced symptoms of peritoneal cancer or think you may be at an increased risk, it’s important to speak with your doctor as soon as possible.
Clinical trials for peritoneal cancer
The OSUCCC – James has access to a variety of clinical trials that address different types of peritoneal cancers. These trials are critical in finding new ways to better treat patients with primary or secondary cancers of the peritoneum.
Related Resources
Prevention and Diagnosis
Treatment
Treatment Team
If you have received a peritoneal cancer diagnosis or if you want a second opinion, we’re here to help. Call The James Line toll free to schedule an appointment at 800-293-5066.