Being diagnosed or treated for peritoneal cancer at the OSUCCC – James means you have access to a renowned team that’s fully dedicated to helping you understand your disease. Our team includes experts in gynecologic and gastrointestinal cancers who work together to develop specialized and targeted cancer treatments.
There are two types of peritoneal cancer — primary and secondary — with the former occurring mostly in females assigned at birth who are over the age of 60. Secondary peritoneal cancer is found in both sexes, with varying factors that could contribute to an increased risk. Because these cancers don’t show symptoms early, they’re most often diagnosed in advanced stages, which makes knowing your risk factors (including family history) important.
Peritoneal cancer screening
Currently, there are no screenings specifically for peritoneal cancer. In many cases, peritoneal cancer is found during surgery to remove a tumor in another area of the abdomen when it has reached a more advanced stage.
Early detection for any cancer is critical, but the cancer experts at the OSUCCC – James are working to develop new testing and screening methods that can help find peritoneal cancer as early as possible. This will lead to better treatment and more positive outcomes along with fewer side effects.
How is peritoneal cancer diagnosed?
If you’ve experienced symptoms of peritoneal cancer or have concerning risk factors, your doctor may recommend certain tests to check if you have peritoneal cancer — the recommended tests will depend on what your symptoms are and your medical history.
The OSUCCC – James team of peritoneal cancer experts uses advanced and accurate methods of diagnostic testing to create the best and most effective plan for treatment. The following tests may be conducted to determine if you have peritoneal cancer and, if so, how advanced it has become.
Biopsy
This type of testing for peritoneal cancer involves removing a small piece of tissue that your cancer care team can examine under a microscope. They will determine if cancer is present in those cells, or if there are any abnormalities or certain proteins on the surface of cancerous cells. A biopsy will help your doctors understand the best course of treatment.
Blood tests and tumor markers
Your doctor may conduct a blood test or tumor marker test to determine the extent of your cancer.
Blood chemistry analysis
A blood sample will measure the amount of certain antibodies that have been released into your blood by your immune system.
Tumor marker tests
Tumor markers are most often proteins produced by your body in response to cancer and can be found in urine, blood or tissue. Certain tumor markers are used to diagnose specific types of cancer; when a tumor marker is at an elevated level, it may indicate that cancer is present.
CA-125 blood test
CA-125 is a protein associated with sugar in the blood, known as glycoprotein, that is often used to detect ovarian cancer. Because those with a history of ovarian cancer, or related risk factors, are at an increased risk of peritoneal cancer, this tumor marker may be used by your doctor if they suspect peritoneal cancer.
Diagnostic imaging for peritoneal cancer
Imaging tests provide your doctor with detailed images from inside your body, helping them to better understand the extent of your cancer, its location(s) and how it should be treated.
Computed tomography (CT) scan
This is an X-ray image of the affected area with several different angles and positions, which enables your doctor to determine if the cancer is in the peritoneum or has spread from another part of the body.
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
Your doctor may conduct an MRI to get high-resolution, detailed images of your body — specifically the abdominal cavity where cancer may be present. Your doctor will also get more information on the size of your peritoneal cancer tumor and look for any signs of progression, and be able to see if any nearby organs or parts of the body have been affected.
Positron-emission tomography (PET) scan
Cancer cells absorb sugar faster than other normal, healthy cells in your body. A PET scan uses a small amount of radioactive agent mixed with sugar (glucose) to look for cancerous areas in your body. Using a special camera designed specifically for PET scans, cancer cells will appear brighter and provide a detailed picture of the affected area(s).
Ultrasound
While this imaging method is less effective and less often used than those listed above, your doctor may require an ultrasound to look for peritoneal metastases.
Colonoscopy
Advancements in technology have now made virtual colonoscopies possible. Whether conducted in the traditional manner or virtual, your doctor will use the colonoscopy results to determine if cancer has developed in the peritoneum. Tissue samples may also be collected for examination during a virtual (CT) colonoscopy, and if necessary, can be removed as well.
Endoscopy
Using a thin, flexible tube called an endoscope, your doctor will examine the inside of your gastrointestinal tract.
Peritoneal cancer staging
Some cancers may be detected early and before they have metastasized (spread) and can be staged from 0 to IV. Because peritoneal cancer is a more advanced form of cancer, most diagnoses are either stage III or stage IV for primary peritoneal cancer.
Stage III peritoneal cancer is divided into three substages, and stage IV into two.
Stage IIIA peritoneal cancer
Cancer has spread to lymph nodes outside of the peritoneum or to the surface of the peritoneum.
Stage IIIB peritoneal cancer
Cancer has spread to the peritoneum outside of the pelvis or to lymph nodes located outside of the peritoneum.
Stage IIIC peritoneal cancer
Cancer has spread to lymph nodes outside of the peritoneum, to the surface of the spleen or liver, or to the peritoneum outside of the pelvis.
Stage IVA peritoneal cancer
Cancer has spread to other organs or distant parts of the body, and fluid buildup in the lungs has been detected.
Stage IVB peritoneal cancer
Cancer has spread to tissues and organs outside of the peritoneum and abdomen, such as the lungs or liver.
Because secondary peritoneal cancer has not originated in the peritoneum and has spread from another part of the body, it will typically be a stage IV diagnosis.
If you have received a peritoneal cancer diagnosis, or if you want a second opinion, we are here to help. Call 800-293-5066 to make an appointment.
Related Resources
Peritoneal Cancer Prevention
Peritoneal Cancer Treatment
Peritoneal Cancer Treatment Team