Peritoneal cancer is a rare type of cancer that occurs in
the membrane that lines the abdomen, known as the peritoneum. The peritoneum
surrounds and protects the abdominal organs, and it produces a fluid that
allows the organs to move smoothly.
Peritoneal cancer can be difficult to detect in its early
stages because the symptoms are vague and resemble those of other conditions. Once
symptoms of peritoneal cancer appear, the cancer is already in an advanced
stage.
Symptoms of Peritoneal Cancer
When peritoneal cancer symptoms do occur, they can include:
- Abdominal discomfort and
pain, such as bloating, cramps, gas, indigestion, pressure, or swelling
- Frequent urination
- Digestive changes such as
constipation, diarrhea, or nausea
- Loss of appetite or
feeling of fullness when eating
- Unexplained weight loss or
gain
As peritoneal cancer worsens, fluid (ascites) can build up
in the abdomen, causing:
- Nausea or vomiting
- Stomach pain
- Fatigue
- Shortness of breath
- Abdominal distention
- Lower back pain
In its later stages, peritoneal cancer can cause symptoms
such as:
- Urinary or bowel blockage
- Stomach pain
- Inability to drink or eat
- Vomiting
Causes and Risk Factors of Peritoneal Cancer
Although the specific causes are unknown, peritoneal cancer
occurs when epithelial cells in the peritoneum begin to grow out of control.
Primary Peritoneal Cancer
Primary peritoneal cancer starts in the peritoneum and
almost exclusively develops in women. Primary peritoneal cancer is similar to
the most common type of ovarian cancer,
called epithelial ovarian cancer. Peritoneal cancer can occur even when the ovaries
have been removed.
Risk factors for primary peritoneal cancer include:
- Age
- Family history of ovarian or peritoneal cancer
- Genetic mutations known as BRCA1 and BRCA2
- Hormone replacement therapy, taken after
menopause
- Obesity or excess weight
- Tall height
- Endometriosis
Secondary Peritoneal Cancer
Secondary peritoneal cancer starts in another abdominal
organ and spreads (metastasizes) to the peritoneum. The secondary type is more common
than the primary type and affects both women and men.
Secondary peritoneal cancer has the same type of cancer
cells as the original cancer, which can originate in organs such as the
stomach, small/large intestines, appendix, and ovaries.
Preventing Peritoneal Cancer
It’s not always possible to prevent cancer, but certain
steps can help reduce the risk of developing primary peritoneal cancer. At UT
Southwestern Medical Center, our cancer specialists recommend habits that
enhance overall health, such as:
- Smoking cessation
- Regular physical activity
- Healthy diet
