Peritoneal Mesothelioma Research Paper

Peritoneal Mesothelioma is a type of cancer that affects the peritoneum, which is the protective lining of the abdomen. Hence, this disease is also known abdominal mesothelioma.

The peritoneum has two layers, the visceral and the parietal peritoneum. The visceral peritoneum is the inner layer that envelops the abdominal organs and forms the periphery of the intestinal tract. On the other hand, parietal peritoneum is the outer layer that covers the abdominal cavity. The purpose of these layers is to protect the internal organs and to secrete a lubricating fluid that eases the movement of internal organs in the abdominal cavity.

Causes of Peritoneal Mesothelioma

It is widely believed that asbestos is the main cause for peritoneal mesothelioma. According to medical opinion, there are two ways asbestos dust could reach the intestine lining, one through involuntary ingestion during working long hours and days amid asbestos, and secondly, through the lungs while breathing and via the lymph nodes to the peritoneal cavity. Either way, it is harmful to the human body, and may invariably lead to this cancerous condition if exposed to for a longer period of time.
Most often by this time it will be too late to effectively treat the disease or provide any constructive medication or treatment. Also because most of the symptoms are not specific to the cancer, a diagnosis of the cancer is usually not made