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Peritoneal Mesothelioma

This form of mesothelioma accounts for about 20% of documented cases which makes it considerably more rare than pleural mesothelioma. Peritoneal mesothelioma affects the lining that surrounds the abdominal organs, notably the GI tract. This cancer is contracted by exposure to asbestos, though the route of exposure to tumor is not well known.

There are two major theories as to how the cancer develops in the peritoneal mesothelium. Some researchers think the fibers get cause in mucous in the throat when they are inhaled and are swallowed as an entrance to the GI tract. Other researchers think the fibers may be inhaled to the lungs but travel to the lymphatic systems and transferred to the peritoneal area.

Either way, the fibers cause the cells in the area to behave abnormally and have incredibly long life spans. This causes the formation of tumors in the mesothelium which can spread throughout the peritoneal mesothelium. The cells remain dormant for multiple decades before showing any symptoms of the disease and by then the disease is in its advanced stages.

When symptoms do present themselves they include: abdominal pain and swelling (fluid retention), weight loss, appetite loss, nausea, bowel obstruction, weakness and breathing trouble depending on the size and location of the tumors.

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