Peritoneal Cancer
Peritoneal Cancer is a rare type of cancer. This cancer develops in the thin layer of tissue lining the abdomen, called the peritoneum. This tissue covers your uterus, bladder, and rectum. It also produces the fluid that helps these organs move inside the abdomen.
Peritoneal cancer should not be confused with stomach cancer or intestinal cancer. It is more similar to ovarian cancer. This is because cancer cells of peritoneal cancer are the same as the cancer cells found in most common ovarian cancer.
We have the best urologist at Doral Health and Wellness Urology Center that can help you if you with your condition, especially if you have peritoneal cancer. You can contact us by visiting our clinic or visiting our website at https://www.urologistbrooklyn.com.
Symptoms
You won’t notice the symptoms of this cancer until it has progressed to a later stage. If you experience symptoms at a very early stage, the symptoms will seem to be very vague. They may include:
- Abdominal and pelvic pain
- Bloating
- Abnormal vaginal bleeding
- Rectal bleeding
- Constipation
- Increase in gas
- Frequent urination
- Unintended weight gain/loss
As the peritoneal cancer progress, you will notice additional symptoms, that can include:
- Fatigue
- Shortness of breath
- Swelling of the legs
- Fluid build-up in the abdomen
- Nausea
Risk Factors
Doctors and researchers don’t know the exact cause of peritoneal cancer. But it is believed that people with certain gene mutations have a higher risk of developing the disease. Also, based on research, women are more at risk of developing peritoneal cancer than men. The risk factors can include:
- Age – people your age, 60 and older, are mostly to be diagnosed with peritoneal cancer than those who are younger at 59 and below
- Endometriosis – your risk increases because of your endometriosis
- Genetics – if your immediate family member has developed this kind of cancer, you are at risk of developing the same condition. Women with certain gene mutations (BRCA1 or MRCA2) have a higher risk of developing peritoneum cancer
- Obesity – your being overweight will increase your risk of this condition too
- Hormone replacement therapy – if you have used hormone therapy after your menopausal stage, your risk for peritoneal cancer also increases.
- Reproductive history – you have no children or you’re struggling with infertility also has an increased risk of developing this cancer
Treatment
Your treatment will depend on your:
- Cancer stage
- Tumor size and location
- Age and overall health condition
Treatment for peritoneal cancer includes:
- Surgery – this procedure is done to remove all tumors and traces of the disease in your body. Your fallopian tubes, ovaries, and uterus may also be removed, depending on what is found by the doctor
- Chemotherapy – this procedure is used to destroy cancer cells that are not removed during the surgery. These kinds of drugs work by disrupting the growth of the cancer cells and preventing them from spreading
- Palliative care – because your condition is often diagnosed during the advanced stages, palliative care is recommended to help you relieve the symptoms of your condition, such as pain and fluid buildup
Because peritoneal cancer is diagnosed during its advanced stages, there is no assurance that it you will be cancer-free after several treatment procedures. This type of cancer often returns after treatment. Make sure that you get an earlier diagnosis to help improve your treatment outcome.
Our specialists at Doral Health and Wellness – Urology Center are experts in peritoneum cancer care. You can visit us at 1797 Pitkin Avenue, Brooklyn, New York, 11212 to book an appointment. You can also call us at 1-347-384-5609, or visit our website at http://www.urologistbrooklyn.com/ to book an appointment online.