Peritoneal Mesothelioma

Peritoneal mesothelioma appears in the stomach or abdomen and therefore is sometimes called "abdominal mesothelioma." This stomach cancer accounts for around 20 percent of all malignant mesothelioma cases diagnosed each year. Peritoneal mesothelioma is the second most prevalent form of the asbestos-related cancer.

Mesothelioma specialists have two theories on how asbestos fibers enter the peritoneum and result in a peritoneal mesothelioma diagnosis.  The first theory is that the asbestos fibers are trapped by the mucus in the trachea or bronchi and eventually swallowed.  The second theory is that asbestos fibers stuck in the lungs eventually move into the lymphatic system and are transferred to the peritoneum.

Abdominal Mesothelioma Symptoms

Like all forms of asbestos-related cancers, peritoneal mesothelioma can be dormant for decades. Symptoms of peritoneal mesothelioma in the stomach can include:

• Abdominal pain
• Abdominal swelling due to fluid accumulation
• Weight loss
• Loss of appetite
• Weakness
• Nausea
• Bowel obstruction
• Breathing difficulties

It is often quite difficult to diagnose peritoneal mesothelioma in the stomach since the symptoms associated with asbestos cancer are often similar to those of other, less serious conditions. However, if you believe you may have abdominal mesothelioma, you should contact your health care provider immediately. Your doctor’s first step will be to collect a full medical and asbestos exposure history. Then, he may perform a laproscopy, which involves making a small opening in your abdomen and taking tissue samples.
Learn more about how doctors make a mesothelioma diagnosis.
At the Simmons Law Firm, our mesothelioma lawyers have been working with clients suffering from a peritoneal mesothelioma diagnosis for nearly a decade. In that time, our team of lawyers has represented thousands of individuals from all areas of the United States and recovered over $4 billion in verdicts and settlements on behalf of thousands of clients.*