The Maune Raichle Law Firm

Mesothelioma Abdominal

Abdominal mesothelioma is a rare form of a rare cancer which affects the mesothelium, the lining around the major organs of the body. The mesothelium is a mixture of epithelial cells and connective tissue which creates the lubrication instrumental in the frictionless movement of internal organs as well as the transport of fluid and particulate matter between compartments. Although pleural or thoracic mesothelioma is more common, peritoneal mesothelioma accounts for a large number of mesothelioma deaths.

Symptoms of abdominal mesothelioma, pain in the abdomen, decreased organ function, or loss of abdominal sensation, are nondescript and often lead to misdiagnosis or no diagnosis at all. Diagnosis does not occur until an X-ray or CAT scan are taken and reveal the presence of a growth, or tumor, on the abdominal peritoneum. This is usually followed up by an MRI and often a tissue culture but preliminary x-rays usually show abdominal mesothelioma to be quite advanced. In many cases at first detection there are no treatment options since the cancer is already too advanced. However, there are new treatment methods constantly being developed and the doctor's ability to treat abdominal mesothelioma continues to improve.

A percentage of mesothelioma cases have a hereditary cause but the majority of mesothelioma cases are caused by the known carcinogen asbestos. Abdominal mesothelioma can develop on its own or be a result of cancer which has spread from the pericardial or pleural mesothelium. Regardless of cause, most abdominal mesotheliomas can spread and need to be treatment immediately after being diagnosed to prevent spreading.