Peritoneal Mesothelioma: Prognosis, Survival Rates, & More

Symptoms of peritoneal mesothelioma often develop gradually and may initially be misinterpreted as less severe gastrointestinal conditions, such as irritable bowel syndrome or dietary intolerances.

This asbestos-related cancer primarily affects the lining of the abdomen, leading to symptoms that can remain subtle for months or even years.

Early recognition of these symptoms is challenging, frequently resulting in delayed diagnosis.

Peritoneal Mesothelioma: Early Signs & Symptoms

The early symptoms of peritoneal mesothelioma include abdominal pain, swelling, and changes in bowel habits, which can be subtle and easily overlooked.

These initial symptoms are often mistaken for minor ailments, delaying diagnosis until the disease progresses.

Initially, abdominal discomfort may feel sporadic, and appetite changes may seem negligible, particularly in individuals without a known asbestos exposure history.

Early signs and symptoms of peritoneal mesothelioma may include:

• Abdominal pain or discomfort, often localized and mild, may worsen over time.
• Abdominal swelling or distension due to fluid accumulation (ascites).
• Unexplained weight loss or loss of appetite.
• Nausea or vomiting.
• Changes in bowel habits, such as diarrhea or constipation.

Individuals experiencing any combination of these symptoms, especially those with a history of asbestos exposure, should consider seeking a medical evaluation.

Detecting these symptoms early offers a better opportunity for diagnosis in early disease stages, which can be critical in managing progression.

Progression of Peritoneal Mesothelioma Symptoms

As peritoneal mesothelioma advances, symptoms can become more pronounced and significantly affect daily life.

Individuals may experience severe abdominal pain, increased abdominal swelling, and significant weight loss.

These intensified symptoms are often accompanied by fatigue and difficulty performing routine activities.

The progression of symptoms typically includes:

• Persistent, severe abdominal pain that intensifies over time.
• Significant abdominal swelling due to increased fluid accumulation.
• Severe weight loss and muscle wasting (cachexia).
• Anemia leads to fatigue and weakness.
• Bowel obstruction causes severe discomfort and digestive issues.

In advanced stages, symptoms can severely impact the quality of life and may limit treatment options.

Recognizing these signs promptly is essential, especially for those with an asbestos exposure history, as early intervention may improve prognosis and symptom management.

Initial screenings for peritoneal mesothelioma involve various imaging techniques, including abdominal ultrasounds, CT scans, and PET scans, which help assess the presence and extent of potential tumors.

These imaging methods are critical in the peritoneal mesothelioma diagnosis process.

They allow healthcare providers to visualize abnormalities in the peritoneum, where mesothelioma tumors typically develop.

Often, symptoms prompt initial imaging studies that may reveal irregularities, leading to further testing.

Below are the primary imaging and diagnostic techniques used in early screenings:

• Abdominal Ultrasound: Used to detect fluid accumulation and masses in the abdominal cavity.
• CT Scan (Computed Tomography): This procedure provides detailed cross-sectional images of the abdomen, highlighting tumors’ size and location.
• PET Scan (Positron Emission Tomography): This is useful for identifying active cancer cells and determining the extent of cancer spread.
• MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging): Occasionally used to examine the tumor’s relationship to surrounding tissues.
• Paracentesis: Removal of abdominal fluid (ascites) for analysis when fluid buildup is present.

These tests help detect peritoneal thickening, nodules, or fluid buildup, which are often early signs of mesothelioma.

A biopsy is required to examine tissue samples for malignant mesothelioma cells for a definitive mesothelioma diagnosis.

Peritoneal Mesothelioma: Staging & Prognosis

Staging is important to determine the appropriate treatment options and prognosis for peritoneal mesothelioma patients.

Unlike pleural mesothelioma, there is no universally accepted staging system for peritoneal mesothelioma, but physicians often use the Peritoneal Cancer Index (PCI) to assess tumor burden.

The PCI assesses the extent of cancer spread within the abdominal cavity:

• Low PCI Score: Indicates a limited tumor burden, potentially allowing for more aggressive treatment options.
• High PCI Score: Reflects extensive disease spread, which may limit surgical options.

Other forms of malignant mesothelioma besides peritoneal mesothelioma include malignant pleural mesothelioma, which affects the lung lining, and pericardial mesothelioma, which affects the heart’s lining.

Accurate assessment helps physicians estimate survival rates and tailor treatment plans for each patient’s condition.

This information also informs patients and families about the disease’s likely progression, aiding in decisions about palliative care, clinical trials, or other supportive measures if curative treatment options are limited.

Treatment for peritoneal mesothelioma generally relies on a multimodal approach, combining surgery and chemotherapy to address the disease on multiple fronts.

A specialized treatment known as cytoreductive surgery with Hyperthermic Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy (HIPEC) has significantly improved outcomes for many patients.

While peritoneal mesothelioma is a challenging disease, early detection and a comprehensive treatment plan can improve prognosis, and in some cases, lead to long-term survival.

Peritoneal Mesothelioma Surgical Procedure: CRS and HIPEC

Cytoreductive surgery (CRS) combined with hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) is the primary surgical intervention for peritoneal mesothelioma.

Peritoneal mesothelioma treated aggressively aims to remove visible tumors and eliminate microscopic cancer cells within the abdominal cavity.

Here is a closer look at this surgical option:

• Cytoreductive Surgery (CRS): Involves the surgical removal of visible tumors and affected tissues within the peritoneal cavity.
• Hyperthermic Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy (HIPEC): Following surgery, heated chemotherapy drugs are circulated within the abdomen to kill the remaining cancer cells.
• Selection Criteria: Based on factors like the patient’s overall health, tumor burden, and extent of disease spread.

This intensive procedure requires specialized surgical expertise but offers the best chance for extended survival in eligible patients.

Other Peritoneal Mesothelioma Treatment Options: Systemic and Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy serves as an essential element in treating peritoneal mesothelioma, especially for patients who are not candidates for surgery.

This therapy targets cancer cells throughout the body or locally within the abdomen by administering chemotherapy drugs intravenously or directly into the peritoneal cavity (intraperitoneal chemotherapy).

Depending on the treatment goals, chemotherapy can shrink tumors, relieve symptoms, and extend survival.

The primary applications of chemotherapy in mesothelioma care:

• Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy: Administered before surgery to reduce tumor size and improve surgical outcomes.
• Adjuvant Chemotherapy: Given after surgery to eliminate any remaining cancer cells, reducing recurrence risk.
• Palliative Chemotherapy: Aims to relieve symptoms and improve quality of life in advanced disease stages.
• Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy: This type of chemotherapy delivers chemotherapy directly into the peritoneal cavity, sometimes in a heated form similar to HIPEC but administered differently.
• Side Effects Management: Supportive care measures are implemented to minimize side effects like nausea, fatigue, and decreased blood counts.

Chemotherapy is valuable, whether alone or combined with other treatments.

It offers options for symptom management and tumor control, providing relief and improved quality of life for patients at all disease stages.

Living with peritoneal mesothelioma can be physically and emotionally challenging, as patients often require continuous medical care and support to manage symptoms and maintain their quality of life.

This condition requires active management of symptoms to control physical discomfort and sustain emotional resilience and stability.

Comprehensive care strategies typically involve treatments, therapies, and lifestyle adjustments tailored to each patient’s needs, enabling a more comfortable day-to-day experience.

Managing the Symptoms of Peritoneal Mesothelioma

Managing symptoms is a critical aspect of care for peritoneal mesothelioma patients, emphasizing relieving pain, improving digestive function, and enhancing mobility.

These symptom management strategies are designed to reduce discomfort and help patients maintain as much independence as possible.

Here are some of the most effective methods for managing symptoms associated with peritoneal mesothelioma:

• Pain Management: Pain can be effectively minimized through medications and nerve-blocking treatments, allowing for more comfortable movement.
• Nutritional Support: Specialized diets and nutritional counseling help manage weight loss and digestive issues.
• Paracentesis: Procedure to remove excess abdominal fluid (ascites) to reduce discomfort and abdominal swelling.
• Physical Therapy: Gentle exercises maintain mobility and alleviate muscle weakness, improving daily functioning.
• Emotional Support: Counseling services to address the psychological impact of living with cancer.

Incorporating these practices into a patient’s routine contributes toward maintaining an active lifestyle.

Peritoneal Mesothelioma: Supportive Care & Palliative Options

Supportive and palliative care options for peritoneal mesothelioma focus on alleviating symptoms and enhancing the overall well-being of patients when curative treatment is no longer feasible.

These services are designed to address the physical, emotional, and social aspects of living with cancer, offering relief from pain, discomfort, and other symptoms.

Below are the primary forms of supportive and palliative care commonly utilized for mesothelioma patients:

• Pain Management: Includes advanced pain control methods, such as opioids and nerve blocks, tailored to patient comfort needs.
• Management of Ascites: Regularly remove excess abdominal fluid to relieve pressure and discomfort.
• Emotional Support: Counseling and mental health support address anxiety, depression, and coping challenges often faced by patients.
• Hospice Care: Provides comprehensive end-of-life care, emphasizing comfort and dignity for patients and their families.
• Social Support: Support groups and community resources offer connections with others experiencing similar challenges, fostering a sense of community.

Palliative care empowers patients by addressing their needs and helping them find comfort in everyday life.

Through this multifaceted approach, patients receive compassionate support, prioritizing their well-being and quality of life.

The prognosis for peritoneal mesothelioma varies widely and is influenced by individual factors such as the patient’s age, overall health, and the extent of the disease at diagnosis.

Because peritoneal mesothelioma is often diagnosed at a later stage, early mesothelioma diagnosis is crucial to improving prognosis.

Advancements in treatments, particularly CRS with HIPEC, have significantly improved survival rates for many patients.

While an early diagnosis may allow for more aggressive and potentially effective therapies, later-stage diagnoses often focus on managing symptoms and extending quality of life.

Factors Influencing Peritoneal Mesothelioma Prognosis

Several critical factors impact the prognosis for peritoneal mesothelioma patients, each playing a role in determining potential treatment options and overall survival.

By assessing these elements, physicians can develop a more personalized treatment plan that considers the patient’s unique circumstances and the biology of the disease.

Below are the primary factors that most commonly influence mesothelioma prognosis:

• Tumor Burden (PCI Score): A lower Peritoneal Cancer Index score indicates less extensive disease, potentially leading to better outcomes.
• Age: Younger patients generally have a better prognosis and may tolerate aggressive treatments more effectively.
• Overall Health: Pre-existing conditions can impact treatment response and recovery, affecting long-term outcomes.
• Tumor Histology: The epithelioid cell type is associated with a better prognosis than sarcomatoid or biphasic types.
• Treatment Response: The effectiveness of treatments like CRS with HIPEC plays a key role in extending survival.

Understanding these factors can help patients and their care teams make more informed decisions about treatment and supportive care options.

For many, focusing on individualized treatment strategies can enhance survival rates and the quality of life, making a meaningful difference in managing peritoneal mesothelioma.

Peritoneal Mesothelioma Survival Statistics

Peritoneal mesothelioma is the second most common form of the disease, developing within the thin membrane lining the abdominal cavity (peritoneum).

It accounts for approximately 10-20% of all mesothelioma cases.

Patients diagnosed with diffuse malignant peritoneal mesothelioma have seen improved survival rates in recent years due to advancements in treatment.

Key details on peritoneal mesothelioma survival rates:

• Median Overall Survival: Approximately 53 months with CRS and HIPEC treatment.
• 5-year Survival Rate: Ranges from 50-65% for patients undergoing aggressive treatment.
• Therapeutic Options: Cytoreductive surgery with HIPEC, systemic chemotherapy, or a combination of treatments.

Recent studies published in the Annals of Surgical Oncology demonstrate that patients undergoing CRS with HIPEC have significantly better survival outcomes than those receiving non-surgical treatments.

The findings show that aggressive surgical intervention, combined with heated chemotherapy, can lead to long-term survival in select patients.

Additionally, ongoing clinical trials are further exploring new therapies and combinations to improve outcomes for malignant peritoneal mesothelioma patients.

Peritoneal mesothelioma lawsuits are being filed by individuals across the country who were diagnosed with this aggressive cancer after being exposed to asbestos.

TruLaw is currently accepting clients for peritoneal mesothelioma cases.

A few reasons to choose TruLaw for your peritoneal mesothelioma lawsuit include:

• If We Don’t Win, You Don’t Pay: The asbestos lawyers at TruLaw and our partner firms operate on a contingency fee basis, meaning we only get paid if you win.
• Expertise: We have years of experience handling toxic tort cases similar to peritoneal mesothelioma lawsuits, which helps us anticipate what we can expect to see in your case and the regulations we will be required to meet.
• Successful Track Record: TruLaw and our partner law firms have helped our clients recover billions of dollars in compensation through verdicts and negotiated settlements.

If you or a loved one have been diagnosed with peritoneal mesothelioma after being exposed to asbestos, you may qualify to file a lawsuit and seek compensation.

Contact TruLaw using the chat on this page to receive an instant case evaluation and determine your eligibility for a peritoneal mesothelioma lawsuit today.