Peritoneal Surface Malignancy

Overview

The peritoneum is the tissue that lines and protects the organs in the abdomen such as the stomach, bowel and ovaries. Peritoneal cancer refers to cancer that develops within or has spread to the peritoneum from other organs within the abdomen (known as peritoneal metastases). Earlier peritoneal surface metastasis was labelled as advanced and inoperable. Now with the advent of HIPEC, patients with peritoneal surface malignancies are treated and cured.Whilst primary tumours of the peritoneum are very rare, with women more likely than men to develop cancer in the peritoneum, spread to the peritoneum from other abdominal cancers, such as stomach, colon and ovarian cancers, is very common.

 

What are the signs and symptoms?

 

Primary peritoneal cancer and peritoneal metastases can be difficult to detect as symptoms can be vague and may include:

 

• Abdominal pain or distention
• Loss of appetite
• Loss of weight
• Abdominal pain
• Bowel / Bladder habit disturbance
• Easy fatigue

 

Treatment options

• The treatment will be based on the stage and grade of peritoneal cancer and its size and location, in addition to patient`s age and general health.
• This may involve surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy and targeted therapies.
• The surgery for Peritoneal malignancy is Cytoreductive surgery + Hyperthermic Intra peritoneal chemotherapy

 

Cytoreductive Surgery + Hyperthermic Intra Peritoneal Chemotherapy

• Hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) is a highly concentrated, heated chemotherapy treatment
• It is delivered directly to the abdomen during surgery through a circulator machine.
• Allows for high doses of chemotherapy
• Enhances and concentrates chemotherapy within the abdomen
• Minimizes the rest of the body’s exposure to the chemotherapy
• Improves chemotherapy absorption and success
• Susceptibility of cancer cells to be destroyed more by this method.