What is Peritoneal Adenocarcinoma?
An uncommon form of cancer known as peritoneal adenocarcinoma develops from a thin layer of tissues that line the interior cavity of the abdomen. The peritoneum is the term used to describe the thin layer of tissues or membrane that lines the inner cavity of the abdomen and covers its organs. The peritoneum is crucial in defending the organs against external pressure and damage. It also aids in keeping the hip and abdominal organs in their proper positions and offers lubricating fluid to lessen friction between the organs.Disease Causes
The formation of peritoneal adenocarcinoma does not have a clear cause, but some risk factors, like having BRCA1 or BRCA2 genetic abnormalities, being female, and being older, are thought to be to blame.Signs and Symptoms
The early stages of peritoneal adenocarcinoma are challenging to diagnose since the signs and symptoms are not always clear. The following signs and symptoms may appear in the patient when the disease is progressed. These are- Pain in the abdomen or discomfort
- Feeling of fullness even after eating a few bites of food
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Constipation
- Frequent need to go to the toilet to pass urine
- Loss of appetite (hunger)
- Abnormal bleeding from the vagina(bleeding other than menstruation)
- Bleeding from anus
- Constant Fever
- Excessive sweating
- Unexplained weight loss
Diagnosis
The following diagnostic tests and procedures can be used to make a diagnosis. These are- USG of the abdomen and Pelvis
- Endoscopic examination of the anus, rectum, and large intestine. Endoscopy is a procedure that allows the doctor to visualize the internal organs of the body directly through the endoscope.
- Computed tomography (CT-abdomen and pelvis), PET-scan.
- Biopsy of the lesion/tumor and histopathological examination
- Blood test for CA-125 (CA-125 is a cancer marker that can indicate the presence of some cancers in the body if its level is greater).
- Barium meal USG to see upper and lower
- gastrointestinal tract (esophagus, stomach, intestine, and rectum)
- Biopsy of the tumor cells