What is Primary Peritoneal Carcinoma of the Abdomen?
Primary Peritoneal Carcinoma of the Abdomen is a rare cancer that begins in the peritoneum, which is a thin tissue that lines the abdomen and protects organs such as the bladder, intestines, and uterus. It develops when cells in the lining grow abnormally.
Disease Causes
The exact cause of primary peritoneal cancer is unknown, but several risk factors may increase its likelihood. These include genetic mutations, particularly in the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes, as well as a family history of cancer affecting the ovaries, fallopian tubes, or peritoneum. Other contributing factors include increasing age, obesity, endometriosis, infertility, and never birthing children.
Signs and Symptoms
Early symptoms are often vague but may include:
- Pain in the abdomen or pelvic (hip) region
- Bloating
- The feeling of fullness after taking a few bites of food
- Frequent need to go to the toilet to pass urine
- Abnormal bleeding from the vagina
- Loss of appetite
- Changes in weight
- Unintentional weight loss
Advanced symptoms may include:
- Constant feeling of tiredness (Fatigue)
- Accumulation of fluids in the abdomen (ascites)
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Difficulty in breathing
- Swelling of the ankles and legs
Diagnosis
The following diagnostic techniques and procedures can be utilised to establish a diagnosis.
- Imaging techniques such as ultrasonography (USG), CT scan, MRI, and X-ray are used to detect the site, size, and extent of the tumour. A pelvic examination involves a speculum examination of the vagina, cervix, uterus, and ovaries.
- Serum tumour markers
- Laparoscopy: Laparoscopy is a minimally invasive surgical procedure in which a doctor makes small incisions in the abdomen and inserts a thin tube with a camera, called a laparoscope, to examine internal organs. It helps diagnose diseases, collect tissue samples for biopsy, and perform certain medical treatments. Compared to open surgery, laparoscopy causes less pain and allows for a faster recovery.
Treatment Options
- Surgery: Removes as much cancer as possible, which may include the ovaries, fallopian tubes, uterus, and other affected structures.
- Chemotherapy: Delivered through veins (IV) or directly into the abdomen (intraperitoneal), sometimes combined with heated chemotherapy (HIPEC) for enhanced effectiveness.
- Targeted Immunotherapy: Uses specialised medications to attack cancer cells.
- Hormonal Therapy: Blocks hormones that promote cancer growth.
- Radiation Therapy: Rarely used but can target small remaining cancer cells after treatment.
Anyone with risk factors or persistent symptoms should consult a doctor, as early detection greatly improves treatment success.
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