Peritoneal carcinomatosis is a serious condition in which cancer cells spread to the peritoneum, the thin layer of tissue that lines the inside of the abdomen and covers abdominal organs.
This condition often results from cancers that begin in other parts of the body, especially the stomach, ovaries, colon, or pancreas. In peritoneal carcinomatosis, cancer cells travel through the abdominal fluid and implant themselves on the peritoneal surface, forming small tumour nodules.
Symptoms
The condition is not a primary cancer but rather a sign that another cancer has advanced. Symptoms often develop slowly and may include pain in abdomen, bloating, weight loss, loss of appetite(hunger), and a feeling of fullness even after eating small amounts. In some cases, fluid builds up in the abdomen, causing visible swelling and discomfort—a condition known as ascites.
Diagnosis
Diagnosis begins with imaging tests such as CT scans or MRI to detect abnormal growths or fluid in the abdomen. Blood tests to check for tumour markers and a biopsy of the peritoneal tissue help confirm the diagnosis. Sometimes, doctors perform a laparoscopy, a minor surgical procedure using a small camera to directly view and biopsy the affected areas inside the abdomen.
Treatment
Treatment of peritoneal carcinomatosis is challenging and depends on the original cancer type, how much it has spread, and the patient’s overall health. A combination of surgery and chemotherapy is often used. In selected cases, a procedure called HIPEC (Hyperthermic Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy) may be performed.
In HIPEC, heated chemotherapy is delivered directly into the abdominal cavity during surgery, aiming to kill any remaining cancer cells. This technique has shown promise in extending survival in certain types of cancer, such as colorectal or ovarian cancer.
Prognosis
Despite advances in treatment, the prognosis of peritoneal carcinomatosis can be poor, especially if the disease is widespread or originates from an aggressive cancer. However, some patients benefit significantly from combined surgical and chemotherapy treatments.
Supportive care to manage symptoms like pain and fluid buildup is also important to improve quality of life. Regular follow-ups and close monitoring are needed in all patients to manage complications and evaluate treatment response.
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