Peritoneal cancer is a rare type of cancer originating in the peritoneum, a thin tissue lining the abdominal wall and covering abdominal organs. This tissue produces fluid, allowing organs to move smoothly. Primary peritoneal cancer shares similarities with ovarian cancer, as both arise from epithelial cells. Recognizing early indications can be challenging since symptoms are often subtle and mimic those of more common, less severe ailments.
Identifying Early Symptoms
Early signs of peritoneal cancer can be vague, making them difficult to distinguish from everyday discomforts. Abdominal bloating or distension, a feeling of swelling or increased abdominal size, is a common symptom. Individuals might notice their clothes fitting tighter around the waist, even without significant weight gain. This sensation of fullness often accompanies bloating, leading to a feeling of being satiated after consuming only small amounts of food.
Persistent indigestion or nausea can also signal peritoneal cancer. These digestive upsets may not respond to typical remedies and persist. Changes in bowel habits, such as new or worsening constipation or diarrhea, are another potential indicator. These alterations might occur without clear dietary or lifestyle changes.
Unexplained weight loss is another symptom that warrants attention, referring to losing weight without intentionally trying through diet or increased physical activity. Conversely, some individuals might experience unintended weight gain, often due to fluid accumulation in the abdomen. Pelvic or abdominal discomfort and pain can also arise, described as a vague cramping or pressure-like sensation that may be diffuse or localized.
Frequent urination or a more urgent need to urinate can also be present. This symptom occurs when the growing cancer or accumulated fluid puts pressure on the bladder. Fatigue, a persistent feeling of tiredness even after adequate rest, is another common, non-specific symptom.
How Symptoms Develop
Peritoneal cancer symptoms arise from how cancer cells interact with the abdominal cavity. As cancer cells grow on the peritoneum, they can produce fluid, leading to a condition called ascites. This fluid accumulation causes abdominal swelling, bloating, and fullness. Increased fluid pressure also contributes to abdominal discomfort and pain.
Cancer growth also directly affects nearby organs. Tumors on the peritoneum can press against or infiltrate the intestines, stomach, and bladder. This pressure disrupts normal digestive processes, leading to indigestion, nausea, and changes in bowel function like constipation or diarrhea. Fullness after small meals results from reduced stomach capacity due to external compression or direct involvement.
The disease can also lead to systemic effects. Its presence and impact on the digestive system can hinder nutrient absorption, contributing to unintended weight loss. The body’s response to growing cancer can also result in fatigue as it expends energy fighting the disease.
When to Seek Medical Attention
It is important to consult a healthcare professional if you experience persistent, new, or worsening symptoms. While many early signs of peritoneal cancer are non-specific and can be attributed to other conditions, their ongoing nature warrants investigation. Persistent symptoms like abdominal bloating, pain, or changes in bowel habits that do not resolve within a few weeks should prompt a medical evaluation.
Seeking medical advice is particularly important if symptoms significantly affect your quality of life. Providing a detailed history of your symptoms, including their duration and severity, can assist your healthcare provider in assessing your situation. Timely consultation allows for proper evaluation and helps rule out serious conditions, even if the symptoms ultimately prove benign.
Confirming a Diagnosis
Confirming a diagnosis of peritoneal cancer typically involves a series of steps once symptoms prompt medical attention. A healthcare provider begins with a thorough physical examination, which may include a pelvic exam, to check for any abnormalities or fluid buildup in the abdomen. This initial assessment helps guide further diagnostic testing.
Imaging tests are commonly used to visualize the abdominal cavity and identify any tumors or fluid. These include computed tomography (CT) scans, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans, and ultrasounds. While these scans can detect masses or fluid, peritoneal cancer can sometimes be challenging to see using these methods alone.
Blood tests are also part of the diagnostic process. A common test measures the level of cancer antigen 125 (CA-125), a protein that can be elevated in the presence of peritoneal cancer. However, CA-125 levels can also be high due to other non-cancerous conditions, so it is not a definitive diagnostic tool on its own. Other tumor markers like HE4 may also be checked.
Ultimately, a definitive diagnosis of peritoneal cancer often requires a biopsy. This procedure involves taking a tissue sample from the peritoneum, typically through a minimally invasive surgery called a laparoscopy. During a laparoscopy, a surgeon inserts a thin tube with a camera into the abdomen to visualize the area and collect tissue samples. These are then examined under a microscope by a pathologist to confirm the presence of cancer cells. If fluid is present, a sample can also be taken for analysis, a procedure known as paracentesis.