Peritoneal Cancer

Primary Peritoneal Cancer is a rare form of cancer (also known as peritoneal adenocarcinoma) that originates in the peritoneum, a thin sheet of fine lines inside the abdomen and covers the uterus and extends over the bladder and rectum. The peritoneum is comprised of epithelial cells. By producing a lubricating fluid, peritoneum, this helps organs move smoothly in the pelvic cavity. Primary peritoneal cancer looks and behaves like ovarian cancer but the ovaries are minimally involved. Women who develop symptoms of ovarian cancer unfortunately will probably end up with primary peritoneal cancer.

Ovarian cancer is a disease in which malignant cells are found in the ovary. There are three types of ovarian tumors: epithelial cells, germ cells and the stromal cells. The cause of ovarian cancer is unknown but there are certain risk factors that indicate an increased likelihood of a woman in developing ovarian cancer metastasis. A risk factor is anything that may increase a person's chance of developing a disease. The following have been suggested as risk factors for ovarian cancer:

Early menstruation - starting periods at an early age usually before age 12
Late menopause (after 52 years of age)
Hormone Replacement Therapy
Infertility (inability to get pregnant)
Having a first child after age 30
Personal history of breast cancer or colon cancer
Family history of ovarian cancer
Some fertility drugs
Exposure to asbestos developing into mesothelioma tumor which affects the abdominal cavity.
The diagnosis of primary peritoneal cancer consists of the following different exams:

Pelvic Exam
Ultrasound
Determination of CA-125 (a blood test to measure the level of CA-125. CA-125 is a protein also known as a Tumor marker that is often found in greater concentrations in the blood of women suffering from ovarian cancer or cancer peritoneal)
Computed Tomography (CT)
Lower GI or barium enema (a series of X-rays of the colon and rectum. The photographs were taken after the patient receives an enema with a white, chalky solution containing barium, the colon and rectum on x-ray, making tumors or other abnormal areas easier to see and detect)
Biopsy