There is not just one but over a hundred types of cancer. We only know a few of them which are commonly diagnosed but there are a lot of rare cancers that common people haven’t heard of. Peritoneal cancer is one such cancer type that is very rare but equally life-threatening as other cancers. Only an oncologist can tell about such cancers and so Onlymyhealth got in touch with Dr. Pramod Kumar Julka who is currently serving as Senior Director in Max Institute of Cancer Care, Lajpat Nagar, Delhi. He helped us understand peritoneal cancer, its symptoms, risk factors and other details.
What Is Peritoneal Cancer?
Peritoneal cancer is a rare type of cancer that develops in the epithelial cells layer which is a thin lining covering the inner abdomen wall. The lining is called ‘Peritoneum’ and therefore, this cancer is given the name ‘Peritoneal Cancer’. This lining protects the abdominal organs like small & large intestines, bladder, uterus and rectum. The peritoneum lining releases a lubricating fluid which helps the movement of organs inside the abdomen. The survival rate of this cancer is very poor as the symptoms often go unnoticed and are detected only when the condition gets severe and the patient is in the last stage of Peritoneal cancer.
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Symptoms of Peritoneal Cancer
The warning signs and symptoms of peritoneal cancer differ as per the type and stage. The concerning issue with this cancer is that there are no signs at the initial stage which may warn the person against the underlying problem. In some cases, symptoms don’t show until cancer has reached its last stage. The possible symptoms are:
- Abdominal pain
- Abdominal bloating
- Pressure around the pelvic area
- Urinary changes
- Changes in bowel movement
- Vaginal discharge
- Indigestion
- Feel full without eating much
- Sudden or abrupt changes in weight
With the progression of cancer, fluid starts to get collected in the abdomen which can result in:
- Stomach pain
- Fatigue
- Vomiting or nausea
- Breathlessness
Similarly, here are some signs which get evident later when cancer has progressed:
- Acute stomach pain
- Blockage in bowel or urinary
- The problem in eating or drinking anything
- Vomiting
Risk Factors for Peritoneal Cancer
This cancer is highly common in women but men can get it too. The risk of this cancer increases with age. Here is the list of all the risk factors for peritoneal cancer:
- Age: The chances are high in middle-aged and older people.
- Genetics: If you have a history of peritoneal or ovarian cancer in your family, you are highly likely to get this too. It is better to get yourself tested from time to time.
- Height and Weight: Obese and taller people are at the maximum risk of peritoneal cancer.
- Hormone therapy: A menopausal woman who undergoes hormone therapy after menopause may also contract this cancer.
- Endometriosis
Timely Diagnosis Is Important
With this rare cancer whose symptoms are vague, it becomes difficult to diagnose it at the early stage. Most people find out that they have peritoneal cancer at the last stage which decreases the chances of survival. Timely diagnosis is the only possible way to avert the situation and for that, people must pay heed to every minute unwilling sign that the body is giving.
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