Peritoneal Mesothelioma in Women

The typical mesothelioma patient is male, but women can and do get this form of cancer. Asbestos exposure on the job is less common for women, although there are documented cases of women coming into heavy contact with asbestos fibers from their husbands' workclothes. Home asbestos exposure poses just as much as risk to women as to men. Regardless of the etiology of any case, both doctors and patients need to be sure to avoid ruling out a mesothelioma diagnosis just because the patient is female. Mesothelioma is one of those deadly diseases that kills more than 10,0000 people around the world each year. Mesothelioma can finish up a life of a healthy human being within 3 months or even less than 60days, if proper treatment is not provided to the patient. The main problem with this disease is that it can’t be diagnosed easily in its premature stage and doctors usually identify this disease in the later stages due to which the patient suffers from some permanent life long ailments even if he/she gets treated.

Peritoneal mesothelioma is a cancer affecting the abdominal lining, or peritoneum, which is why is is sometimes referred to as abdominal mesothelioma. This membrane supports and covers the organs of the abdomen. The peritoneum is made of two parts, the visceral and parietal peritoneum. The visceral peritoneum covers the internal organs and makes up most of the outer layer of the intestinal tract. Covering the abdominal cavity is the parietal peritoneum. Cells in these linings secrete a fluid which allows organs to move against one another. For instance, as the intestines move food through the body. The cells of the mesothelium are designed to create fluid, but the cancer can cause them to overproduce, creating a build up of excess fluid in the abdominal cavity.
Symptoms of Peritoneal Mesothelioma:
Following are the most common symptoms of peritoneal mesothelioma
 • Unexpected weight loss
 • Abdominal pain during bowel
 • Unexpected vomiting
 • Fatigue

If you are wondering "do I have peritoneal mesothelioma?" you should seek the guidance of your physician immediately; like many cancers, early detection is very important. Malignant peritoneal mesothelioma symptoms may not appear until 20 to 30 years after the first exposure to asbestos. Symptoms are usually not specific to peritoneal mesothelioma, and most often accompany other, less serious medical issues. This may make diagnosing peritoneal mesothelioma more difficult. If you have a history of asbestos exposure, your should have regular check ups with your doctor and an awareness of peritoneal mesothelioma symptoms.