What Is Peritoneal Cancer?

Peritoneal cancer is a rare type of cancer that develops in the thin layer of tissue lining your abdomen, which is known as the peritoneum. The peritoneum is composed of epithelial cells that help to protect the surfaces of the body and produce a fluid that allows the organs to move in the abdomen. The peritoneum also lines the organs inside the abdomen, including the bladder, intestines, rectum, and uterus. Peritoneal cancer develops when the cells of the peritoneum mutate and grow out of control.

Types of Peritoneal Cancer

There are two different types of peritoneal cancer, classified by where they first develop:

• Primary peritoneal cancer: Develops within the cells of the peritoneum.
• Secondary peritoneal cancer: Originates elsewhere in the body and spreads to the peritoneum.

Symptoms of Peritoneal Cancer

Similar to ovarian cancer, symptoms often do not appear until the disease has progressed into later stages. Many people are diagnosed with peritoneal cancer only after it has advanced. Symptoms may include:

• Abdominal or pelvic pain
• Atypical vaginal bleeding or discharge
• Feeling full after eating a small amount
• Indigestion
• Loss of appetite
• Feeling bloated
• Bowel changes (constipation or rectal bleeding)
• Frequent urination
• Unintended weight loss or weight gain

As peritoneal cancer advances, additional symptoms may include:

• Fatigue
• Ascites (fluid buildup in the abdomen)
• Nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea
• Dyspnea (shortness of breath)
• Swelling of the legs

Causes and Risk Factors

The exact cause of peritoneal cancer is unknown. It appears more frequently in people with genetic mutations affecting tumor-suppressing genes. However, many people with peritoneal cancer do not have a family history of it or a genetic mutation.

Risk factors that may increase the likelihood of developing peritoneal cancer include:

• Being 65 or older
• Family history of peritoneal, ovarian, or fallopian tube cancer
• Family history of Lynch syndrome
• Use of hormone replacement therapy
• Endometriosis
• Obesity
• Gene mutations (BRCA1, BRCA2, or related genes)

Diagnosing Peritoneal Cancer

Peritoneal cancer is usually diagnosed after a physical examination, medical history review, and specific diagnostic tests. These may include:

• Blood tests: Detect cancer-related markers such as CA-125 and HE4.
• Imaging tests: CT scans, MRIs, or ultrasounds help locate tumors.
• Laparoscopy: A small camera inserted into the abdomen to obtain a biopsy.
• Paracentesis: A procedure to collect and analyze abdominal fluid.
• Pelvic exam: Examining the reproductive organs for abnormalities.

Treatment Options for Peritoneal Cancer

Treatment varies based on cancer stage, tumor size, location, and overall health. Standard options include surgery, chemotherapy, targeted therapy, supportive care, or a combination of these.

Surgery

Surgery is typically the first line of treatment. A procedure called cytoreductive surgery removes as much of the cancer as possible. This surgery may also involve removing the fallopian tubes, ovaries, uterus, fatty tissue around the intestines, or other abnormal tissue.

Chemotherapy

Often used with surgery, chemotherapy destroys cancer cells. It can be administered via pill or IV, but in peritoneal cancer, drugs may be placed directly into the peritoneum, improving effectiveness and reducing side effects. In some cases, chemotherapy is given before surgery to shrink tumors.

Targeted Therapy

Targeted therapy uses specific IV or oral drugs that attack cancer cells while sparing healthy tissue. It is often recommended for people with recurrent peritoneal cancer, sometimes alongside chemotherapy.

Supportive Care

Also known as palliative care, supportive care is recommended for patients too ill for aggressive treatment. It focuses on improving quality of life by managing symptoms such as pain, nausea, and fatigue.

Prognosis and Survival Rates

The prognosis for peritoneal cancer is often poor, as it is usually diagnosed at a late stage. This cancer also has a high likelihood of recurrence. Early diagnosis improves treatment outcomes. Survival rates are higher when:

• The cancer has not spread to the lymph nodes.
• HIPEC (heated intraperitoneal chemotherapy) has been administered.
• The surgeon successfully removes most of the cancerous tissue.

Prevention and Awareness

There is no guaranteed way to prevent peritoneal cancer, but certain measures may lower the risk:

• Giving birth
• Breastfeeding
• Using birth control pills
• Removing the fallopian tubes or ovaries
• Having a tubal ligation

People with a strong family history of ovarian cancer or gene mutations may consider genetic counseling and risk-reducing options.

When to See a Doctor?

Early detection can improve prognosis. See a doctor if you experience unexplained weight loss, abdominal pain, bloating, nausea, vomiting, or changes in bowel habits.

Why Choose Baptist Health?

Baptist Health provides high-quality, multidisciplinary care for peritoneal cancer, offering advanced diagnostic tools, surgical expertise, and personalized treatment plans. Our oncology specialists utilize the latest therapies, including cytoreductive surgery and HIPEC, to improve patient outcomes. We prioritize compassionate, patient-centered care, ensuring you receive support at every stage of treatment. If you would like to learn more about cancer care, call a Baptist Health oncologist.

Peritoneal Cancer FAQs

There are many questions that people frequently ask regarding peritoneal cancer.

How Aggressive Is Peritoneal Cancer?

Peritoneal cancer is considered an aggressive cancer. Because symptoms often appear in later stages, more intensive treatments are usually necessary.

Does Peritoneal Cancer Spread Fast?

Yes. Peritoneal cancer spreads quickly due to the dense presence of lymph and blood vessels in the peritoneum, which facilitate the movement of cancer cells.

Does Chemo Work for Peritoneal Cancer?

Yes, chemotherapy is an effective treatment for peritoneal cancer. It is typically administered intravenously or directly into the abdominal cavity. HIPEC, a form of heated chemotherapy applied immediately after cytoreductive surgery, may be more effective in treating this cancer.

Is Peritoneal Cancer the Same as Ovarian Cancer?

Peritoneal cancer and ovarian cancer are closely related but not the same. Primary peritoneal cancer originates in the peritoneum, while ovarian cancer starts in the ovaries and may spread to the peritoneum. Both share similar symptoms and treatment approaches, including surgery and chemotherapy. However, peritoneal cancer can occur even in individuals who have had their ovaries removed.