Malignant Peritoneal Mesothelioma

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Overview

Malignant peritoneal mesothelioma (MPM) is a rare type of cancer that starts in the lining of the abdomen.

MPM has been linked to asbestos exposure, although that link is stronger in a different form of mesothelioma that originates in the chest cavity.

Our care

Learn more about the specialized care provided at Mount Sinai Hospital for peritoneal surface malignancy cancers.

This content is intended for informational purposes only and is not intended to be used or relied upon for any diagnostic or treatment purposes. It does not replace the need for consultation with a health-care professional. Please speak with your health-care professional for questions about your health.

Symptoms

Symptoms of MPM includes any of the following:

Abdominal pain
Chest pain
Nausea
Anemia
Trouble breathing

Having these symptoms does not necessarily mean you have cancer, as they are also common symptoms of other conditions.

Diagnosis

MPM is often difficult to diagnose.

There are several tests commonly used to make a diagnosis. More than one test (or other tests that are not listed) may be needed to make an accurate diagnosis.

Computed tomography (CT) scan

A CT scan takes pictures of the inside of the body using X-rays from different angles. A computer combines these images into a cross-sectional picture that makes it easier to see if there are any abnormalities or tumours.

Biopsy

When your CT scan suggests that cancer is present, a biopsy is needed to make a definite diagnosis.

During a biopsy, a physician removes a small amount of tissue so it can be examined under a microscope and analyzed by a pathologist.

A pathologist is a physician who specializes in interpreting laboratory tests and evaluating cells, tissues, and organs to diagnose disease.

MPM can be difficult to diagnose. Sometimes, another biopsy is needed so the sample can be reviewed by a pathologist with expertise in mesothelioma.

Treatment

Your care team will work with you to create the best personalized care plan based on your specific needs. Your treatment may include one or more of the following.

Paracentesis

In many patients with MPM, fluid builds up in the abdomen. This is called ascites. We use a procedure called paracentesis to remove the fluid.

During this procedure, a needle is inserted into the abdomen to drain the fluid. This helps relief the discomfort caused by ascites.

Systemic chemotherapy

This type of chemotherapy gets into the bloodstream to reach cancer cells throughout the body.

This can be done using an intravenous (IV) tube, which is a tube placed into a vein using a needle, or in a pill that you swallow.

Cytoreductive surgery with hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC)

Cytoreductive surgery with HIPEC is a very specialized surgical technique that is used to treat some cases of cancer. Typically, the surgeon will try to remove as much of the tumour as possible and then insert a tube into the abdomen through which chemotherapy can be given. The chemotherapy fluid is warmed up to increase its ability to penetrate tissue and kill remaining cancer cells. Mount Sinai Hospital is one of the few hospitals that offer this treatment in Canada.