Peritoneal mesothelioma is the second most common form of malignant mesothelioma. There are about 2000 cases of mesothelioma diagnosed each year in the US and about 30% of these mesothelioma cases are peritoneal mesothelioma.

Peritoneal mesothelioma is a rare type of cancer that affects the peritoneum, an abdominal lining that surrounds and protects the major organs in the abdomen. Exactly how peritoneal mesothelioma is caused by exposure to asbestos fibers is not known. There are two main theories about how asbestos exposure can cause the development of peritoneal mesothelioma.

One theory is that asbestos fibers that enter the lungs travel to the peritoneal membrane layer through the lymphatic system. The other theory is that the person ingested the asbestos fibers and the fibers get to the peritoneal membrane by working their way through the digestive organs. Mesothelioma researches believe that the asbestos fibers cause long term inflammation and irritation which causes the cells to become cancerous.

It can take 20 to 50 years after the asbestos exposure for symptoms of peritoneal mesothelioma cancer to appear. Most of the symptoms of peritoneal mesothelioma are caused by the thickening of the peritoneal membrane layer caused by fluid buildup, tumors, and plaque.

Symptoms of peritoneal membrane can include

		Lumps under the skin around the abdomen
		Anemia
		Fever or Night Sweats
		Nausea and fatigue
		Weight loss
		Diarrhea or constipation

As with other types of mesothelioma, the outlook for persons who develop peritoneal mesothelioma is grim. Most treatment regimens for peritoneal mesothelioma patients include radiation therapy and chemotherapy. However, in cases where peritoneal mesothelioma is diagnosed early enough the patient may be a candidate for surgical resection of the cancer, potentially adding years to the prognosis.

Most persons who develop peritoneal mesothelioma were exposed at their place of work, typically in an industrial setting. Because these businesses took little precautions to protect workers from inhaling or ingesting the asbestos fibers, they may be liable.

If you or a loved one has been exposed to asbestos at work or home, you should contact a peritoneal mesothelioma attorney immediately. You may be eligible for financial compensation for personal and financial damages caused by the asbestos exposure. An experienced mesothelioma lawsuit attorney can help you get the peritoneal mesothelioma settlement you deserve.