One common form of mesothelioma is peritoneal mesothelioma, which is cancer that affects the lining of the abdominal cavity (peritoneum). 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 that allows organs to move against one another. The cells of the mesothelium are designed to create fluid, but mesothelioma can cause them to overproduce, creating a buildup of excess fluid in the abdominal cavity. Medical professionals believe that asbestos causes peritoneal mesothelioma in one of two ways.
First, asbestos fibers may be ingested, and when in the intestinal tract, the fibers may travel into the peritoneal cavity and peritoneum. Second, the fibers may be inhaled and transported through the lymph node system to the peritoneal cavity.
The symptoms of peritoneal mesothelioma include:
• Ascites (abnormal buildup of fluid in the body)
• Pain and swelling in the abdominal cavity
• Weight loss
• Bowel obstruction
• Anemia
• Fever
If you suffer from abdominal mesothelioma or one of the other types of asbestos-related cancer and are in the Baltimore, Maryland area, please contact the mesothelioma attorneys at Brown | Kiely, LLP today to schedule a confidential, complimentary consultation.
