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Primary Peritoneal Cancer
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Primary Peritoneal Cancer is a rare form of cancer (also known as peritoneal adenocarcinoma)
that originates in the peritoneum, a thin sheet of fine lines inside the abdomen and covers the
uterus and extends over the bladder and rectum. The peritoneum is comprised of epithelial cells.
By producing a lubricating fluid, peritoneum, this helps organs move smoothly in the pelvic
cavity. Primary peritoneal cancer looks and behaves like ovarian cancer but the ovaries are
minimally involved. Women who develop symptoms of ovarian cancer unfortunately will
probably end up with primary peritoneal cancer.
Ovarian cancer is a disease in which malignant cells are found in the ovary. There are three types
of ovarian tumors: epithelial cells, germ cells and the stromal cells. The cause of ovarian cancer
is unknown but there are certain risk factors that indicate an increased likelihood of a woman in
developing ovarian cancer metastasis. A risk factor is anything that may increase a person's
chance of developing a disease. The following have been suggested as risk factors for ovarian
cancer:
Early menstruation - starting periods at an early age usually before age 12
Late menopause (after 52 years of age)
Hormone Replacement Therapy
Infertility (inability to get pregnant)
Having a first child after age 30
Personal history of breast cancer or colon cancer
Family history of ovarian cancer
Some fertility drugs
Exposure to asbestos developing into mesothelioma tumor which affects the abdominal cavity.
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The diagnosis of primary peritoneal cancer consists of the following different exams:
Pelvic Exam
Ultrasound
Determination of CA-125 (a blood test to measure the level of CA-125. CA-125 is a protein also
known as a Tumor marker that is often found in greater concentrations in the blood of women
suffering from ovarian cancer or cancer peritoneal)
Computed Tomography (CT)
Lower GI or barium enema (a series of X-rays of the colon and rectum. The photographs were
taken after the patient receives an enema with a white, chalky solution containing barium, the
colon and rectum on x-ray, making tumors or other abnormal areas easier to see and detect)
Biopsy
The treatment for Primary Peritoneal Cancer depends on several factors, including: the stage of
the cancer, the extent of it and the patients overall health. The treatment is a combination of the
following methods; surgery, intensive chemotherapy and radiotherapy, supportive care (which is
directed to the symptoms, including pain relief, weight loss and fluid in the abdomen, which can
be removed during a procedure called abdominal paracentesis)
Finally we have the preventive measures suggested by physicians that include: a healthy diet
(high in fruits, vegetables, grains and low in saturated fats), birth control pills, pregnancy and
lactation and eventually if the person is presenting some symptoms of ovarian cancer the
removal of the ovaries. Also studies have shown that certain genes are responsible for increasing
the risk of ovarian and breast cancer. A routine inspection for gynaecological cancers can
prevent or diagnose at an early stage the presence of tumors.
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