Five Key Points About Peritoneal Mesothelioma

Pleural mesothelioma, an uncommon and aggressive lung cancer linked to asbestos exposure, is the most prevalent asbestos-related cancer. On the other hand, peritoneal mesothelioma, a form of abdominal cancer, is less common and typically associated with asbestos cross-contamination, as exemplified by asbestos-laced talcum powder.

Geologically, asbestos and talc are nearly identical minerals, often found in proximity, and their mines occasionally intersect. Due to substandard mining or quality control practices, fibers from both substances can intermingle, contaminating cosmetic products, particularly talcum powder.

While peritoneal mesothelioma is treatable, the associated treatments are prohibitively expensive. Seeking the assistance of a nationwide asbestos exposure lawyer is essential for obtaining the necessary compensation to cover these expenses and enable affected families to move forward. Multiple legal options are available for peritoneal mesothelioma victims, each with its own advantages and disadvantages.

Out of approximately 3,000 new mesothelioma cases diagnosed annually in the U.S., only 300 to 500 are peritoneal mesothelioma. Other asbestos-related illnesses include asbestosis and pleural thickening, both affecting the lungs.

While over 90 percent of pleural mesothelioma cases result from direct asbestos exposure, only about 40 percent of peritoneal mesothelioma cases have a primary connection to direct asbestos exposure. Cross-contamination factors, as well as take-home asbestos exposure, contribute to many peritoneal mesothelioma cases. Unlike pleural mesothelioma, which predominantly affects men, peritoneal mesothelioma often afflicts women who use specific cosmetic products or live in proximity to asbestos workers.

Peritoneal mesothelioma often remains asymptomatic until reaching an advanced stage. Symptoms to be vigilant for include abdominal pain or swelling, nausea, altered bowel movements, unexplained fever, and weight loss. A biopsy is imperative for an accurate peritoneal mesothelioma diagnosis.

Cytoreductive surgery, followed by hyperthermic intraoperative peritoneal perfusion with chemotherapy (HIPEC), is a common treatment for peritoneal mesothelioma. When surgery is not curative, platinum chemotherapy becomes the standard of care, potentially followed by second or third-line chemotherapy if necessary.

Peritoneal mesothelioma treatment poses challenges due to the lack of dedicated drug studies. Current treatments are derived from studies on pleural mesothelioma patients. Some Phase I clinical trials may include peritoneal mesothelioma patients, but dedicated research for this rare cancer type is scarce.

A recent study explored a combination of immunotherapy and targeted therapy for advanced peritoneal mesothelioma, showing promising results with a positive response in 40 percent of participants. However, additional research is essential before this approach becomes a mainstream peritoneal mesothelioma treatment due to the inherent risks associated with immunotherapy.

Individuals affected by asbestos exposure deserve substantial compensation. For a complimentary consultation with an experienced nationwide mesothelioma lawyer, contact the Throneberry Law Group.