Symptoms and Information on Primary Peritoneal Cancer (PPC)
Primary Peritoneal Cancer (PPC) is a rare type of cancer that originates in the peritoneal cavity of the abdomen, as opposed to spreading from other parts of the body. This article aims to shed light on the risk factors associated with PPC, its symptoms, and the treatment options available.
Risk Factors
While the common risk factors for PPC are not as well-defined as for some other cancers, they share similarities with ovarian cancer risk factors due to their related origin in the peritoneal lining. Key risk factors include:
- Age: As with ovarian cancer, older age increases the risk of developing PPC.
- Inherited Genetic Mutations: Mutations in genes such as BRCA1, BRCA2, and Lynch syndrome are associated with an increased risk of PPC, similar to ovarian cancer susceptibility.
- Reproductive History: Factors such as an early menstrual cycle onset, late menopause, and not having given birth can increase the risk of PPC.
- Obesity and exposure to radiation in the pelvic area may also contribute to the risk of PPC, following similarities with ovarian cancer risk factors.
However, for a different and more specific type of PPC, known as peritoneal mesothelioma, the primary risk factor is asbestos exposure. This includes occupational exposure (e.g., construction workers, shipyard workers), environmental exposure near asbestos mines or natural deposits, and veterans, especially those in the Navy, due to asbestos-containing products used in the military.
Symptoms
The symptoms of PPC can be subtle and may not be evident until the disease has advanced. Common symptoms include fatigue, abdominal swelling, abdominal pain or pressure, stomach pain, back pain, vomiting, a lump in the pelvic area, constipation, gas, bloating, an urgent and frequent need to urinate, feeling full and having difficulty eating.
Diagnosis and Treatment
To diagnose and stage PPC, a doctor may use physical exams, pelvic exams, blood tests, pelvic or transvaginal ultrasounds, chest X-rays, MRI scans, CT scans, PET scans, and biopsies.
In most cases, doctors try to remove as much of the tumor as possible through surgery, with various surgery options available depending on the patient's physiology, the extent of their cancer, and other factors. Surgery may involve procedures such as omentectomy, hysterectomy, and unilateral or bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy.
Treatment for PPC usually involves surgery, chemotherapy, and targeted therapy, with the approach being similar to that for ovarian epithelial cancer. Intraperitoneal chemotherapy is used to treat primary peritoneal and ovarian cancer by delivering chemotherapy drugs directly into the peritoneal cavity. Hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy involves warmed chemotherapy drugs delivered into the peritoneum.
Targeted therapy uses drugs or substances to identify and attack specific cancer cells. This can help to reduce the side effects associated with traditional chemotherapy treatments.
In conclusion, while the risk factors for PPC largely overlap with those of ovarian cancer, peritoneal mesothelioma is almost exclusively linked to asbestos exposure. Early detection and appropriate treatment can significantly improve the outlook for PPC, with survival rates varying depending on the location of the tumor. It is essential to consult with a healthcare professional for accurate information and guidance regarding any suspected or diagnosed cases of PPC.
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