Peritoneal

Peritoneal mesothelioma is a cancer affecting the peritoneum – the membrane of tissue that lines the abdominal cavity, supporting and surrounding the organs of the abdomen.

The peritoneum is comprised of two parts: the visceral peritoneum, which covers the organs and forms much of the outer layer of the intestinal tract, and the parietal peritoneum, which lines the walls of the abdominal cavity.

While it is certain that mesothelioma is triggered by asbestos, the process by which asbestos causes peritoneal mesothelioma is still unclear. Some researchers theorize that asbestos fibers are ingested, making their way thence to the intestinal tract, and into the peritoneal cavity and peritoneum. Others hold that inhaled asbestos is flushed into the lymph system, then transported through the lymphatic system to the peritoneum.

Once inside, the asbestos fibers trigger the overproduction of fluid by the cells of the peritoneum, which gradually fills the abdominal cavity, compressing the organs within and degrading their function. Tumors appear as malignant cells throughout the body. The cancer spreads rapidly. No cure is known to exist.

If you have mesothelioma as a result of been exposed to asbestos or asbestos-containing materials, contact a mesothelioma lawyer immediately and get the compensation you deserve.