Peritoneum Surface Cancers

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What is Peritoneum Surface Cancers?

Any cancer, which affects the peritoneum, is called peritoneal carcinomatosis or peritoneal surface malignancy. The space between the organs in the abdomen is called peritoneal cavity and is lined by the peritoneum, a thin protective membrane.

Types of Peritoneal cancers

Primary & Secondary
Primary peritoneal cancer starts and develops in the peritoneum and usually only affects women and very rarely, men.
Secondary cancer of the peritoneum is usually when the spread of cancer cells occurs from pre-existing cancer. The most common cancers that cause peritoneal cancers are:
Stomach cancer
Ovarian cancer
Colorectal cancer
Peritoneal mesothelioma
Primary peritoneal cancer
Pancreatic/Appendiceal cancer

Symptoms of Peritoneal Surface Cancers

Peritoneal surface cancer can be difficult to detect in the early stages due to vague symptoms. When conclusive symptoms appear, often the disease has progressed into late stages. Symptoms may include:
Abdominal discomfort or pain from gas, indigestion, pressure, swelling, bloating, or cramps
Feeling of fullness, even after a light meal
Loss of appetite
Nausea or diarrhea
Frequent urination
Constipation
Unexplained weight gain or loss
Abnormal vaginal bleeding
Rectal bleeding
Shortness of breath

Diagnosis of Peritoneal Surface Cancers

At Sakhi oncology, Dr. Monika will review your medical history and conduct a thorough physical exam for examining any abnormalities in uterus, vagina, ovaries, fallopian tubes, stomach, bladder and colon and rectum.
You might also be suggested few tests:
Imaging: Imaging tests of the abdomen and pelvis. This may show ascites or growths. Tests include CT scan, ultrasound, and MRI.
CA 125 blood test: To test the levels of CA 125 in the blood. High levels are suggestive of peritoneal or ovarian cancer. However, it cannot alone confirm the presence of peritoneal cancer.
Lower GI series or barium enema: This test involves administration of chalky, white solution called barium through enema. While taking an x-ray, this substance, which outlines colon and rectum, makes tumors and other issues visible.
Any change in the size, shape or contour of the breast
Upper GI series: Here the barium is swallowed and he esophagus, stomach, and duodenum are outlined on an X-ray.
Biopsy of an area that looks abnormal in a scan, including removal of fluid from ascites, to look for cancerous cells.
Laparoscopy or laparotomy: These are minimally invasive techniques to examine directly at the peritoneum. They’re considered the “gold standard” in diagnosis.
Paracentesis: In cases where surgery is not possible or ascites could be due to other reasons, the surgeon may just remove the fluid for examination under microscope.

Treatment of Peritoneal Surface Cancers

For many years, peritoneal surface cancers were though to be incurable due to large surface of peritoneum and also because this type of cancer affects many organs. Surgery on so many organs would have been very complex and very risky.
For both primary and secondary peritoneal cancer, individual treatment will depend on the location and size of the tumor and your general health.
Treatment for secondary peritoneal cancer also depends on the status of the primary cancer and your response to treatment for it.

Surgery

Surgery is usually the first step. A surgeon will remove as much of the cancer as possible. They may also remove:
Uterus
Ovaries and fallopian tubes
The layer of fatty tissue near the ovaries
Any abnormal-looking tissue in the abdominal area for further testing
Chemotherapy may be given before surgery to shrink the tumor.

CRS with HIPEC

With recent advances in surgical oral and intravenous chemotherapy techniques, peritoneal cancer can be treated using cytoreductive surgery (CRS) along with HIPEC. When the cancer is found only on the surface of organs and has not spread into the blood stream, cytoreductive surgery with HIPEC is a good option for some patients. Dr. Monika is a gynaecologic oncologist who has expertise in CRS and HIPEC procedure.

Cytoreductive Surgery (CRS)

In this procedure, all visible tumors are surgically removed, leaving only microscopic cancer cells behind. Removing much, but not all of the cancer in this type of cancer does appear to improve survival. It is sometimes necessary to partially or completely remove other organs, if the tumor cannot be separated from the organ’s surface.

Hyperthermic Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy

Following CRS, this special type of chemotherapy is given, which aims to destroy any remaining tiny cancer cells. During this procedure, a heated chemotherapy solution is delivered directly into the abdominal cavity through small tubes called catheters for approximately 90 minutes. The chemotherapy solution used during the procedure is heated to between 42-43°C, with a goal of eliminating any remaining cancer cells while preserving the healthy ones.

Targeted Therapies

In some cases, medications are given that target specific pathways involved in the growth of a cancer cell like monoclonal antibodies, PARP inhibitors and angiogenesis inhibitors.

Palliative Care

Peritoneal cancers are often diagnosed in advanced stages. Supportive care can help relieve symptoms like pain, weight loss, or fluid buildup and also improve quality of life. Hormonal therapy, radiation therapy, and immunotherapy may also be used in some cases of primary peritoneal cancer.

Dr. Monika Pansari

Peritoneal Cancer Surgeon

Dr. Monika Pansari

Peritoneal Cancer Surgeon in Bangalore
"Being diagnosed with Peritoneal Cancer can be challenging. Lots of thoughts come to mind. Do Not Worry.
I , Your Sakhi - Your Friend, am available to guide you & support you in this fight against cancer and Together We Will Win"
I am on a mission to help Women Cancer Patients and thats why I founded Sakhi Oncology.
Do not hesitate to reach me or call me.

To know more, get in touch with a specialist immediately.

Why choose Sakhi Oncology?

Founded by highly experienced female cancer surgeon
Expertise in diagnosing and treating hereditary, rare, or complex cancer cases
Compassionate and experienced team of cancer experts
Latest treatment methods
Personalized Patient care and treatment
High patient satisfaction rate
Counselling & Patient Support Group

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2,000+
Number of Surgeries
15+
Years of Experience
5,000+
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Book Appointments at an Area Near You

Dr. Monika Pansari conducts consultation at Bannerghatta Road and Koramangla as listed below.
Note: Dr Monika Pansari will be available for consulting at Fortis Hospital, Bannerghatta Road, Bangalore from 15 Jan 2024. She will no longer be available at Gleneagles Global Hospital.

Fortis Hospitals

154/9, Bannerghatta Rd, opposite IIM-B, Sahyadri Layout, Panduranga Nagar, Bengaluru, Karnataka 560076
Mon - Sat   : 1 pm to 4 pm
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Acura Speciality Hospital

No. 105, 5th Block, 17th C Main Road, KHB Colony , Koramangala, Bengaluru, Karnataka 560095
Mon - Sat   : 5 pm to 7 pm
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Our Happy Patient

Testimonials
Dr Monika is awesome!! Not only is she an excellent surgeon but most importantly to us as patient and caregiver, she has been warm, empathetic, and very supportive. She has always made time to answer our questions and been encouraging throughout my wife's cancer journey. We are very grateful to her.
Ajay Nangalia
My mom was suffering with endometric carcinoma. Dr Monica guided us with a right treatment and operated my moms surgery successfully. She was available to answer our queries after the surgey as well. She was sweet and helped us curing the disease. Really happy with the service.
Neelufar N.S

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Frequently Asked Questions

Cancer spreads to the peritoneum directly as an extension from other organs, through blood or lymphatic system. Cancer cells may also enter into peritoneum during surgery for other abdominal cancer, therefore, it is recommended to get the surgery done from an expert oncologist, trained in such procedures.

The exact cause isn’t known, however, there are few risk factors that can contribute:

  • Increasing age
  • A family history of ovarian or peritoneal cancer
  • Carrying the BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene mutation or one of the genes for Lynch syndrome
  • Taking hormone therapy after menopause
  • Being overweight or obese or tall
  • Having endometriosis

While the prognosis of peritoneal cancer is generally poor, there have been documented cases of complete remission from the disease, especially if the diagnosis and treatment occurs at an early stage.

There are some factors associated with better survival rates. These include the absence of cancer in the lymph nodes, an optimal or complete cytoreduction surgery, and the use of hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy.

It’s not always possible to prevent cancer, but certain lifestyle changes can help reduce the risk of developing primary peritoneal cancer. At Sakhi oncology, we recommend habits that enhance overall health, like:

  • Quit Smoking
  • Regular physical activity and maintain healthy weight
  • Consume Healthy diet

Disclaimer Statement

This website is built with intention of providing basic details about the various diseases. The contents of the website is not meant to replace an in-person consultation. Please follow the advise of your doctor via in-person consultation. This website will not assume any legal responsibility for the patient’s medical condition.
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