Peritoneal mesothelioma, also known as cancer of the peritoneum, is a cancer of the abdominal lining.

One way doctors diagnose peritoneal mesothelioma is by looking inside the abdominal cavity with an instrument called a peritoneoscope. In this procedure, a cut is made through the abdomen wall and the peritoneoscope is placed into the abdomen. This test, called a peritoneoscopy, is usually performed in the hospital.

Some patients develop excessive fluid in the abdomen. This is called an effusion or ascites. A doctor may take a sample of such fluid to diagnose peritoneal mesothelioma. Fluid in the abdomen might also be drained to relieve symptoms of peritoneal mesothelioma. The procedure for drawing out this fluid is called “paracentesis”.

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Symptoms

The symptoms of this cancer may include stomach pain, weight loss, nausea, vomiting, hernia, fluid in the abdominal cavity or a mass in the abdomen.