What is Peritoneal mesothelioma?
Peritoneal mesothelioma—also known as abdominal mesothelioma—is a cancer caused by asbestos particles attacking the lining of the abdomen. This lining serves dual purposes: it protects the contents of the abdomen and provides a lubricating fluid to enable the organs to move and work properly. When the cancer spreads, it can be referred to as diffuse peritoneal mesothelioma.
Peritoneal mesothelioma accounts for approximately 10 percent of mesothelioma cases, and is the second most common asbestos-related cancer after pleural mesothelioma.