Gynecologic Cancer

Peritoneal Cancer

Signs and Symptoms
Diagnosis
Treatment

Signs and Symptoms

Peritoneal cancer is a rare cancer that develops in the peritoneum, a thin, delicate sheet that lines the inside wall of the abdomen and covers the uterus and extends over the bladder and rectum. The peritoneum is made of epithelial cells. By producing a lubricating fluid, the peritoneum helps the organs to move smoothly inside the abdomen. Peritoneal cancer looks and behaves like ovarian cancer, but the ovaries are minimally involved. Women who develop ovarian cancer after having had their ovaries previously removed likely have peritoneal cancer.

The surface of the ovaries also is made from epithelial cells. Therefore, peritoneal cancer and the most common type of ovarian cancer, called epithelial cancer, produce some of the same symptoms and are often treated in the same way. In addition, women who are at an increased risk of developing ovarian cancer, particularly due to the BRCA1 and BRCA2 genetic mutations, also are at increased risk for peritoneum cancer.

Symptoms

In its earliest stages, symptoms for peritoneum cancer can be very vague and difficult to spot. Like ovarian cancer, the condition often does not produce any symptoms until late in its development. When symptoms of peritoneum cancer do develop, they are similar to those of ovarian cancer. Symptoms may include:

• General abdominal discomfort and pain, such as gas, indigestion, pressure, swelling, bloating or cramps
• Nausea, diarrhea, constipation and frequent urination
• Loss of appetite
• Feeling full even after a light meal
• Weight gain or loss with no known reason
• Abnormal bleeding from the vagina

Reviewed by health care specialists at UCSF Medical Center.
Last updated May 8, 2007