Different cancer types exist in our world, while some are known as common and some are rare forms. Peritoneal cancer is a rare form of cancer that occurs around the peritoneum - a tissue that covers most of our abdominal organs (tummy organs) along with the abdominal cavity. 

Generally, peritoneal cancer is confused with ovarian cancer since peritoneal cancer may affect the closer abdominal organs.

In this article, we will give a closer look at peritoneal cancer, treatment options, information in general, and more.

Peritoneal cancer can occur in different places and in different forms around the abdomen. And they can be listed as:

• Ovarian Cancer: Even though peritoneal cancer is mostly confused with ovarian cancer, ovarian cancer may lead to peritoneal cancer and can also do metastasis to the ovaries.
• Gastric Cancer: Gastric cancer or stomach cancer may spread to the peritoneum, and is considered an advanced stage of cancer.
• Peritoneal Mesothelioma: It indicates the cancerous cells lining the peritoneum area of the abdomen, considered a rare form of cancer and diagnosis generally happens in the advanced stage. Peritoneal mesothelioma may occur when the patient experiences the high-exposure to asbestos.

The exact causes of cancer are unknown, and it goes same with the peritoneal cancer. However, some factors may increase the risk of this type of cancer including:

• Previous history of cancer: Peritoneal cancer generally occurs in the spread of cancer from near organs - they are mostly gastric, ovarian, pancreatic cancer, etc.
• Asbestos exposure: Inhalation of asbestos increases the risk of peritoneal cancer. In addition to asbestos, being exposed to certain harmful chemicals may increase the risk factors.

The symptoms of peritoneal cancer differ from patient to patient, and early detection and diagnosis may be challenging since peritoneal cancer is considered asymptomatic in the early stages. 

• Discomfort or pain around the abdomen (tummy): The constant discomfort and pain such as cramping may be a symptom, and can worsen while moving.
• Sudden changes in the digestive system: When bowel habits are affected by peritoneal cancer, the situations such as constant diarrhea occurs.
• Loss of appetite: Along with the early satiety, loss of appetite and vomiting can be seen.

The treatment options for peritoneal cancer depend on different factors such as the type and stage, spreading, patient’s health, and overall shape. Common treatment options for peritoneal cancer include:

• Surgery: Surgery is the first option for peritoneal cancer to remove a tumor from the affected area. Some combined surgeries can be applied along with the help of different healthcare professionals from various areas.
• Chemotherapy: Chemotherapy is applied to kill malignant cancerous cells. Different forms of chemotherapy can be used since the course of the disease differs in every case.
• Targeted therapy: Targeted therapy means drugs that target certain cells, molecules, or ways that help cancer cells to grow and spread. The targeted therapy can be combined with other treatment options.