Living with Malignant peritoneal mesothelioma
An aggressive cancer of the lining of the abdomen that usually causes belly pain and fluid buildup.
Understanding Malignant peritoneal mesothelioma
People usually come to care with abdominal pain and fluid in the belly (ascites). It is described in adults.
Signs & symptoms
Symptoms vary from person to person. GARD lists these among the most common:
- Abdominal pain
- Bloated belly
- Fluid buildup in the belly (ascites)
- Inflamed abdominal lining (peritonitis)
- Weight loss
Not everyone has every symptom. GARD's list comes from the Human Phenotype Ontology.
Diagnosis
- 1Talk with your doctor
Share the symptoms you've noticed, when they started and your family health history. Notes and photos can help.
- 2See a specialist
Specialists who may be involved include cancer specialists.
- 3Ask which tests can help
Your care team will decide which exams and tests can confirm the diagnosis.
- 4Connect with expert centers
Mesothelioma.net may keep lists of experts for this condition.
Care & treatment
- Care team
- Cancer specialists (oncologists)
- Expert care
- Expert lists: Mesothelioma.net
- Treatment
- GARD doesn't list specific treatments for this condition. Your care team will tailor care to your symptoms.
- Research
- Clinical trials and observational studies may be options. See the research section below.
General information, not medical advice. Your care team makes the decisions.
Everyday life
Living with a rare condition is easier with support.
- Connect with Mesothelioma.net and other patient organizations
- Keep notes on symptoms, changes and questions for appointments
- Ask about patient registries that help research
- Look into financial aid and travel resources for care visits
Quick facts
GARD doesn't describe a cause for this condition yet.
Also known as: advanced malignant mesothelioma of peritoneum; advanced malignant mesothelioma of the peritoneum; advanced malignant peritoneal mesothelioma; advanced peritoneal malignant mesothelioma; cancer of the peritoneum, mesothelioma; diffuse malignant peritoneal mesothelioma
Patient organizations
- Mesothelioma.netMalignant peritoneal mesothelioma · United States
- Mesothelioma GuideMalignant peritoneal mesothelioma · United States
You are more than your diagnosis
Perspectives from people navigating life with Malignant peritoneal mesothelioma.
Explore research for Malignant peritoneal mesothelioma
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- Recruiting studies from ClinicalTrials.gov
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- Eligibility is confirmed by the study team
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