Living with Primary peritoneal carcinoma
A rare cancer that starts in the lining of the abdomen and looks like ovarian cancer; it almost always affects women.
Understanding Primary peritoneal carcinoma
Serous adenocarcinoma is the most common type. It affects women almost exclusively and usually appears in adulthood. The diagnosis can be made only if the ovaries are not involved, or if involved, the tumor is on the ovary surface only and the peritoneum is more involved.
Signs & symptoms
Symptoms vary from person to person. GARD lists these:
- Swollen or bloated belly
- Abdominal pain
- Constipation
- Nausea and vomiting
- Inflammation of the abdominal lining (peritonitis)
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.
Care & treatment
- Care team
- Cancer specialists (oncologists)
- Expert care
- Ask about multidisciplinary care centers for rare conditions
- 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 American Cancer Society
- 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: eoppc; extra-ovarian primary peritoneal carcinoma; ppc; primary peritoneal cancer; primary peritoneal carcinoma (disease); primary peritoneal serous carcinoma
Patient organizations
- American Cancer SocietyPrimary peritoneal carcinoma · United States
You are more than your diagnosis
Perspectives from people navigating life with Primary peritoneal carcinoma.
Explore research for Primary peritoneal carcinoma
Explore actively recruiting Primary peritoneal carcinoma studies with HealthSpark.
Find actively recruiting studies for Primary peritoneal carcinoma with HealthSpark. Share your city to explore research near you.
- Recruiting studies from ClinicalTrials.gov
- Share your city to look for research near you
- Eligibility is confirmed by the study team
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Powered by HealthSpark, our AI chat helper · Study information from ClinicalTrials.gov · Eligibility is confirmed by the study team.
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