Peritoneal mesotheliomaYour guide to best cancer care

Your general practitioner (GP) will assess your symptoms. The main symptoms are swollen or painful abdomen, loss of appetite, loss of weight, and night sweats. Your GP will conduct a physical examination and order tests.

Because peritoneal mesothelioma results from the ingestion of asbestos fibres, it is important to mention any asbestos exposure that may have occurred in the past to alert your doctor to this risk factor.

Tests you may have:

• Blood tests: To check your overall health, how your blood cells, liver and kidneys are working.
• X-ray (abdomen and chest): To help identify any abnormalities or fluid build-up in the abdomen and peritoneum, and around the lungs (as the lining of the lungs (the pleura) may also be affected).
• Computed tomography (CT) scan: Computer technology is used to create detailed images of the abdomen and peritoneum, and the lungs and pleura.

Your GP should also discuss your needs (including physical, psychological, social and information needs) and recommend sources of reliable information and support.

If cancer is suspected, you will be referred to a specialist for further testing. Your GP will provide the specialist with information about your medical history and results of the initial tests.

It can be helpful to bring a family member or friend with you to your appointments.

To determine whether or not you have peritoneal mesothelioma, the specialist will conduct one or more of the following tests:

Paracentesis

Paracentesis

A sample of fluid from the abdominal area is taken by a needle and sent to a pathologist for testing. This is often performed with the use of ultrasound imaging.

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan

MRI scans use magnetic fields and radio waves are used to take pictures of inside the body.

Laparoscopy or CT guided biopsy

Laparoscopy or CT guided biopsy

A small tissue sample (a biopsy) is taken from the abdomen to examine under a microscope. The sample can be taken by keyhole surgery, called a laparoscopy, or using a needle guided by a CT scan.

Positron emission tomography (PET) scan

Positron emission tomography (PET) scan

This produces a three-dimensional image that may show where cancers are located. A small amount of radioactive material is injected and the whole body is scanned.

It can be helpful to contact peer support groups, and support groups for carers.

Here is a list of questions to ask your doctor.

To ensure you receive the best care, your specialist will arrange for a team of health professionals to plan your treatment based on your preferences and needs. Your specialist will tell you when the team will be discussing your case.

Your team will plan your ongoing care, and should discuss the different treatment options with you including the likely outcomes, possible side effects and the risks and benefits.

You might want to ask for more time before deciding on your treatment, or ask for a second opinion. Your doctor may also suggest you consider taking part in a clinical trial. Let your team know about any complementary therapies you are using or thinking about trying. Some therapies may not be appropriate, depending on your medical treatment.

Treatment options:

Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy is the most common form of treatment. It may be given to try to shrink the cancer or slow its growth.

Surgery

Surgery

If you have advanced mesothelioma, you may be offered debulking surgery where as much of the cancer is removed as possible. The aim of surgery is to stop the spread of disease and relieve pressure on vital organs.

Peritonectomy (or cytoreductive surgery) may be carried out in certain cases if the cancer has not spread, where the aim is to remove as much, if not all, of the visible tumour.

The surgery may also be combined with the infusion of heated chemotherapy (heated intraoperative intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC)). This treatment is only carried out by a very small number of surgeons in Australia.

Paracentesis

Paracentesis

Paracentesis can provide pain relief in patients with ascites (fluid build-up in the abdomen). A small tube is inserted to allow the fluid to drain out of the abdomen into a bottle.

Watching and monitoring

Watching and monitoring

Often patients have no symptoms either at diagnosis or after the initial surgery. In this case no further treatment is given and your specialist may advise watchful waiting, and dealing with symptoms as they arise.

Your doctor should discuss your needs with you during and after treatment (including physical, psychological, social and information needs) and may refer you to another service or health professional.

After treatment is completed, your doctor should provide you with a treatment summary that details the care you received, including:

• diagnostic tests performed and their results
• types of treatment used and when they were performed
• treatment plans from other health professionals
• support services provided to you
• contact information for key care providers.

Most patients need to see a specialist for regular follow-ups.

You and your GP will receive a follow-up care plan that tells you:

• the type of follow-up that is best for you
• ways to manage any side effects of treatment, should they occur
• how to get specialist medical help quickly if you think the cancer has got worse.

If you need extra help after treatment, your GP or specialist can discuss your needs with you and refer you to appropriate health professionals and/or community organisations.

There can be cost implications at each stage of the cancer care pathway, including costs of treatment, accommodation and travel. There can be substantial out-of-pocket costs if you are having treatment in a private health service, even if you have private health insurance. You can discuss these costs with your doctor and/or private health insurer for each type of treatment you may have.

Mesothelioma is caused by exposure to asbestos in the majority of cases. If you can identify how you were exposed to asbestos, including from work, you may be eligible for  compensation and support. Each state has different schemes for compensation.

You may also be able to initiate a private claim against the responsible company – it is recommended that you contact a specialist asbestos litigation lawyer that deals with such  claims. 

If you are experiencing financial difficulties due to your cancer treatment you can contact the social worker at your local hospital.

For more information visit costs of treatment.

For more information about accommodation and travel costs visit our support section.