Peritoneal mesothelioma is a rare and aggressive cancer that develops in the peritoneum, the thin tissue layer lining the abdominal cavity. Unlike pleural mesothelioma, which forms around the lungs, peritoneal mesothelioma takes root in the abdomen, making its symptoms easy to confuse with other, more common digestive conditions. Because of that, many people do not receive a diagnosis until the disease has already progressed. If you have been diagnosed with peritoneal mesothelioma, knowing what you are facing is an important first step toward getting the care and legal support you need.
Peritoneal mesothelioma accounts for roughly 11 percent of all mesothelioma cases, making it the second most common form of the disease. At Throneberry Law Group, we have spent years fighting for people who have been harmed by asbestos exposure, and we know both the medical and legal dimensions of this diagnosis. Our principal attorney, Michael Throneberry, has a personal connection to this disease, which is why every case we take on is treated with the urgency and compassion it deserves. If you are looking for information about mesothelioma, we are here to help.
What Causes Peritoneal Mesothelioma
The primary known cause of peritoneal mesothelioma is exposure to asbestos. When asbestos fibers are inhaled or swallowed, they can become lodged in the body’s tissues and remain there for decades. Over time, these fibers cause cellular damage and inflammation that can eventually lead to malignant tumors forming along the peritoneal lining.
How Asbestos Reaches the Abdomen
Asbestos fibers can enter the digestive system when a person swallows contaminated dust or particles, which sometimes happens in workplaces where asbestos was widely used. From there, the fibers may migrate to the peritoneum and begin to cause damage over a period of 20 to 40 years before any symptoms appear. The National Cancer Institute recognizes asbestos as a known human carcinogen with sufficient evidence linking it to mesothelioma of both the chest and abdomen.
Who Is Most at Risk
While anyone with a history of asbestos exposure may be at risk, certain occupations carried a particularly heavy burden. Construction workers, shipyard workers, factory workers, pipefitters, plumbers, and electricians were among those most frequently exposed to asbestos on the job. Secondary exposure was also common, occurring when workers carried asbestos fibers home on their clothing, putting their household members at risk as well.
Recognizing the Symptoms
Peritoneal mesothelioma is notoriously difficult to detect early because its symptoms often mimic those of less serious abdominal conditions. Many people attribute early warning signs to digestive problems, which can delay diagnosis by months or even years.
Common Symptoms to Watch For
The following are some of the most frequently reported symptoms of peritoneal mesothelioma:
- Abdominal pain or discomfort: Persistent cramping or pressure in the abdomen that does not resolve with typical treatments.
- Abdominal swelling: A buildup of fluid in the abdomen, known as ascites, which may cause visible bloating.
- Unexplained weight loss: A significant drop in body weight without a change in diet or activity.
- Nausea and loss of appetite: Ongoing digestive disruption that affects daily eating habits.
- Fatigue and weakness: A general decline in energy that goes beyond ordinary tiredness.
These symptoms should be taken seriously by anyone with a known history of asbestos exposure, even if they seem mild at first. Early identification of peritoneal mesothelioma may open the door to more treatment options.
Diagnosing and Treating Peritoneal Mesothelioma
Because peritoneal mesothelioma shares symptoms with many other abdominal conditions, physicians typically rely on imaging tests, biopsies, and blood markers to reach a confirmed diagnosis. CT scans are commonly used to detect abnormal tissue in the abdomen, while a biopsy remains the definitive way to confirm the presence of malignant mesothelioma cells.
Treatment options for peritoneal mesothelioma have advanced meaningfully in recent years. Cytoreductive surgery combined with hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy, often referred to as CRS-HIPEC, is a surgical approach that has shown promising results in eligible patients. This procedure involves removing visible tumors and flooding the abdominal cavity with heated chemotherapy to target remaining cancer cells. For patients who are not surgical candidates, systemic chemotherapy may be used as a primary treatment.
Your Legal Rights After a Peritoneal Mesothelioma Diagnosis
A peritoneal mesothelioma diagnosis is not just a medical event. It is often the direct result of someone else’s negligence, and the law provides pathways for financial recovery. Companies that manufactured, sold, or used asbestos-containing products were often aware of the health risks and failed to protect workers. Those responsible may be held accountable through a mesothelioma lawsuit or an asbestos trust fund claim.
Compensation for peritoneal mesothelioma cases may cover medical expenses, lost income, and the pain and suffering that comes with this diagnosis. In cases involving the death of a family member, a wrongful death claim may also be available. The legal process for mesothelioma cases can be complex, and the sooner you speak with a qualified attorney, the better positioned you will be to pursue full recovery.
Speak With a Peritoneal Mesothelioma Attorney at Throneberry Law Group
At Throneberry Law Group, we fight for clients across the country who have been diagnosed with mesothelioma due to asbestos exposure, and we do so on a contingency-fee basis, meaning there is no cost to you unless we recover compensation on your behalf. Our team has the resources and national reach to build the strongest possible case, and we will travel to meet you wherever you are. We also accommodate Spanish-speaking clients, so language is never a barrier to getting the help you need.
Peritoneal mesothelioma moves quickly, and an early start gives us more room to help. There is no cost to begin and no fee unless we recover for you. We come to you instead of asking you to come to us, and we work with families in both Spanish and English. Send us your story through our contact form, and we will walk you through what your options look like.