The peritoneum is a layer of protective tissue in the abdomen, which is made up of a specialized type of tissue known as mesothelium. The mesothelium supports organs and prevents them from directly rubbing against each other. In some cases, the mesothelium becomes cancerous, resulting in a dangerous type of cancer known as mesothelioma. Peritoneal mesothelioma, though rare, can be caused by a variety of different factors.
Asbestos and Mesothelioma
Peritoneal mesothelioma is most strongly associated with exposure to asbestos, the Mesothelioma Center reports. When asbestos fibers gain access to mesothelium cells, they cause genetic changes to occur within the affected cells. These altered genetics enable the cells to grow abnormally quickly and to spread to other tissues throughout the body, resulting in malignant mesothelioma.
Asbestos Exposure and the Peritoneum
Peritoneal mesothelioma is somewhat less common than other forms of mesothelioma, possibly because it is more difficult for asbestos fibers to gain access to the peritoneum. There are two theories as to how asbestos fibers gain access to the peritoneum, Asbestos.net explains. The first is that asbestos fibers may be inhaled and carried by the blood and the lymph system to the peritoneal cells. The other is that asbestos fibers can be ingested and can exit the intestines to get to the peritoneum.
Other Factors
Although prior exposure to asbestos is the factor, which has been most strongly linked to peritoneal mesothelioma, not all people who are exposed to asbestos develop cancer, MayoClinic.com notes. Some people can be exposed to asbestos for many years without ever developing mesothelioma, whereas others develop this disease after being exposed to asbestos for a very brief period of time. This suggests that there are other mitigating factors, such as genetics, which may also play a role. Other aspects that can play a role in a person's risk of developing mesothelioma are still being researched.
Asbestos Types
The type of asbestos fiber also plays a role in whether patients develop mesothelioma, according to an article first published online in October 2006 in the "Annals of Oncology" journal. Asbestos fibers can come as chrysotile or amphibole fibers, or as a mixture of the two. This study found that people who had been exposed to amphibole or mixed fibers had a higher risk of developing peritoneal mesothelioma.
Other Causes
There are instances of peritoneal mesothelioma developing in areas with no asbestos exposure, the article in the "Annals of Oncology" states. Erionite, another type of mineral fiber, has been linked with some cases of mesothelioma. There are also reports of patients who have been exposed to the chemical thorotrast, which contains ionizing radiation, developing peritoneal mesothelioma as well.
