Editing Understanding Your Diagnosis (section)

=== Peritoneal Mesothelioma: The Second Most Common Type ===

Peritoneal mesothelioma affects the peritoneum, the membrane lining the abdominal cavity, and accounts for approximately 20-24% of mesothelioma cases ([https://mesotheliomaattorney.com/mesothelioma/types/peritoneal/ Peritoneal Mesothelioma Guide]). This type develops when swallowed asbestos fibers become embedded in abdominal tissue, causing cellular damage over decades that eventually results in cancerous growth.

Symptoms often include abdominal pain and swelling, changes in bowel habits, unexplained weight loss, and fluid accumulation in the abdomen (ascites). Because these symptoms mimic common digestive conditions, peritoneal mesothelioma is frequently misdiagnosed initially, resulting in delayed treatment.

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| style="padding:15px; color:#155724;" | '''✓ Good News:''' Peritoneal mesothelioma often carries a more favorable prognosis than pleural cases when treated with modern approaches. Cytoreductive surgery combined with HIPEC (Heated Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy) has transformed outcomes, with specialized centers reporting median survival of 3-5 years and some patients achieving 70% five-year survival rates ([https://mesothelioma.net/treatment-for-mesothelioma/ Mesothelioma Treatment Options]).
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