PERITONEAL CANCER

Peritoneal cancers refer to a wide variety of cancers that involve the peritoneum. The peritoneum is a thin layer that covers the abdomen, pelvis and the organs within them. The cancer may arise from the peritoneum itself or may spread to the peritoneum from other organs.

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Tumours that arise from the peritoneum itself, include malignant mesothelioma and primary peritoneal cancer; while tumours that commonly spread to the peritoneum include ovarian cancer, colorectal cancer, stomach cancer, appendiceal cancer and pseudomyxoma peritonei (PMP).

 

Patients with peritoneal cancer may present with abdominal pain and swelling, change in bowel habits, nausea and vomiting, and unexplained weight loss​. In certain cases, peritoneal cancer is picked up on blood tests or scans done for other unrelated conditions. Some patients with peritoneal cancer have no symptoms at all.

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Treatment includes cytoreductive surgery (CRS) and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC), which involves removal of the peritoneum, any affected organ and the application of heated chemotherapy directly into the abdominal cavity. The surgical procedure aims to remove all visible tumours completely, while the chemotherapy treats any microscopic tumour that may be present.

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Our doctors at Melissa Teo Surgery and The Surgical Oncology Clinic have years of  experience in performing CRS and HIPEC. We will work closely with our medical oncologists to come up with a suitable, and tailored plan for you.