What are the specific symptoms of peritoneal cancer?

Peritoneal cancer is a malignant tumor that occurs in the peritoneum and is usually divided into two types: primary and secondary. Because the symptoms of peritoneal cancer are usually subtle and easily misdiagnosed as other diseases, many patients often have no obvious symptoms or have mild symptoms in the early stages. As the disease progresses, the symptoms of peritoneal cancer gradually worsen, affecting the patient's quality of life. The following are some common symptoms of peritoneal cancer:

1.Abdominal distention and ascites: One of the most common symptoms of peritoneal cancer is abdominal distention or ascites. Ascites is a common symptom in the late stage of peritoneal cancer. It is caused by the growth and spread of cancer cells on the peritoneum, which leads to increased peritoneal permeability, thus causing peritoneal effusion. Patients may experience abdominal distension, heaviness, or pain, and in severe cases may even experience a significant abdominal bulge.

2.Abdominal pain and discomfort: As the cancer grows, patients may feel persistent or intermittent abdominal pain, especially after food is digested, or accompanied by abdominal bloating. The pain may sometimes be dull or stabbing, and may gradually get worse as the disease progresses. Peritoneal cancer may cause pressure on organs in the abdomen or damage to surrounding tissue, causing discomfort or severe pain.

3.Indigestion and loss of appetite: Due to abdominal fluid accumulation and tumor compression, many peritoneal cancer patients will experience symptoms such as loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, and indigestion. These symptoms may be related to the amount of food intake and the time of eating. Patients may easily feel full after eating, and may even cause vomiting.

4.Weight Loss: Patients with membranous cancer often experience significant weight loss despite reduced or erratic food intake. Weight loss is associated not only with loss of appetite and digestive problems, but also with cancer progression and the body's energy expenditure. Patients may experience uncontrollable weight loss.

5.Fatigue and weakness: Patients with peritoneal cancer often feel extremely tired and weak due to the depletion of the cancer itself on the body and the side effects of treatment. These symptoms may affect patients' daily activities and significantly reduce their quality of life.

Although the symptoms of peritoneal cancer may not be obvious in the early stages, once symptoms such as abdominal fullness, pain, and loss of appetite occur, you should seek medical attention promptly for examination. Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial to improving prognosis.

(Click to view an introduction to drugs for the treatment of peritoneal cancer.)

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Reference materials:

1.American Cancer Society. Peritoneal Cancer Symptoms. Available at:

https://www.cancer.org/cancer/peritoneal-cancer/symptoms.html

2.Mayo Clinic. Peritoneal Cancer Symptoms. Available at:

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/peritoneal-cancer/symptoms-causes/syc-20434951