Peritoneal carcinomatosis

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Peritoneal Carcinomatosis

Peritoneal carcinomatosis (/pɛrɪˈtoʊniəl/ /ˌkɑːrˌsɪnəˈmoʊtəsɪs/) is a medical condition characterized by the spread of malignant tumors throughout the peritoneum, the thin layer of tissue that lines the abdomen and covers most of the organs within it.

Etymology

The term "peritoneal" is derived from the Greek words "peri," meaning around, and "tonos," meaning stretching. "Carcinomatosis" is derived from the Greek "karkinos," meaning crab, and "-oma," a suffix often used in medical terminology to indicate a tumor or growth. The term "carcinoma" is used to describe a cancer that begins in the skin or in tissues that line or cover internal organs.

Related Terms

  • Carcinoma: A type of cancer that starts in cells that make up the skin or the tissue lining organs, such as the liver or lungs.
  • Metastasis: The process by which cancer spreads from the place at which it first arose as a primary tumor to distant locations in the body.
  • Peritoneum: The serous membrane that forms the lining of the abdominal cavity or the coelom.
  • Malignant: In medical terms, a word used to describe a severe and progressively worsening disease.

Symptoms and Diagnosis

Symptoms of peritoneal carcinomatosis can vary, but often include abdominal pain, bloating, changes in bowel movements, and unexplained weight loss. Diagnosis typically involves imaging tests such as CT scans or MRIs, as well as biopsies of the peritoneal tissue.

Treatment

Treatment options for peritoneal carcinomatosis often involve a combination of surgery to remove as much of the cancer as possible, and chemotherapy to kill any remaining cancer cells. In some cases, radiation therapy may also be used.

Prognosis

The prognosis for peritoneal carcinomatosis can vary greatly depending on factors such as the type and stage of the cancer, the patient's overall health, and the effectiveness of treatment.

External links

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