Diffuse Malignant Peritoneal Mesothelioma or DMPM is basically the cancer of the peritoneal cavity, or the lining in the abdominal area. It is, unfortunately, an aggressive cancer and is invariably fatal. DMPM makes up about 90% of peritoneal mesothelioma. Its symptoms are characterized by abdominal pain, a distended abdomen and weight loss. During the latter stages of the disease, there may also be bowel obstruction and stomach disturbances.
It starts from the cells found in the peritoneal cavity and may be developed even when there is no history of exposure to asbestos. This makes it different from other types of peritoneal mesothelioma, which are invariably caused by asbestos fibers attacking the mesothelium or the protective covering that enfolds the lungs, heart and abdomen. With this kind of cancer, tumors develop in the abdominal area, especially in the stomach lining. As the tumors multiply, fluid builds up in the area and will cause the afflicted patient pain.
With diffuse malignant peritoneal mesothelioma, females have been seen to have more chances of survival than males. According to a study on survival rates of patients with DMPM, females have a 63% chance of surviving for five years. Males, on the other hand, have a five-year survival rate of 42%. Tumors in female patients have also been shown to be smaller than those in men.
Research has been conducted on diffuse malignant peritoneal mesothelioma and other kinds of peritoneal mesothelioma in an effort to provide a cure for those who have it. Treatment options include surgery to remove tumors and organs, aggressive chemotherapy, using a combination of medications. However, most of the known treatment options when it comes to DMPM are actually just palliatives. They just lessen the symptoms and the pain, but will not actually cure the patient of DMPM. Further research needs to be done in order for an adequate treatment procedure to be developed.