Mesothelioma Peritoneum

Membranous layer that is made up of two sub-layers is a the peritoneum. Called the parietal and visceral layers. while the visceral layer surrounds abdominal organs, the parietal layer covers the abdominal cavity,. Together these two layers provide support and protection for abdominal organs and the abdominal cavity as a whole.

Mesothelioma of the abdomen, similar to all types of mesothelioma, is caused by asbestos exposure. Though it can take many years for a patient to demonstrate symptoms of peritoneal mesothelioma, the cancer develops when the asbestos fibers turn out to be lodged in the spaces between the mesothelial cells.