Peritoneoscopy
Because of the way
mesothelioma spreads and the fact that its initial
symptoms are similar to many other conditions, this particular form of
cancer can be difficult to
diagnose correctly; in fact, in the past it has been commonly misdiagnosed.
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A peritoneoscopy (peh-rih-tawn-ee-OSS-koh-pee) is one method used to diagnose mesothelioma when it has spread to the inner abdominal walls (as well as other abdominal disorders). It is a procedure by which an
oncologist or other physician is able to examine the inside of a patient's abdomen.
The procedure itself is considered invasive and must be done in a hospital setting. The surgeon makes an incision in the patient's abdomen, and a special fiberoptic tube - known as a peritoneoscope (peh-rih-taw-NEE-oh-skope) is passed through the opening. Physicians can then get a clear picture of conditions inside the abdomen, specifically, the peritoneum (peh-rih-TAW-nee-um).
The word "peritoneum" is derived from the Greek word peritonaios, which means "stretched around;" the modern English word "perimeter" is derived from the same Indo-Aryan root. It refers to the inner layer of the abdominal wall. In a broader sense, it is part of the mesothelium (mezz-oh-THEE-lee-um), which is a lubricating membrane that covers the inner surfaces of the chest, abdominal and pelvic cavities as well as the internal organs, allowing them to slide against one another without irritation.
Traditional peritoneoscopy is gradually being replaced by flexible transgastric peritoneoscopy, or FTP. This involves the use of a tiny telescope, called an endoscope. After the stomach is washed with an anti-bacterial solution, this endoscope is inserted through the mouth, down the esophagus and through the stomach wall. It is considered less invasive and generally easier and safer than traditional peritoneoscopy. According to medical experts, the advantage is in that the stomach lining normally heals faster than the outer skin layers, reducing recovery time.