Is Peritoneal Cancer Hereditary?

Ask the expert

Is peritoneal cancer hereditary?

Doctor’s response

Peritoneal cancer is not a directly hereditary cancer but the risk of its
development in individuals is increased if they have mutations in their genetic
makeup (BRAC1, BRAC2 genes, for example). Other risk factors are sex (females
are at higher risk); older age is also a risk factor.

The peritoneum is composed of epithelial cells that form a tissue covering of
the abdomen including the uterus, bladder and rectum. This covering allows the
abdominal organs to move without sticking to each other. Peritoneal cancer is
rare and detected mainly in females; it is composed of abnormal peritoneal
epithelial cells (it is also termed primary peritoneal cancer (PPC) to
distinguish it from other cancers that may spread into the peritoneum).

Because PPC cancer cells are very similar to cancerous epithelial cells that
cover the ovaries, the symptoms, diagnosis and treatments mimic those of ovarian
cancer.

Symptoms of PPC (and ovarian cancer) may include

Tests used to help diagnose PPC may include

• Ultrasound
• CT scan
• Biopsy (pathologist
  may confirm PPC diagnosis)
• Paracentesis
  (extracting peritoneal fluid and cells with a needle and syringe from the
  abdominal cavity)
• Upper or lower GI
  series with barium (may see tumors outlined in x-rays)
• Blood test (CA 125
  test suggests PPC but is not definitive)

Treatments of PPC may include various forms of surgical techniques and/or
chemotherapy. A specialist (gynecologic oncologist) in this type of surgery have
good success rates.

REFERENCE:

“Pathogenesis of ovarian, fallopian tubal, and peritoneal serous carcinomas”

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