A hospital in Chennai, India has recently successfully treated a woman with peritoneal cancer. Not only did they remove the tumor, but they correctly diagnosed her cancer after multiple incorrect diagnoses and refusals of treatment. Through surgery and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy, they were able to achieve this positive outcome.

Diving Deeper Into the Case Study

The 63-year-old woman walked into Kauvery Hospital complaining of abdominal pain and bloating. She had already visited a number of other healthcare centers, all of which were unable to correctly diagnose or treat her symptoms. Fortunately, the doctors at Kauvery Hospital were able to diagnose her with peritoneal cancer, and they also determined that she needed immediate treatment.

After further tests, they found that her cancer had not spread, meaning that surgery to remove the tumor was an option. Doctors opted for debulking surgery followed by hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC). Using this method, they removed all visible cancer cells through cytoreductive surgery before using a device to administer chemotherapy into the abdominal cavity. Overall, the procedure took nine hours. It has demonstrated positive results in peritoneal cancer patients in the past, and HIPEC produces a five-year survival rate of 20 to 30 percent. It also results in a better quality of life.

In the end, this case study demonstrates the positive results that HIPEC and surgery can give to patients. Doctors will keep the patient in the ICU to monitor her, and they believe that she will live disease free.

About Peritoneal Cancer

Peritoneal cancer forms in the abdomen, specifically in the peritoneum or the lining of the organs in the abdominal cavity. Females over the age of 60 are most commonly affected. Possible symptoms include abdominal bloating, nausea, pain, blockage of the intestines, vomiting, changes in bowel habits, and early feelings of fullness. Doctors do not know what causes this cancer.

Diagnosis typically comes after patients complain of abdominal bloating, and a CT scan exposes a tumor. Through a physical examination and paracentesis, doctors will rule out other cancers and confirm a diagnosis. Further tests are needed to stage peritoneal cancer, and doctors will remove the ovaries, fallopian tubes, uterus, and any other visible sign of the disease. Surgery and chemotherapy are the main treatment options, but doctors will create a treatment plan based on the stage and severity of the cancer, as well as the patient’s overall health.

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