Peritoneal Surface Malignancies
Peritoneal Surface Malignancies
Peritoneal Surface Malignancies are cancers that develop in or spread to the peritoneum, the thin lining that covers the abdominal organs and the inner surface of the abdominal cavity. These cancers can arise from different organs or may involve the peritoneum as a result of cancer spreading within the abdomen. Because of their complex nature, they often require specialized evaluation and carefully coordinated treatment planning.
Dr. Priyank Chawathe provides an individualized approach to patients with peritoneal surface malignancies. Treatment planning is based on the **type and origin of the cancer, extent of disease, involvement of abdominal organs, overall health, and previous treatments.
Comprehensive Evaluation
A detailed assessment may include clinical examination, CT or MRI scans, PET-CT when appropriate, blood tests, biopsy, and pathological evaluation. In selected cases, additional procedures may be recommended to accurately assess the extent of disease within the abdominal cavity.
Understanding the distribution and burden of disease is important when determining whether a patient may benefit from surgical treatment and other cancer therapies.
Cytoreductive Surgery & HIPEC
For carefully selected patients with certain peritoneal surface malignancies, treatment may include Cytoreductive Surgery (CRS) combined with Hyperthermic Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy (HIPEC).
Cytoreductive surgery aims to remove visible tumor deposits from the abdominal cavity. Following removal of visible disease, HIPEC may be used in selected cases to deliver heated chemotherapy directly into the abdominal cavity. The suitability of CRS and HIPEC depends on factors such as the cancer type, extent and distribution of disease, overall health, and previous treatments.
Multidisciplinary Cancer Care
Peritoneal surface malignancies can be complex and may require input from several specialists. Dr. Priyank Chawathe emphasizes a multidisciplinary approach, with appropriate cases potentially discussed through a Tumor Board involving surgical oncology, medical oncology, radiology, pathology, gastroenterology, and other specialists as required.
This collaborative approach helps integrate surgery, systemic therapy, supportive care, and follow-up into a coordinated treatment plan.
Personalized Treatment Planning
Not every patient with peritoneal disease requires the same treatment. Decisions are made after careful assessment of the cancer's origin, stage, disease distribution, previous treatment, overall health, and individual treatment goals.
Dr. Priyank Chawathe focuses on careful patient selection, evidence-based treatment planning, surgical precision, and coordinated cancer care. The goal is to achieve appropriate cancer control while considering patient safety, recovery, and quality of life.
Patients diagnosed with peritoneal metastases or other peritoneal surface malignancies may benefit from evaluation by a specialist experienced in managing complex abdominal cancers. Early and comprehensive assessment can help determine the most appropriate treatment options for each individual patient.
