Surgery
Mesothelioma can start in the layers of tissue that cover the organs in the tummy (abdomen). This is called peritoneal mesothelioma.
Some people can have surgery to try to remove the mesothelioma. It can't usually get rid of the mesothelioma for good. The aim is to try and keep the disease under control and help you to stay well for as long as possible.
In this operation the surgeon removes the lining of the abdomen (peritoneum). This is called a peritonectomy.
Some doctors use a technique called cytoreductive surgery. They also call this debulking surgery. The surgeon removes the whole peritoneum, so they can remove as much mesothelioma as possible.
During the operation, the surgeon gives chemotherapy straight into the abdominal cavity. They heat the chemotherapy to a few degrees above body temperature. Research suggest that heating the chemotherapy helps it works better. This is called hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC). The intraperitoneal chemotherapy may be repeated a few times after the surgery.
Research has shown that cytoreductive surgery and intraperitoneal chemotherapy improves survival.
Find out about chemotherapy for peritoneal mesothelioma
Your doctor might ask if you’d like to take part in a clinical trial. Doctors and researchers do trials to make existing treatments better and develop new treatments.
Last reviewed: 22 Jun 2023
Next review due: 22 Jun 2026
You are often diagnosed with peritoneal mesothelioma when it is quite advanced. Unfortunately it can be difficult to treat. Treatment options include chemotherapy and a few people might have surgery.
Surgery isn't a common treatment for mesothelioma. You might have surgery to control and relieve symptoms. The surgery might also help you live longer.
Practical and emotional support are available to help you cope with a diagnosis of mesothelioma, both during and after treatment.
Mesothelioma is a cancer that most commonly starts in the sheets of skin-like tissue that cover each lung (the pleura). More rarely it starts in the sheet of tissue in the abdomen that covers the digestive system organs (the peritoneum).
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