Question

Peritoneal carcinomatosis.

Hint:

Peritoneal carcinomatosis is typically treated with palliative care, and cytoreductive surgery combined with HIPEC offers potential survival benefits in selected patients.

Answer 1

Peritoneal carcinomatosis refers to the widespread metastasis of cancer cells to the peritoneal cavity. It is often seen in advanced stages of cancers like ovarian, gastric, and colorectal cancer.
Step 1: Diagnosis:
1. Clinical Symptoms: Symptoms may include abdominal pain, bloating, ascites, and weight loss. Some patients may present with bowel obstruction or pleural effusion.
2. Imaging: CT scans and MRI are used to assess the extent of peritoneal involvement. The presence of ascites, peritoneal nodules, or thickening can suggest carcinomatosis.
3. Diagnostic Laparoscopy: Laparoscopy can help assess the peritoneal cavity directly and obtain tissue samples for biopsy.
Step 2: Treatment:
Treatment options are limited and generally involve palliative care, as peritoneal carcinomatosis often indicates advanced disease. Cytoreductive surgery combined with heated intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) may be considered for certain cases.