Primary Peritoneal Cancer
Primary Peritoneal Cancer (PPC) is a rare malignancy that arises from the peritoneum (the thin tissue lining the abdominal cavity and covering abdominal organs). Though distinct, PPC behaves and is treated similarly to epithelial ovarian cancer. It primarily affects women and is often diagnosed at an advanced stage due to non-specific symptoms.
At Apollo Athenaa Women’s Cancer Centre, PPC is managed with clinical depth and compassion that we bring to treatment of all cancers. Our specialists ensure that every woman receives precise diagnosis, advanced treatment, and comprehensive support tailored to her journey.
Recognising the Signs
PPC symptoms are often unrecognisable and can be mistaken for gastrointestinal or urinary issues:
- Abdominal bloating or swelling
- Persistent abdominal or pelvic pain
- Changes in bowel habits
- Nausea or indigestion
- Early satiety (feeling full quickly)
- Unexplained weight loss or fatigue
Because symptoms are subtle, PPC is often diagnosed at an advanced stage, making awareness and timely evaluation essential.
Understanding Risk
The risk factors for PPC mirror those for ovarian cancer:
- BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene mutations
- Personal or family history of ovarian, breast, or colorectal cancer
- Increasing age (most common in women over 60)
- Previous pelvic radiation
- Genetic syndromes such as Lynch syndrome
Apollo Athenaa offers genetic counselling and risk-reduction strategies for women with high-risk profiles.
Our Approach to Diagnosis
Primary Peritoneal Cancer requires a multi-modality approach to confirm diagnosis and assess spread:
- Pelvic and abdominal ultrasound
- MRI scans for tumour mapping and staging
- Tumour markers like CA-125
- Histopathology from biopsy or surgical specimen
- Immunohistochemistry and molecular diagnostics for subtyping
Diagnosis at Apollo Athenaa is led by expert radiologists and pathologists trained specifically in women’s cancers.
Our Approach to Treatment
1. Surgical Oncology
Surgery is the mainstay of treatment and aims for maximum cytoreduction:
- Debulking surgery to remove visible disease
- Hysterectomy with bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy (removal of ovary and tubes), omentectomy (removal of peritoneum), and peritoneal stripping
- Lymph node assessment if indicated
- HIPEC (Hyperthermic Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy) may be considered in select cases
All surgical interventions are planned with a multidisciplinary team and performed by experienced gynecologic oncologists.
2. Medical Oncology
Systemic treatment complements surgery and plays a critical role:
- Chemotherapy is used post-surgery or as primary treatment if surgery isn’t immediately possible
- Targeted therapy, such as PARP inhibitors, in BRCA-mutated or hormone receptor-positive tumours
- Precision oncology, offering personalised drug regimens based on molecular profiling
- Palliative therapy to manage advanced disease and improve quality of life
Apollo Athenaa’s day-care chemotherapy suites provide safe, comfortable, and well-supported treatment experiences.
3. Radiation Oncology
Radiation therapy has a limited role in the primary treatment of PPC, but may be used in selected scenarios:
- Palliative Radiation: To control symptoms such as pain, bowel obstruction, or bleeding in advanced or recurrent disease.
- Targeted Radiation Techniques: Advanced modalities like IMRT (Intensity-Modulated Radiation Therapy) or SBRT (Stereotactic Body Radiation Therapy) can be used for isolated metastases, especially when surgery or chemotherapy is not feasible.
- Adjunct to Chemotherapy: Occasionally used after cytoreductive surgery when microscopic residual disease is present in specific anatomical areas.
Life After Cancer Diagnosis
At Apollo Athenaa, treatment is just the beginning. We offer continued support through multiple channels:
- Fertility preservation
- Lymphedema prevention and management
- Support groups and psycho-oncology services
- Nutrition and lifestyle counselling
- Menopausal health and bone health support
- Dermatology consultation
- Palliative care
- Regular follow-up and homecare
Multidisciplinary Team-Based Care
Each woman diagnosed with PPC is supported by an integrated care team including:
- Gynecological surgical oncologists
- Medical oncologists
- Radiologists and pathologists
- Physiotherapists, psychologists, and nutritionists
- Genetic counsellors
This collaborative approach ensures that every medical decision is evidence-based and aligned with each patient’s life goals.
At Apollo Athenaa Women’s Cancer Centre, care for Primary Peritoneal Cancer is grounded in expertise, empathy, and personalised precision.