At Peritoneal Cancer Institute (PCI), we are firmly committed to helping patients and their families understand advanced abdominopelvic cancer, peritoneal metastases, and how they manifest. Detecting it is not always easy: in its early stages, it may not present clear signs, and the symptoms are often nonspecific and easily confused with other digestive discomforts. Therefore, early diagnosis is crucial for timely treatment. Recognizing warning signs can make a significant difference in the prognosis.
As we explained in the blog post “What is Peritoneal Cancer and How is it Diagnosed?”, peritoneal cancer affects the peritoneum, a membrane that lines the abdominal organs. It can originate directly in the peritoneum (primary) or spread from another organ, such as the colon, stomach, appendix, pancreas, or ovaries (secondary). In both cases, the symptoms are usually similar. Below, we explain the main warning signs and what to do if you experience them.
Main Symptoms of Peritoneal Cancer
In its early stages, the disease may progress without causing obvious symptoms. As it progresses, the following signs may appear:
- Abdominal Bloating: this is one of the most characteristic symptoms. It is usually due to the accumulation of fluid in the abdomen (ascites), which causes the belly to increase in size and feel more tense. Sometimes the patient mistakes this for weight gain.
- Changes in Bowel Rhythm: in some cases, the affected person may experience nausea or even shortness of breath when ascites is significant.
- Abdominal Pain: the discomfort is usually constant, such as a feeling of pressure, heaviness, or abdominal cramps. The most important factor in identifying it is that it persists over time and does not improve with usual treatments.
- Loss of Appetite or Rapid Satiety: the affected person may lose their appetite for no apparent reason or feel full after eating very little.
- Changes in Bowel Habits and/or Urination: constipation or diarrhea that persist for several weeks. If the tumor is pressing on the bladder or bowel, urinary frequency or urgency may also increase.
- Extreme Fatigue and Unintentional Weight Loss: unusual physical exhaustion appears, which does not improve with rest. Combined with a lack of appetite, this can lead to significant weight loss and a persistent feeling of fatigue.
Importance of Early Diagnosis
These symptoms should be considered worrisome if they last more than 2 or 3 weeks, or if they progressively worsen. Although they can be often due to benign causes, early evaluation allows for ruling out problems and, if necessary, access to more effective and personalized treatments sooner.
At the Peritoneal Cancer Institute, we perform a comprehensive and multidisciplinary patient evaluation, supported by advanced diagnosis imaging techniques, analysis, and precision oncological surgery, to arrive at the earliest and most accurate diagnosis possible.
Why Trust the Peritoneal Cancer Institute?
We are a leading center for diagnosis and treatment of peritoneal cancer, located within the Teknon Center in Barcelona. Our team, led by Dr. Domenico Sabia and Dr. Lana Bijelic, utilizes advanced techniques such as cytoreductive surgery (CRS) and Hyperthermic Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy (HIPEC). We have improved the lives of many patients and continue to evolve our techniques to offer higher-quality care throughout the entire process, from diagnosis to follow-up.
If you experience any of these symptoms and they persist, we encourage you to schedule a consultation at the Peritoneal Cancer Institute so we can evaluate you.