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Primary Peritoneal Cancer
Cancer that begins in the tissue lining the abdomen and is closely related to epithelial ovarian and fallopian tube cancer.
Understanding primary peritoneal cancer
Primary peritoneal cancer begins in the peritoneum, the thin tissue lining the abdominal cavity and covering many abdominal organs. It forms in the same kind of tissue as epithelial ovarian and fallopian tube cancers and is generally staged and treated in a similar way. It can occur even when the ovaries appear normal or have previously been removed.
Possible signs and symptoms
- Persistent abdominal or pelvic pain
- Bloating, swelling or increasing abdominal size
- Feeling full quickly or difficulty eating
- Urinary urgency or frequent urination
- Constipation, gas or another lasting bowel change
- Unexplained weight change or persistent fatigue
Treatment and care
Treatment depends on disease extent, pathology, overall health and tumour biomarkers. A gynaecological oncology team usually coordinates care.
Surgery and chemotherapy
Treatment commonly combines surgery to remove as much visible cancer as possible with platinum-based chemotherapy. The order depends on whether surgery is appropriate at diagnosis.
Targeted and maintenance treatment
Bevacizumab, PARP inhibitors or other treatments may be used in selected cases according to response, inherited or tumour gene findings and recurrence pattern.
Sources and medical information
Sources checked: 28 July 2026
Bloating, pelvic pain and bowel or urinary changes are common and usually are not cancer. Seek medical advice when they are new, persistent, frequent or worsening. Sudden severe abdominal pain, vomiting or breathing difficulty needs urgent assessment.
Official sources
Key Facts
PeritoneumThis cancer begins in the lining of the abdominal cavity
Shared careIt is treated similarly to epithelial ovarian and fallopian tube cancer