OBSOLETE: Primary peritoneal serous/papillary carcinoma

Primary peritoneal serous carcinoma (also called primary peritoneal papillary serous carcinoma or primary peritoneal carcinoma) is a rare cancer that starts in the peritoneum — the thin layer of tissue that lines the inside of the abdomen and covers most of the abdominal organs. This cancer looks and behaves very much like advanced ovarian cancer, but it begins in the peritoneal lining rather than in the ovaries. It can even occur in women who have had their ovaries removed. The cancer cells are of the serous or papillary type, meaning they resemble the cells normally found on the surface of the ovary and peritoneum. Symptoms often develop gradually and can be vague at first, which sometimes leads to a delayed diagnosis. Common complaints include abdominal bloating, pelvic or abdominal pain, feeling full quickly when eating, changes in bowel habits, unexplained weight loss, and fluid buildup in the abdomen (called ascites). Because symptoms overlap with many other conditions, the disease is frequently found at an advanced stage. Treatment is very similar to that used for advanced epithelial ovarian cancer. It typically involves a combination of surgery (called debulking or cytoreductive surgery) to remove as much visible tumor as possible, followed by platinum-based chemotherapy, often carboplatin combined with paclitaxel. In some cases, targeted therapies such as bevacizumab or PARP inhibitors (like olaparib or niraparib) may be used, especially if certain genetic mutations are present. Note that this Orphanet entry is marked as 'OBSOLETE,' meaning the classification may have been merged into broader categories of high-grade serous carcinoma of the peritoneum or ovary in updated disease databases.

Data sourced from FDA regulatory filings and ClinicalTrials.gov. Updated periodically.

Bring these to your next appointment

• Q1.What stage is my cancer, and has it spread beyond the peritoneum?,Should I have genetic testing for BRCA and other cancer-related genes, and what would the results mean for my treatment?,What is the recommended treatment plan, and what are the expected side effects?,Am I a candidate for PARP inhibitor maintenance therapy?,Are there any clinical trials that might be appropriate for me?,What symptoms should prompt me to seek emergency care during treatment?,What support services are available to help me and my family cope with this diagnosis?

Common questions about OBSOLETE: Primary peritoneal serous/papillary carcinoma