The peritoneum is a large, thin, flexible sheet of tissue that covers the organs inside your abdomen (tummy). It forms a cover over your bowel, stomach, liver and reproductive organs.  

It may help to think of the peritoneum as similar to 'cling film'. It has a number of roles including protecting your organs and keeping them securely in place. It also produces a fluid (peritoneal fluid) which covers your organs making them slick and smooth. This stops them from sticking to each other and allows them to move smoothly when you’re active.

Primary peritoneal cancer is a type of cancer that starts growing in the peritoneum. It can start in any part of the peritoneum, and sometimes in more than one place. Usually, it starts in the area that covers the organs low down in your pelvis (the lower part of the tummy between your hip bones). Cancers that start in the peritoneum can sometimes spread to other organs in the tummy, which may include the ovaries.

Why am I being treated by gynae-oncology?

Primary peritoneal cancer is very similar to epithelial ovarian cancer. Both types of cancer: 

• can cause similar symptoms, in particular ascites – a large build-up of fluid in the tummy  
• are treated in the same way  
• appear identical when looked at under a microscope.  

Health professionals with experience treating those with gynaecological cancers will treat you. This is because the treatments for ovarian cancer and primary peritoneal cancer are very similar. Surgery for primary peritoneal cancer can also involve removing your reproductive organs.

Who will be looking after me?

After your diagnosis you should be told who the main person looking after your care is. This person is usually known as your key worker. This is often a clinical nurse specialist (CNS).  

Your CNS will support you during and after your treatment. You can contact them for support and advice on any aspect of your treatment and recovery.

What treatment will I have?

The treatments for PPC and ovarian cancer are similar. This is because the cancer cells look and act the same way in both ovarian and primary peritoneal cancer. Treatment usually includes both chemotherapy and surgery.

Getting emotional support

Being told that you have cancer can be a shock, even if you were expecting your diagnosis. It's very normal to experience many different emotions throughout your diagnosis, treatment and beyond.  

You will be looked after by a gynae-oncology team and treated like you have ovarian cancer. You may be offered the same information as those with ovarian cancer. Yet the cancer has a different name and starts from a different organ. You may feel that nobody acknowledges that the cancer type you have is different to ovarian cancer.  

Some people with primary peritoneal cancer say they feel invisible because it is rare, and often other people haven’t heard of it. If you feel this way you aren’t alone. Our specialist nurses are here to provide practical and emotional support to you and your family or friends. Call them on the support line.

It may help to:  

• Join our online community to speak to others and get advice and support  
• Sign up to our regular support events or watch past events back
• Find a support group local to you  

Your clinical nurse specialist (CNS) may also be able to put you in touch with others locally. Most hospitals will also have links with a local cancer support centre, such as Maggie's or Macmillan, which often offer a range of mental health support for free.

Telling others about your diagnosis

Many people find it very difficult to tell their close family and friends that they have been diagnosed with cancer. Being diagnosed with primary peritoneal cancer can bring extra challenges. Friends and family might not have heard of this type of cancer. This can make you feel alone with your diagnosis. Our specialist nurses are here to help you approach these conversations with your loved ones. Call them on 0808 802 6000

We have advice on how to tell your family and friends about a cancer diagnosis. Macmillan also have information on how to tell your loved ones.

More information and support

After reading this information you may find that you still have questions or concerns. Your CNS, surgeon or oncologist will be happy to explain your diagnosis in as much detail as you need. Don't be afraid to ask them to explain things again. It can be difficult to absorb all the information they give you the first time.  

You can also:  

• Call our support line to speak to a specialist nurse about how you’re feeling or to have your questions about primary peritoneal cancer answered.  
• Read more information on primary peritoneal cancer on Macmillan or Cancer Research UK’s pages.