Peritoneal Surface Malignancy | Peritoneal Cancer

Our approach to peritoneal cancer care

The peritoneum — or peritoneal lining — is a thin layer of tissue that covers most of the organs within your abdomen. 

Sometimes, cancer from other parts of the body — like the stomach, colon, appendix or ovaries — can spread to the peritoneum. Some cancers also start in the peritoneum itself, like mesothelioma. 

These cancers are rare and can be difficult to treat, so it’s important to have an experienced team on your side. At UCI Health, our nationally renowned experts at the Chao Family Comprehensive Cancer Center work together to create the best treatment plan for you. In addition to a cancer surgeon, your care team will also include:

• Gynecologic oncologists
• Medical oncologists
• Radiologists
• Pathologists
• Support staff

Why choose UCI Health for peritoneal cancer care?

Innovative cancer care

At UCI Health, we make sure you have access to the treatments and services you need to thrive. This includes access to cancer clinical trials, genetic testing and genetic counseling. UCI Health offers one of the largest peritoneal cancer programs in the country by volume, meaning you have access to a team with much experience in peritoneal cancers. 

We also offer second opinions for cancer, which allows you to explore all your options. 

Whole-person approach

Your care plan includes input from all specialists to ensure a personalized, whole-person approach. This means we consider your lifestyle, family history, medical history, goals and more to determine the right plan just for you.

That's like having a built-in second opinion from national leaders who all have advanced expertise in peritoneal cancer.

Leaders in the field

As the only academic medical center in Orange County, UCI Health is a National Cancer Institute (NCI)-designated comprehensive cancer center.

This means you’ll have access to internationally recognized surgical oncologists who can treat these cancers. These specialists are leaders in improving cancer care, clinical trials and the most advanced treatments.

Comprehensive research program

Our surgeon-led research program specializes in treating metastatic cancer that has spread to the peritoneum from the appendix, colon, stomach and other sites. You have a dedicated team in your corner, specific to the type of cancer you have.

Our cancer clinical trials include the STOPGAP study. This research tests a new combination of treatments for stomach cancer that has spread to the peritoneum. This means you may have access to treatments that are not widely available.