Peritoneal Cancer

Look to UC San Diego Health for expert peritoneal cancer care.

Our surgical oncology team is internationally recognized for its expertise in treating this rare but serious type of abdominal cancer.

Nationally Ranked Cancer Care

UC San Diego Health is ranked among the top 50 in the nation for cancer care and gastroenterology by U.S. News & World Report. We are also the only National Cancer Institute (NCI)-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center in San Diego County. This is the highest possible rating for a U.S. cancer center, and it means you’ll receive the best possible care and support. Studies show patient outcomes are better at NCI-designated cancer centers. In addition, our specialists care for more patients with peritoneal and other gastrointestinal cancers than any other San Diego health care system.

What Is Peritoneal Cancer?

Peritoneal surface malignancies are cancers that develop on the lining of the abdomen, called the peritoneum. They often develop when tumors spread from the appendix, rectum, colon, stomach, ovaries or other organs.

Comprehensive, Personalized Treatment for Peritoneal Cancer

The first-line treatment for peritoneal cancer is surgery to remove tumors followed by heated intraperitoneal chemoperfusion (HIPEC). Your UC San Diego Health team is one of the most experienced in the world at this procedure. We perform more HIPEC procedures than any medical center in the western United States with high success rates for our patients.

If you are not a candidate for HIPEC, your doctor may recommend:

• Immunotherapy, the use of drugs to stimulate the immune system to fight cancer
• Personalized cancer therapy, treatments tailored to abnormal genes in your particular tumor
• Rare tumors clinic, a Moores Cancer Center team that specializes in rare cancers.