Omental Caking

Omental caking is a thick, sheet-like layer of tumor that spreads across the omentum, the apron of fatty tissue that hangs over the intestines. It shows up on CT scans as a dense, matted mass and is a strong sign that cancer has seeded the lining of the abdomen. In asbestos disease it is a classic finding of peritoneal mesothelioma.

Origin

From the Latin omentum, the term for the fatty abdominal membrane, and "caking" from the visual resemblance to a solid, matted layer. The phrase became common in radiology as CT imaging made this pattern easy to recognize in the late twentieth century.

Significance in Asbestos Context

For a patient with abdominal symptoms and an asbestos history, omental caking on imaging strongly points toward peritoneal mesothelioma, the form of asbestos cancer that arises in the abdominal lining. It often appears alongside ascites and thickening of the peritoneum. Because early symptoms like bloating and early fullness are vague, this imaging finding can be the first concrete clue that leads to biopsy and diagnosis. Documenting it in radiology reports helps establish the presence and extent of disease, which matters for staging, treatment planning, and the medical record supporting a claim.

Example Sentence

The radiologist's note describing extensive omental caking and ascites prompted the biopsy that confirmed peritoneal mesothelioma.

Related Terms

Peritoneal Mesothelioma, Ascites, Peritoneum, Early Satiety, Peritoneal Thickening

Notes

• If imaging shows omental caking, ask whether a tissue biopsy is planned, since imaging alone cannot confirm mesothelioma.
• Keep the full radiology reports and images; they document the extent of disease relevant to staging and to a claim.
• Ask whether referral to a peritoneal surgical oncology center for possible cytoreductive surgery and HIPEC is appropriate.