Omentum

The omentum is a large, apron-like fold of fatty tissue that hangs from the stomach and drapes over the intestines inside the abdominal cavity. It is part of the peritoneum, the thin membrane that lines the abdomen, and helps store fat, support immune defense, and wall off areas of injury or infection. In peritoneal mesothelioma, the omentum is one of the most commonly affected structures.

Origin

The word comes from the Latin omentum, meaning "fatty membrane covering the bowels," a term used by Roman anatomists. Its dual structure was described in classical anatomy as the "greater omentum" (hanging from the stomach) and the "lesser omentum" (connecting the stomach to the liver).

Significance in Asbestos Context

Peritoneal mesothelioma frequently spreads along the omentum, producing thickening, nodules, or a hardened mass sometimes called an "omental cake" on CT scans. Because the omentum is so often involved, surgeons performing cytoreductive surgery (CRS) almost always remove it, a procedure called omentectomy, usually combined with HIPEC (heated intraperitoneal chemotherapy). Pathology reports from omental biopsies or surgical specimens are often the documents that confirm a peritoneal mesothelioma diagnosis, and they are central evidence in a legal claim. Patients should make sure their medical records clearly describe omental involvement, since the extent of disease in the omentum affects both treatment planning and prognosis.

Example Sentence

Her CT scan showed an "omental cake," and the biopsy of the omentum confirmed epithelioid peritoneal mesothelioma.

Related Terms

Peritoneum, Peritoneal Mesothelioma, Omentectomy, HIPEC, Cytoreductive Surgery, Omental Cake

Notes

• Ask your oncologist whether your imaging shows omental thickening or an "omental cake," and request copies of CT and PET-CT reports that describe it.
• If surgery is being considered, ask whether omentectomy with HIPEC is appropriate and whether you should be evaluated at a high-volume peritoneal mesothelioma center.
• Preserve all operative reports and surgical pathology reports describing the omentum. These documents are key evidence in both treatment decisions and asbestos claims.
• Omental involvement is specific to peritoneal (abdominal) mesothelioma, not pleural mesothelioma; make sure your records use the correct anatomic terminology.