Peritoneal Mesothelioma Not Caused by Asbestos Malignant peritoneal mesothelioma forms in the abdominal lining. It is less common than pleural mesothelioma and it affects women more than men. The symptoms of peritoneal mesothelioma may be vague, such as abdominal discomfort, weight loss, constipation or diarrhoea. A specialist in mesothelioma can