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NCI Dictionary of Cancer Terms

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peritoneal washing  listen  (PAYR-ih-toh-NEE-ul WAH-shing)

  A procedure in which a salt-water solution is used to wash the peritoneal cavity and then is removed to check for cancer cells. The peritoneal cavity is the space in the abdomen that contains the intestines, stomach, and liver. Peritoneal washings are commonly done during surgery for cancer of the ovary and uterus, to see if cancer has spread to the peritoneal cavity.