Ask Me Anything: 10 Answers To Your Questions About Peritoneal Mesothelioma Asbestos
Peritoneal Mesothelioma Asbestos Symptoms
Peritoneal mesothelioma lawsuit - redirect to Technetbloggers - asbestos symptoms typically affect the digestive system. This is due to asbestos fibers being inhaled and then become a part of the lining of the stomach known as the peritoneum.
Over time the fibers cause mutations in healthy peritoneal cells. As a result cancerous tumors develop in the peritoneum.
The diagnosis of mesothelioma can be a challenge. The early signs can resemble symptoms of other conditions, like hernia or IBS.
Signs and symptoms
Asbestos fibers may travel through the body after inhalation. From there, they can be trapped in the lining of the abdomen or other organs, causing irritation and inflammation that leads to tumor growth. This process can take a long time to develop, and a lot of victims are unaware that they are exposed to asbestos until it is too late.
Asbestos fibers can get trapped in the tissue that lines the abdominal cavity, or other organs, which can cause malignant peritoneal melanomas. It is the second most common type of mesothelioma, but it is difficult to diagnose because early symptoms aren't specific and are similar to those of digestive disorders. Patients with peritoneal cancer often suffer from stomach pain, fatigue and gastrointestinal issues.
After a physical examination followed by a review of medical history and a series of tests in the laboratory, mesothelioma patients are diagnosed with peritoneal cancer. An X-ray or CT scan can help doctors find any lumps or indications of disease. In some cases mesothelioma physicians may request a biopsy for an accurate diagnosis.
Peritoneal mesothelioma symptoms usually start in the abdominal region and can result in extreme abdominal pain and weight loss, bloating, fluid buildup in the belly, nausea, vomiting and other digestive issues. Other symptoms include chest pain, fatigue and swelling. If these symptoms are present it is essential that patients seek medical attention since they may be caused by other illnesses.
Despite the difficulties of diagnosing peritoneal mesothelioma, patients can often receive the proper treatment to prolong their lives. In the majority of cases, the treatment involves surgery and chemo treatment that is heated.
Contact our mesothelioma lawyers today to learn how we can assist you if a family member has been diagnosed with peritoneal mesothelioma. We can help you find an expert in mesothelioma near you who can help you file an asbestos lawsuit against asbestos-related companies responsible for your exposure. We can also assist you in ensuring that you receive the financial compensation that you are entitled to. Start the process by filling in our free online form. We partner with the top mesothelioma lawyers to assist you in obtaining the most favorable possible outcome.
Diagnosis
The first step in diagnosing peritoneal mesothelioma is to get an accurate medical history. Doctors will ask about the patient's exposure to asbestos and when it happened. A physical exam will be conducted. Blood tests, X-rays and CT scans are typically utilized in the initial check-up.
Peritoneal mesothelioma is a difficult cancer to recognize due to its lengthy period of latency. Patients may experience symptoms such as abdominal pain, fever and nausea that resemble other conditions. These symptoms that are not specific can confuse doctors. Mesothelioma is a rare cancer that can take years for symptoms to appear after asbestos exposure.
Asbestos fibers that are inhaled or consumed are transported to the stomach lining, known as the peritoneum. Asbestos fibers that are sharp can irritate mesothelium after they reach the peritoneum. In time the irritation causes inflammation and scar tissue. This leads to abnormal cell growth and tumors.
Researchers are working on ways to detect the disease at its earliest stages. The importance of identifying mesothelioma early is that it will determine the treatment options.
A mesothelioma expert can perform a paracentesis procedure or percutaneous needle biopsy to take a sample of mesothelioma tumors to be tested in the lab. These tests can help identify the type of cancer cells (epithelioid biphasic, sarcomatoid, or epithelioid) within the tumor and help doctors develop an appropriate treatment plan.
Mesothelioma specialists also evaluate the stage of mesothelioma a patient is. The staging process determines which treatments will be most effective and helps mesothelioma lawyers know which asbestos-related companies to sue in mesothelioma lawsuits.
When a mesothelioma specialist analyzes the results of a biopsy they produce an analysis report that contains details on the type of mesothelioma. The report may also include an assessment scale that reveals how far the cancer has spread within the body. The higher the stage, the less likely it is that it will respond to treatment. A lawyer can explain what this means in a client's situation.
Treatment
Asbestos fibers can be inhaled or eaten and then absorbed in the tissue lining the abdomen and other organs. The fibers cause irritation to cells and damage DNA. In time, this can lead to the formation of tumors in the lining. Typically, peritoneal cancer develops in the lining that covers the abdomen. Peritoneal mesothelioma is rarer than pleural mesothelioma lawsuit, and typically affects women more.
Symptoms of peritoneal mesothelioma are similar to symptoms of gastrointestinal diseases like irritable bowel syndrome and Crohn's disease, making it difficult for doctors to diagnose the condition. As a result, early symptoms are mistaken for normal ailments and can persist for months or even years before a patient is diagnosed with a mesothelioma diagnosis.
In addition to an extensive medical history, a physician will conduct imaging and blood tests to rule out other diseases and conditions that may cause the same symptoms as mesothelioma. These tests can also be used to determine the most effective treatment options.
Because peritoneal mesothelioma develops in the abdominal lining The doctor will conduct a biopsy to confirm a diagnosis. A biopsy involves the removal of small samples from the affected area to be examined by pathologists. Biopsies can reveal cancerous cells and determine the mesothelioma type.
After a peritoneal msothelioma is confirmed, doctors will discuss the treatment options with patients. Generally, the goal of a treatment plan is to decrease the size and quantity of tumors. Surgery is usually the first line of defense, however, patients must also consider the possibility of chemotherapy and immunotherapy.
Contrary to chest-based treatment for pleural mesothelioma that is administered via the lungs, the treatment for peritoneal Mesothelioma is injected via intravenously or orally. Chemotherapies like injections, such as heated intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) have helped to prolong the lives of many patients. HIPEC was developed by mesothelioma expert Paul Sugarbaker.
Patients diagnosed with peritoneal mesothelioma could be able to file an asbestos lawsuit against negligent companies. A mesothelioma lawyer can evaluate the case of a patient and suggest legal options. Contact us today to get started. Contact us today. It's completely free, confidential and there's absolutely no obligation. We offer nationwide representation.
Prognosis
Mesothelioma is a rare cancer. Because doctors aren't experienced with the disease, many patients are misdiagnosed as having other illnesses. A mesothelioma expert can help patients with the diagnosis and ensure they receive the appropriate treatment.
Asbestos exposure is the only known cause of peritoneal mesothelioma. When asbestos fibers are breathed in or consumed, they may cause irritation to abdominal tissues and cause cells to mutate. This may cause tumors to develop into mesothelioma in the peritoneum in time.
Manufacturing or construction work is often the first location where asbestos exposure begins. These industries may employ materials that contain asbestos, for example, insulation and fireproofing. Asbestos can also be found in household items such as flooring and roofing tiles. Even low levels of exposure put a person at risk for mesothelioma. Because the disease has an extended latency period, victims can sometimes be diagnosed with peritoneal mesothelioma years after the initial exposure.
Peritoneal Mesothelioma can mimic other diseases. It is often mistaken for hernias, gastrointestinal issues like colitis or Crohn's, and other types of abdominal cancers. Many patients don't report their asbestos exposure and don't seek medical attention. If mesothelioma is found experts may suggest a biopsy for a more accurate diagnosis. A biopsy involves the removal of just a small portion of affected tissue for testing. This procedure can reveal the stage of mesothelioma and if it is epithelioid, biphasic, or sarcomatoid.
If mesothelioma isn't spreading, doctors can remove the tumors. They can also provide an option for curative treatment. The specialist can also determine if the cancer has spread to the abdomen. They can then prescribe palliative treatments for the patient, for example paracentesis that drains fluid from the abdomen.
When a mesothelioma is advanced the chances of survival are less. The cancers can become resistant to certain treatment and then recur. The doctor may recommend a combination of chemotherapy and surgery. Surgery options include cytoreduction along with hyperthermic intraperitoneal therapy. This combination is more likely than chemotherapy by itself to improve the prognosis of patients.