Peritoneal Mesothelioma Asbestos Symptoms

Peritoneal mesothelioma asbestos symptoms typically affect the digestive system. This is because asbestos fibers are ingested, and become embedded within the lining of your stomach known as the peritoneum.

Over time the fibers cause changes in healthy peritoneal cells. Tumors that are cancerous develop in the peritoneum as a result of.

The diagnosis of mesothelioma may be a bit difficult. The early signs can be similar to symptoms of other diseases, like hernia or irritable bowel syndrome.

Signs and symptoms

Asbestos fibers may travel through the body after inhalation. From there, they can become stuck in the abdominal lining or other organs, creating inflammation and irritation that eventually leads to tumor growth. This process can take decades to develop, and most victims are unaware that they are exposed to asbestos until it is too late.

Asbestos fibers can become trapped in the tissues that line the abdominal cavity, or other organs, leading to malignant peritoneal melanomas. It is the second most prevalent type of mesothelioma, but it is difficult to recognize because the early symptoms are not specific and similar to those of gastrointestinal diseases. Patients suffering from peritoneal cancer typically experience fatigue, stomach pain and gastrointestinal issues.

After a physical exam followed by a review of medical history and a series of laboratory tests, mesothelioma patients are diagnosed with peritoneal cancer. An X-ray or CT scan can assist doctors to find any lumps or indications of illness. In some instances, mesothelioma doctors will also request a biopsy for a more accurate diagnosis.

Peritoneal mesothelioma symptoms generally start in the abdominal region and can lead to severe abdominal discomfort as well as bloating, weight loss, fluid buildup in the belly nausea, vomiting, and other digestive issues. Other symptoms include chest pain, fatigue and swelling. It is important for victims to seek medical attention when they experience these symptoms, as they could be caused by something other than mesothelioma.

Despite the difficulty of diagnosing patients with peritoneal msothelioma, they can often receive the right treatment to prolong their lives. In the majority of cases, this requires surgical treatment and heated chemotherapy.

If you or a loved one have been diagnosed with peritoneal cancer, contact our mesothelioma attorneys to find out what we can do to help. We can connect you to a mesothelioma specialist near you and assist you in bringing a suit against the asbestos-related companies responsible for your exposure. We can also assist you in ensuring that you receive the financial compensation that you deserve. Fill out our online form to start the process. We can help you get the best possible outcome by working with top mesothelioma attorneys.

Diagnosis

The first step to diagnose peritoneal mesothelioma is to get an complete medical history. Doctors will ask about the patient's exposure to asbestos and the time it occurred. They also conduct a physical examination. Initial work-ups often include X-rays and blood tests, as well as CT scans.

Due to the lengthy time of latency, peritoneal cancer can be difficult to diagnose. Patients may experience symptoms such as abdominal pain, fever and nausea that resemble other conditions. These nonspecific symptoms may cause confusion for doctors. Mesothelioma is a rare cancer, and it can take years for symptoms to appear after exposure to asbestos.

Inhaling or eating asbestos fibers move into the stomach lining, called the peritoneum. When they reach the peritoneum, the asbestos fibers' sharp edges cause irritation to the mesothelium. In time the irritation causes inflammation and scar tissue growth. Then, it leads to abnormal cell growth, and tumors can develop.

There are no FDA-approved screening tests for mesothelioma of the peritoneum, but researchers are working on developing methods to detect the disease's early stages. The importance of identifying mesothelioma early is that it will determine the treatment options.

A mesothelioma lawsuit doctor can conduct a paracentesis or percutaneous needle biopsy to take a sample of mesothelioma tumours for laboratory testing. These tests can help identify the kind of cancer cells (epithelioid or sarcomatoid) within the tumor and aid doctors determine an appropriate treatment strategy.

Mesothelioma specialists can also determine a patient's stage of mesothelioma. Staging determines which treatments might be most effective and helps mesothelioma lawyers know which asbestos companies to pursue in mesothelioma lawsuits.

When a mesothelioma expert reviews the results from the biopsy the doctor creates a pathology report that contains information on the type mesothelioma attorney. The report could also include the staging system which outlines how far the cancer has spread within the body. The more advanced the stage of cancer is, the less likely the patient will be able to respond to treatment. A lawyer can explain the implications of this to a particular client's case.

Treatment

Inhalation or swallowing asbestos fibers get encased in the tissue that lines the abdomen and other organs. These fibers irritate the cells and cause DNA damage. This leads to the development of tumors. Typically, peritoneal cancer develops in the lining of the abdomen. Peritoneal Mesothelioma has a greater impact on women than pleural Mesothelioma, but it is less common.

The symptoms of peritoneal cancer are similar to those that are associated with digestive disorders like Crohn's disease and irritable bowel syndrome which makes it difficult for doctors to diagnose. In the beginning, symptoms can be mistaken for normal ailments and may last for months or years before a patient is diagnosed with a mesothelioma lawsuit diagnosis.

A physician will also conduct imaging and blood tests to rule out other conditions or diseases that could cause the same symptoms of mesothelioma. These tests can also be used to determine the most suitable treatment options.

Since peritoneal mesothelioma is a cancer that develops the abdominal lining, a doctor will perform a biopsy to confirm a diagnosis. A biopsy involves removing small portions of the affected area for examination by pathologists. Biopsies are able to reveal cancerous cells, and identify the type of Mesothelioma.

If a diagnosis of peritoneal mesothelioma has been established doctors will discuss options for treatment with the patient. The aim of any treatment plan is usually to reduce the size and number of tumors. Surgery is typically the first line of defense but patients should also discuss the possibility of immunotherapy and chemotherapy.

Unlike the chest-based treatments for pleural mesothelioma which are administered via the lung, peritoneal mesothelioma treatments are administered intravenously or orally. Injections of chemotherapies, like heated intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) have been able to prolong the lives of many patients. HIPEC is a method that was invented by mesothelioma pioneer Paul Sugarbaker.

Individuals diagnosed with peritoneal mesothelioma may be eligible to bring an asbestos lawsuit against negligent companies. A knowledgeable mesothelioma attorney will review the case of a patient and recommend legal options. Contact us today to start. Contact us now. It's free, private and there's absolutely no obligation. We offer nationwide representation.

Prognosis

Mesothelioma cancer is a rare form of cancer. Because doctors have limited experience, many patients are misdiagnosed with other diseases. A mesothelioma expert can help patients identify the cause and ensure that they receive the appropriate treatment.

Asbestos exposure is the sole known cause of peritoneal cancer. Asbestos fibers can cause irritation to abdominal tissues and cell mutations when inhaled or consumed. This can cause tumors to develop into mesothelioma in the peritoneum in time.

The exposure to asbestos typically is a result of work in construction or manufacturing. These industries can utilize products that contain asbestos, like insulation and fireproofing. Asbestos can also be found in household products, such as flooring and roofing tiles. Even low levels of exposure put a person at risk for mesothelioma. Because mesothelioma has a long latency period it is possible for patients to be diagnosed with peritoneal mesothelioma decades after their initial exposure.

Peritoneal mesothelioma symptoms could appear similar to other diseases and could be mistaken for hernias, gastrointestinal issues like colitis or Crohn's disease, or other forms of abdominal cancer. Many patients do not declare their asbestos exposure and don't seek medical care. When mesothelioma is detected experts may suggest a biopsy for a more precise diagnosis. A biopsy involves the removal of just a small portion of affected tissue for testing. This test will reveal whether the mesothelioma is epithelioid (epidermoid) or the sarcomatoid (sarcomatoid) or biphasic.

If the mesothelioma is at an early stage, doctors can remove all the tumors and provide the best treatment. The doctor can also determine if the cancer has spread to the abdomen. They may then recommend palliative treatments for the patient. For example, paracentesis to drain the abdomen of fluid.

The odds of survival are worse when mesothelioma is advanced. The cancers can become resistant to certain treatments and recur. The specialist may recommend a combination of surgery and chemotherapy. Surgical options include cytoreduction surgery with hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy. This combination is more likely than chemotherapy by itself to improve the prognosis for a patient.