20 Myths About Peritoneal Mesothelioma Asbestos: Dispelled

Peritoneal Mesothelioma Asbestos Symptoms

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

As time passes, these fibers result in mutations to the healthy peritoneal cell. Cancerous tumors develop in the peritoneum as a result.

The diagnosis of mesothelioma can be a challenge. The early signs can be similar to symptoms of other conditions such as hernia or irritable bowel syndrome.

Symptoms

When asbestos fibers are inhaled, they can be absorbed into the lungs and then travel throughout the body. From there, they can get stuck in the lining of the abdomen or other organs, causing inflammation and irritation that eventually leads to the growth of tumors. The process can take years to develop, and most victims are unaware that they have asbestos exposure until it is too late.

Asbestos fibers may get caught in the tissue lining the abdominal cavity or other organs, which can cause malignant peritoneal melanomas. It is the second most common mesothelioma type, however it can be difficult to diagnose because early symptoms aren't specific and are similar to those of digestive conditions. Patients with peritoneal mesothelioma frequently suffer from stomach pain, fatigue and digestive problems.

After a physical exam, a review of medical history and a series of laboratory tests, mesothelioma patients are diagnosed with peritoneal cancer. A CT scan or X-ray can aid in identifying lumps, or other indications of disease. In some instances, mesothelioma doctors will also order a biopsy to obtain an accurate diagnosis.

Peritoneal mesothelioma lawsuits symptoms typically begin in the abdomen and can result in severe abdominal discomfort as well as weight loss, bloating, swelling of the belly, nausea, vomiting and other digestive issues. Other symptoms include fatigue, chest pain and swelling. It is important for victims to seek medical advice when they experience these symptoms, as they could be caused by something other than mesothelioma.

Despite the difficulty in diagnosing peritoneal msothelioma patients can often receive the right treatment to prolong their lives. In the majority of cases, treatment involves surgery and chemo that is heated.

If you or someone you love have been diagnosed with peritoneal mesothelioma, call our mesothelioma attorneys to learn more about how we can assist. We can help you locate a mesothelioma expert near you who can help you file a lawsuit against asbestos companies responsible for your exposure. We can also help you get the financial compensation you deserve. You can begin this process by filling out our no-cost online form. We can assist you in obtaining the best outcome possible by working with top mesothelioma attorneys.

Diagnosis

To diagnose peritoneal msothelioma, it is essential to take a an extensive medical history. Doctors will ask the patient about their exposure to asbestos and when it occurred. A physical exam will be conducted. X-rays, blood tests and CT scans are often utilized in the initial check-up.

Because of the long latency period, peritoneal mesothelioma lawsuit can be difficult to recognize. Patients might experience symptoms such as abdominal pain, nausea and fever that are similar to those of other conditions. These nonspecific symptoms can confuse doctors. Mesothelioma is a rare type of cancer, and it can take decades for symptoms to appear after asbestos exposure.

Inhaling or eating asbestos fibers travel to the stomach lining called the peritoneum. Once inside the peritoneum the asbestos fibers are sharp and can cause irritation to the mesothelium. This irritation causes inflammation and scar tissue over time. This leads to abnormal cell proliferation and tumors.

Researchers are working on methods to detect the disease early. The stage of mesothelioma determines the treatment options.

A mesothelioma specialist may perform paracentesis (percutaneous needle biopsy) to take samples for lab testing. These tests can identify the kind of cancer cells (epithelioid or sarcomatoid) within the tumor and aid doctors come up with the best treatment strategy.

Mesothelioma specialists also evaluate the stage of mesothelioma a patient is. The stage determines the most effective treatments and assists mesothelioma lawyers to determine which asbestos-related companies are responsible in mesothelioma lawsuits.

When a mesothelioma expert reviews the results from an examination the doctor creates a pathology report that contains information on the type mesothelioma. The report could also include the staging scale, which indicates how far the cancer has spread throughout the body. The more advanced the stage, the less likely it is to respond to treatment. A lawyer can explain the implications of this for the particular case of a client.

Treatment

Asbestos fibers are inhaled or ingested and become embedded in the tissues lining the abdomen and other organs. These fibers can cause irritation to cells and damage DNA. This can lead to the development of tumors. Typically, peritoneal cancer develops in the lining of the abdomen. Peritoneal mesothelioma occurs less frequently than pleural mesothelioma, and typically affects women more.

The symptoms of peritoneal mesothelioma are similar to symptoms of gastrointestinal conditions like irritable bowel syndrome and Crohn's disease. This makes it difficult for doctors to diagnose the condition. Because of this, early symptoms are mistaken for normal ailments, and can last for months or years before a patient receives a mesothelioma diagnosis.

A doctor may also perform tests on blood and imaging to rule out other conditions or diseases that could trigger mesothelioma-like symptoms. These tests can also be used to determine the most effective treatment options.

Because peritoneal mesothelioma develops in the abdominal lining, a doctor will perform a biopsy to confirm a diagnosis. A biopsy involves the removal of small samples from the affected area to be examined by pathologists. Biopsies may reveal cancerous cells and determine the mesothelioma type.

If a diagnosis of peritoneal cancer is confirmed doctors will discuss the options for treatment with the patient. Generally, the goal of a treatment plan is to decrease the size and quantity of tumors. Surgery is typically the first line of defense, however, patients must also consider 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 either intravenously or orally. Chemotherapies like injections, such as heated intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) have helped to prolong the life of many patients. HIPEC is a method that was invented by mesothelioma pioneer Paul Sugarbaker.

Patients who have been diagnosed with peritoneal cancer may qualify to bring an asbestos lawsuit against negligent companies. A mesothelioma lawyer can evaluate the case of a patient and recommend legal options. Contact us today to start. Contact us now. It's completely free, confidential and there's no commitment. We offer nationwide representation.

Prognosis

Mesothelioma is a rare type of cancer. Because doctors lack experience in diagnosing patients, many are mistakenly diagnosed with other diseases. Fortunately, a mesothelioma specialist can assist in the diagnostic process and get patients the proper treatment.

Asbestos exposure is the sole known cause of peritoneal cancer. When asbestos fibers are breathed in or ingested, they can irritate the tissues of the abdomen and cause cells to mutate. This may cause tumors to develop mesothelioma within the peritoneum in time.

Manufacturing or construction is usually the first area where asbestos exposure starts. These industries could utilize products that contain asbestos, such as insulation and fireproofing. Asbestos is also found in household items, such as roofing tiles and flooring. Even the smallest amounts of exposure can put a person at risk for mesothelioma. Because of the lengthy period of latency patients may be diagnosed with peritoneal mesothelioma many decades after their first exposure.

Peritoneal Mesothelioma may mimic other diseases. It is often mistaken for hernias, digestive problems like Crohn's or colitis and other forms of abdominal cancer. Due to this, a lot of patients don't report their exposure to asbestos and they do not seek medical treatment. When mesothelioma is detected doctors may recommend a biopsy for a more accurate diagnosis. A biopsy involves the removal of just a small portion of affected tissue to test. This procedure can help determine the stage of mesothelioma and whether it is epithelioid biphasic, or sarcomatoid.

If mesothelioma has reached an early stage doctors can remove all of the tumors and offer the best treatment. The specialist can also determine if the cancer has expanded to the abdomen. They will then recommend palliative treatments for the patient. For example paracentesis to remove fluid from the abdomen.

When a mesothelioma is advanced, the prognosis becomes poorer. The reason for this is that the tumors are able to become resistant to certain treatments, and they may be recurred. The doctor might suggest a combination of surgery and chemotherapy. Surgery options include cytoreduction with hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemo. This combination is more likely to improve a patient's outlook than chemotherapy on its own.