Peritoneal Mesothelioma Asbestos Symptoms
The digestive system is commonly affected by the symptoms of peritoneal mesothelioma. This is because asbestos fibers are taken in and are then embedded within the lining of your stomach called the peritoneum.
In time, these fibers result in mutations to the healthy peritoneal cell. As a result, cancerous tumors form in the peritoneum.
Mesothelioma is a challenging condition to identify. The early signs can resemble symptoms of other conditions, such as hernia or irritable bowel syndrome.
Signs and symptoms
When asbestos fibers are inhaled they can be absorbed into the lungs and travel throughout the body. From there, they may become stuck in the abdominal lining or other organs, causing inflammation and irritation that eventually leads to the growth of tumors. The process can take years to develop, and many victims are unaware of their asbestos exposure until too late.
Asbestos fibers may get caught in the tissue that lines the abdominal cavity, or other organs, leading to malignant peritoneal melanomas. It is the second most prevalent type of mesothelioma, but it can be difficult to recognize because the early symptoms aren't specific and are similar to those of gastrointestinal conditions. Patients with peritoneal mesothelioma frequently have stomach pain, fatigue and digestive issues.
Mesothelioma victims are typically diagnosed with peritoneal mesothelioma following conducting a physical examination, a medical history review and a series of tests performed by a laboratory. An X-ray or CT scan can assist doctors to detect any lumps or signs of illness. In certain instances mesothelioma patients, doctors may also request a biopsy to make a more precise diagnosis.
Peritoneal Mesothelioma symptoms typically begin in the abdomen. They can cause severe abdominal discomfort, bloating and weight loss. They may also cause nausea and vomiting, as well as other digestive issues. Other symptoms include fatigue, chest pain and swelling. It is essential for patients to seek a medical diagnosis in the event of these symptoms as they may be caused by something other than mesothelioma.
Despite the difficulty in diagnosing peritoneal mesothelioma, victims can often receive the proper treatment to extend their lives. In most cases, treatment involves surgery and chemo that is heated.
If you or a loved one have been diagnosed with peritoneal mesothelioma, contact our mesothelioma attorneys to learn what we can do to help. We can help you connect with mesothelioma specialists in your area who can assist you in filing a lawsuit against the asbestos-related companies responsible for your exposure. We can also help ensure that you receive the financial settlement you're entitled to. Fill out our online form to start the process. We can help you get the best possible outcome working with top mesothelioma attorneys.
Diagnosis
The first step in diagnosing peritoneal mesothelioma is to get an accurate medical history. Doctors will ask about the person's exposure to asbestos and the time it occurred. They also conduct a physical exam. Initial tests typically include blood tests and Xrays and CT scans.
Because of the long time of latency, peritoneal cancer can be difficult to diagnose. Patients may experience symptoms like abdominal pain, fever and nausea that resemble other conditions. These nonspecific symptoms can confuse doctors. Mesothelioma is a rare type of cancer and it can take years for symptoms to appear after asbestos exposure.
Inhaling or ingestion of asbestos fibers travel into the stomach lining, called the peritoneum. When they reach the peritoneum, the asbestos fibers are sharp and can cause irritation to the mesothelium. This irritation can cause scar tissue and inflammation over time. Eventually, this leads to abnormal cell growth and tumors forming.
There are no FDA-approved screening tests for peritoneal mesothelioma however, researchers are developing ways to identify the disease in its early stages. The process of identifying mesothelioma's stage is crucial as it will determine the treatment options.
A mesothelioma specialist can perform paracentesis (percutaneous needle biopsy) to collect samples for laboratory testing. These tests will reveal if the cancerous cells are epithelioid (epithelioid), Sarcomatoid (sarcomatoid) or biphasic within the tumor. This information can help doctors develop the treatment plan.
Mesothelioma specialists also evaluate a patient's stage of mesothelioma. The stage determines the most effective treatments and also helps mesothelioma lawyers understand which asbestos companies are liable in mesothelioma lawsuits.
When a mesothelioma expert analyzes the results of a biopsy the doctor creates a pathology report which contains details about the type of mesothelioma. The report may also include the staging scale, which indicates how the cancer has spread across the body. The higher the stage the more likely it is to respond to treatment. Lawyers can explain the implications of this for the particular case of a client.
Treatment
When swallowed or inhaled, asbestos fibers become embedded in the tissue that lines the abdomen and other organs. These fibers can cause irritation to cells and cause DNA damage. This leads to the development of tumors. Typically, peritoneal mesothelioma forms in the lining of the abdomen known as the peritoneum. Peritoneal mesothelioma is rarer than pleural mesothelioma. It usually affects women more.
The symptoms of peritoneal cancer are similar to those associated with gastrointestinal disorders, such as Crohn's disease and irritable bowel syndrome which makes it difficult for doctors to diagnose. Because of this, early symptoms can be mistaken for normal ailments, and can last for months or even years before a patient is diagnosed with a mesothelioma diagnosis.
A physician will also conduct tests of blood and imaging to rule out any other diseases or conditions that may cause the same symptoms as mesothelioma. These tests can be used to determine the best treatment options.
A biopsy is conducted by a doctor to confirm the diagnosis. This is because peritoneal msothelioma occurs in the abdominal liner. A biopsy involves the removal of small portions of the affected area to be examined by pathologists. Biopsies can identify cancerous cells, and can determine the type of Mesothelioma.
After a peritoneal msothelioma is confirmed doctors will discuss treatment options with patients. Generally, the goal of the treatment plan is to minimize the size and quantity of tumors. Surgery is usually the first option, however patients can also look into chemotherapy and immunotherapy.
In contrast to the chest-based treatment for pleural Mesothelioma that is administered via the lungs, peritoneal Mesothelioma treatment is injected via intravenously or orally. The injections of chemotherapy such as heated intraperitoneal therapy (HIPEC), helped extend the survival of many patients. HIPEC is a method that was invented by mesothelioma pioneer Paul Sugarbaker.
Patients who have been diagnosed with peritoneal cancer may be eligible to bring an asbestos lawsuit against negligent companies. A knowledgeable mesothelioma attorney can review a patient's case and suggest legal options. Contact us now to get started. It's completely free, confidential and there is no obligation. We offer nationwide representation.
Prognosis
Mesothelioma cancer is a rare form of cancer. Because doctors aren't experienced, many patients are misdiagnosed with other diseases. A mesothelioma specialist can assist patients to diagnose the disease and ensure that they receive the right treatment.
Asbestos exposure is the sole known cause of peritoneal cancer. When asbestos fibers are breathed in or consumed, they may cause irritation to the abdominal tissues and cause cells to alter. As time passes, this could lead to tumors that form a mesothelioma of the peritoneum.
The exposure to asbestos typically begins with jobs in manufacturing or construction. These industries may employ products that contain asbestos, for example, insulation and fireproofing. Asbestos may also be found in household items, such as roofing tiles and flooring. Even the smallest amounts of exposure put a person at risk for mesothelioma. Because mesothelioma has an extended latency period, victims can sometimes be diagnosed with peritoneal mesothelioma decades after the initial exposure.
Peritoneal mesothelioma symptoms could be similar to those of other conditions and can be mistaken for hernias, digestive problems such as Crohn's disease or colitis, or other forms of abdominal cancer. Many patients do not report their asbestos exposure and don't seek medical attention. When mesothelioma is detected doctors may recommend the procedure of a biopsy to make an accurate diagnosis. A biopsy is the removal tiny pieces of tissue to be tested. This procedure can reveal the stage of mesothelioma as well as if it is epithelioid, sarcomatoid or biphasic.
If the mesothelioma is in an early stage, doctors can remove all of the tumors and provide the best treatment. The doctor will also be able to determine if the cancer has spread to the abdomen. They can then prescribe palliative treatment for the patient, such as paracentesis to drain the fluid from the abdomen.
If mesothelioma progresses the chances of survival are less. The reason for this is that the tumors can become resistant to certain treatments and may be recurred. The doctor may suggest the combination of chemotherapy and surgery. Surgery options include cytoreduction with hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemo. This combination is more likely to improve a patient's prognosis than chemotherapy alone.