Peritoneal Mesothelioma Asbestos Symptoms
The digestive system is often affected by the symptoms of peritoneal mesothelioma. This is due to asbestos fibers being consumed and are absorbed into the lining of the stomach known as the peritoneum.
Over time these fibers can cause mutations in healthy peritoneal cells. As a result cancerous tumors develop in the peritoneum.
Mesothelioma is a challenging condition to recognize. Early signs can be confused with other signs like hernias, or irritable Bowel syndrome.
Symptoms
Asbestos fibers can travel through the body when inhaled. From there, they can get trapped in the abdominal lining or other organs, causing inflammation and irritation that can lead to tumor growth. This process can take years to develop and many patients 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, which can cause malignant peritoneal melanoma. It is the second most common form of mesothelioma. However it can be difficult for doctors to recognize since the first symptoms aren't specific. They can also be similar to gastrointestinal disorders. Patients with peritoneal mesothelioma frequently have stomach pain, fatigue and gastrointestinal problems.
After a physical exam, a review of medical history and a series tests in the laboratory, mesothelioma patients are diagnosed with peritoneal cancer. A X-ray and a CT scan can help doctors find any lumps or signs of illness. In some instances mesothelioma physicians may order a biopsy to obtain a more accurate diagnosis.
Peritoneal mesothelioma symptoms generally begin in the abdomen and can lead to severe abdominal discomfort, weight loss, bloating stomach fluid accumulation nausea, vomiting, and other digestive issues. Other symptoms include chest pain, swelling, and fatigue. If these symptoms are present it is essential that patients seek medical attention since they could be caused by other ailments.
Despite the difficulty of diagnosing patients with peritoneal msothelioma, they can often be treated to prolong their lives. In most cases, treatment is surgery and chemo that is heated.
If you or someone you love have been diagnosed with peritoneal cancer, contact our mesothelioma lawsuits lawyers to learn how we can assist. We can help you locate an expert in your area who can assist you in filing an asbestos lawsuit against asbestos-related companies that are responsible for your exposure. We can also assist you to get the financial compensation you deserve. You can begin this process by filling out our free online form. We can assist you to get the best possible outcome working with the best mesothelioma lawyers.
Diagnosis
The first step in identifying mesothelioma of the peritoneal region is to collect an complete medical history. Doctors will ask the patient about their asbestos exposure and the date it happened. They also conduct a physical examination. Blood tests, X-rays and CT scans are commonly utilized in the initial check-up.
Because of the long latency period, peritoneal mesothelioma attorneys can be difficult to diagnose. Patients may experience symptoms like abdominal discomfort, nausea, and fever that may resemble other ailments. These symptoms that are not specific can confuse doctors. Mesothelioma is a rare type of cancer, and it can take years for symptoms to manifest after asbestos exposure.
Inhaled or ingested asbestos fibers travel into the stomach lining, known as the peritoneum. Once inside the peritoneum the asbestos fibers' sharp edges can cause irritation to the mesothelium. Over time the irritation causes inflammation and scar tissue growth. This leads to abnormal cell growth and tumors.
There are no FDA-approved screening tests for peritoneal mesothelioma but researchers are working on developing methods to detect the disease in its earliest stages. The stage of mesothelioma will determine the treatment options.
A mesothelioma doctor can conduct a paracentesis or percutaneous needle biopsy to take a sample of mesothelioma tumours for laboratory testing. These tests can determine if the cancerous cells are epithelioid (epithelioid) or sarcomatoid (sarcomatoid) or biphasic within the tumor. This information can help doctors to develop an appropriate treatment plan.
Mesothelioma specialists can also determine a patient's stage of mesothelioma. The stage determines the most effective treatment and helps mesothelioma lawyers know which asbestos-related companies are responsible in mesothelioma cases.
When a mesothelioma doctor analyzes the results of a biopsy, they create an a pathology report which contains details on the type of mesothelioma. The report can also include the staging system which outlines how the cancer has spread within the body. The more advanced the stage of cancer is, the less likely the patient is to respond to treatment. A lawyer can explain the implications of this to specific clients.
Treatment
Asbestos fibers can be breathed in or eaten and then absorbed in the tissues lining the abdomen and other organs. The fibers cause irritation to cells and destroy DNA. As time passes, this leads to the development of tumors in the lining. Typically, peritoneal cancer develops in the lining that surrounds the abdomen. Peritoneal mesothelioma occurs less frequently than pleural mesothelioma, and typically 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 and makes it difficult for doctors to recognize. Early symptoms can be mistaken for other ailments, and may persist for a long time, or even years before mesothelioma is diagnosed.
A physician will also conduct tests on blood and imaging to rule out any other diseases or conditions that may cause the same symptoms of mesothelioma. These tests can be used to determine the most effective treatment options.
A biopsy is carried out by a doctor to confirm the diagnosis. This is due to the fact that peritoneal msothelioma can in the abdominal lining. A biopsy is the removal of small amounts of tissue from the affected area to be examined by pathologists. Biopsies can reveal cancerous cells, and can determine the type of Mesothelioma.
Once a peritoneal mesothelioma diagnosis is confirmed doctors will discuss options for treatment with the patient. The goal of the treatment plan is to reduce the size and amount of tumors. Surgery is usually the first line of defense but patients should also discuss the possibility of chemotherapy and immunotherapy.
Unlike the chest-based treatments for pleural mesothelioma that are administered through the lungs, peritoneal mesothelioma treatments are injected orally or intravenously. Chemotherapies like injections, such as heated intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) have helped to extend survival for many patients. HIPEC was invented by mesothelioma expert Paul Sugarbaker.
Individuals suffering from peritoneal cancer may be eligible to sue negligent asbestos companies. An experienced mesothelioma lawyer can review a patient's case and suggest legal options. Contact us now to get started. Contact us now. It's free, private and there's no commitment. We offer nationwide representation.
Prognosis
mesothelioma lawsuits cancer is rare. Because doctors lack experience in diagnosing patients, many are mistakenly diagnosed with other diseases. Fortunately, a mesothelioma specialist can help with the diagnostic process and get patients the proper treatment.
The sole known cause of peritoneal mesothelioma is asbestos exposure. Asbestos fibers can cause irritation to the abdominal tissues and cell changes when inhaled or consumed. This may cause tumors to form mesothelioma in the peritoneum in time.
The exposure to asbestos typically starts with work in construction or manufacturing. These industries can utilize materials that contain asbestos, such as insulation and fireproofing. Asbestos can also be found in household products such as flooring and roofing tiles. Even the smallest amounts of exposure put a person at risk for mesothelioma. Because the disease has a long latency period it is possible for patients to be diagnosed with peritoneal cancer decades after their initial exposure.
Peritoneal mesothelioma symptoms could resemble those of other conditions and be mistaken for a hernia, digestive issues such as colitis or Crohn's disease, or other forms of abdominal cancer. Due to this, a lot of patients do not disclose their exposure to asbestos and they don't seek medical treatment. A biopsy may be recommended by a specialist to confirm a diagnosis of mesothelioma. A biopsy involves the removal of tiny pieces of tissue to be tested. This procedure can reveal the stage of mesothelioma, and if it is epithelioid, biphasic or sarcomatoid.
If the mesothelioma is at an early stage, doctors can remove all the tumors and provide curative treatment. The doctor will also be able to determine whether the cancer has spread to the abdomen. They may then recommend palliative treatments for the patient. For instance, paracentesis to drain fluid from the abdomen.
If mesothelioma progresses, the prognosis becomes poorer. The tumors could become resistant to treatment and recur. The doctor may recommend a combination of chemotherapy and surgery. Surgery options include cytoreduction, which is hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemo. This combination is more likely to improve a patient's prognosis than merely chemotherapy alone.