Peritoneal Mesothelioma Asbestos Symptoms
Peritoneal mesothelioma asbestos symptoms often affect the digestive system. This is due to asbestos fibers being inhaled and then become a part of the lining of the stomach, called the peritoneum.
As time passes, these fibers cause changes to healthy peritoneal cells. As a result, cancerous tumors form in the peritoneum.
The diagnosis of mesothelioma can be a challenge. The early signs can resemble symptoms of other diseases, like hernia or IBS.
Signs and symptoms
Asbestos fibers may travel through the body after inhalation. The fibers then become trapped in the linings of the abdomen and other organs. This causes inflammation and irritation, which can lead to the development of tumors. The process can take years to develop and many patients are unaware of their asbestos exposure until too late.
Asbestos fibers can get trapped in the tissue lining the abdominal cavity, or other organs, leading to malignant peritoneal melanomas. It is the second most prevalent mesothelioma. However, it is difficult to identify because the initial symptoms aren't specific and are similar to those of gastrointestinal conditions. Patients with peritoneal mesothelioma frequently suffer from stomach pain, fatigue and digestive issues.
After a physical exam and a review of medical history, and a series of laboratory tests, mesothelioma sufferers are diagnosed with peritoneal cancer. A CT scan and X-ray can help doctors detect lumps or other signs of illness. In some instances mesothelioma specialists may also require a biopsy to get an accurate diagnosis.
Peritoneal Mesothelioma symptoms typically begin in the abdomen and 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 chest pain, fatigue and swelling. If these symptoms are present it is essential that patients seek medical attention as they may be caused by other ailments.
Despite the difficulty in diagnosing peritoneal mesothelioma, victims can often receive the proper treatment to extend their lives. In the majority of cases, the treatment involves surgery and chemo treatment that is heated.
Contact our mesothelioma lawyers today to find out how we can help you if you or a family member has been diagnosed with peritoneal msothelioma. We can help you connect with mesothelioma specialists near you, who can assist you in bringing a lawsuit against the asbestos companies responsible for your exposure. We can also assist you in ensuring that you receive the financial compensation that you deserve. You can begin this process by filling out our no-cost online form. We have a strong relationship with mesothelioma lawyers and can help you secure the best possible outcome.
Diagnosis
The first step in diagnosing peritoneal mesothelioma is to get an exact medical history. Doctors will ask patients about their asbestos exposure and when it happened. They will also conduct a physical examination. X-rays, blood tests and CT scans are commonly used in the initial work-up.
Because of the long period of latency, peritoneal mesothelioma can be difficult to recognize. Patients may be afflicted by symptoms like nausea, abdominal pain, and fever that are similar to those of other conditions. These nonspecific symptoms could confuse doctors. Mesothelioma is a rare cancer that can take years to show symptoms following exposure to asbestos is a rare condition.
Asbestos fibers that are inhaled or consumed travel into the stomach lining known as the peritoneum. Asbestos fibers that are sharp irritate mesothelium after they reach the peritoneum. This irritation causes scar tissue and inflammation over time. Then, it leads to abnormal cell growth and tumors develop.
Researchers are working on methods to detect mesothelioma at its earliest stages. Staging mesothelioma is important as it determines the treatment options.
A mesothelioma specialist may perform paracentesis (percutaneous needle biopsy) to collect a sample for tests in the laboratory. These tests can reveal whether the cancerous cells are epithelioid (epithelioid) or sarcomatoid (sarcomatoid) or biphasic within the tumor. This information can help doctors create the treatment plan.
Mesothelioma specialists can also assess a patient's stage of mesothelioma. It determines which treatment options will be the most effective and help mesothelioma lawyers determine which asbestos companies to hold liable in mesothelioma lawsuits.
If a mesothelioma specialist analyzes the results of a biopsy the doctor creates a pathology record which contains details about the type of mesothelioma. The report could also include a staging system that describes how the cancer has spread in the body. The higher the stage of cancer is, the less likely the patient will respond to treatment. Lawyers can explain the implications of this to specific clients.
Treatment
Asbestos fibers can be inhaled or consumed and are absorbed in the tissues lining the abdomen and other organs. These fibers damage DNA and can cause irritation to cells. This leads to the development of tumors. Typically, peritoneal cancer develops in the lining that surrounds the abdomen. Peritoneal Mesothelioma has a greater impact on women than pleural Mesothelioma however, it is less prevalent.
Symptoms of peritoneal mesothelioma are similar to symptoms of gastrointestinal diseases such as irritable bowel syndrome and Crohn's disease, which makes it difficult for doctors to recognize the condition. Early symptoms can be mistaken for other ailments and can last for a long time, or even years before mesothelioma diagnosis is made.
A doctor may also perform imaging and blood tests to rule out any other diseases or conditions that could cause the same symptoms as mesothelioma. These tests can aid in determining the most effective treatment options.
A biopsy is performed by a physician to confirm the diagnosis. This is because peritoneal msothelioma occurs in the abdominal lining. A biopsy involves the removal of small portions of the affected area to be examined by pathologists. Biopsies may reveal cancerous cells and determine the mesothelioma type.
If a peritoneal msothelioma has been confirmed doctors will discuss treatment options with patients. The goal of any treatment plan is generally to decrease the size and quantity of tumors. Surgery is usually the first line of defense however, patients must also consider the possibility of immunotherapy and chemotherapy.
In contrast to chest-based therapies for pleural mesothelioma which are administered via the lung, peritoneal mesothelioma treatments are administered either intravenously or orally. Chemotherapy injections, such as heated intraperitoneal therapy (HIPEC) has helped prolong the survival of many patients. HIPEC is a technique that was developed by mesothelioma pioneer Paul Sugarbaker.
Individuals suffering from peritoneal cancer may be able to bring a lawsuit against negligent asbestos companies. A knowledgeable mesothelioma attorney will review the case of a patient and suggest legal options. Contact us now to begin. It's absolutely free, and confidential, and there is no commitment. We provide nationwide representation.
Prognosis
Mesothelioma cancer is extremely rare. The doctors have limited experience dealing with it, which means that many patients are wrongly diagnosed as having other diseases. A mesothelioma expert can help patients with the diagnosis and ensure they receive the right treatment.
Asbestos exposure is only the one known cause of peritoneal mesothelioma. Asbestos fibers can cause irritation of abdominal tissues as well as cell mutations when inhaled or consumed. This may cause tumors to develop mesothelioma within the peritoneum over time.
The exposure to asbestos usually is a result of work in construction or manufacturing. These industries may utilize products that contain asbestos, like insulation and fireproofing. Asbestos can also be found in household items such as roof tiles and flooring. Even low levels of exposure can put someone at risk for mesothelioma. Because of the long period of latency patients may be diagnosed with peritoneal msothelioma several decades after their first exposure.
Peritoneal mesothelioma lawyer is a type of cancer that can be diseases. It is often mistaken for hernias, digestive issues such as colitis or Crohn's and other forms of abdominal cancers. Many patients do not report their asbestos exposure and don't seek medical care. If mesothelioma has been identified experts may suggest the procedure of a biopsy to make an accurate diagnosis. A biopsy is the removal tiny pieces of tissue that is examined. This procedure can help determine the stage of mesothelioma, and if it is epithelioid, biphasic or sarcomatoid.
If mesothelioma has not spread, doctors can remove the tumors. They will also provide an option for curative treatment. The doctor will also be able to determine whether the cancer has spread to the abdomen. They will then recommend palliative treatments for the patient. For instance paracentesis, which is a procedure to drain fluid from the abdomen.
When a mesothelioma is advanced and the prognosis is less favorable, it becomes more difficult to treat. This is because the tumors are able to become resistant to certain treatments and can recur. The doctor may suggest the combination of surgery and chemotherapy. The surgical options include cytoreduction surgery combined with hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy. This combination is more likely to improve a patient's prognosis than chemotherapy alone.