Peritoneal Mesothelioma Asbestos Symptoms
The digestive system is often affected by the symptoms of peritoneal mesothelioma. This is because asbestos fibers are consumed and are absorbed into the lining of the stomach, called the peritoneum.
In time these fibers can trigger mutations in healthy peritoneal cells. Tumors that are cancerous develop in the peritoneum as a result.
The diagnosis of mesothelioma lawyers may be a challenge. The initial signs may resemble symptoms of other conditions, like hernia, or irritable bowel syndrome.
Signs and symptoms
When asbestos fibers are inhaled they can pass into the lungs and circulate throughout the body. The fibers may 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 most victims are unaware that they have asbestos exposure 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 melanoma. It is the second most common mesothelioma type. However it is often difficult for doctors to identify because the early symptoms are not specific. They may also be similar to digestive disorders. Patients with peritoneal mesothelioma frequently have stomach pain, fatigue, and gastrointestinal issues.
After a physical exam, an examination of medical history, and a series of laboratory tests, mesothelioma sufferers are diagnosed with peritoneal cancer. A X-ray and a CT scan can help doctors detect any lumps or signs of disease. In some cases, mesothelioma doctors will also request a biopsy for an precise diagnosis.
Peritoneal mesothelioma symptoms typically begin in the abdominal area and can result in extreme abdominal pain and bloating, weight loss, fluid buildup in the belly, nausea, vomiting and other digestive issues. The symptoms can also include chest pain, swelling and fatigue. When these symptoms occur it is essential to seek medical attention as they could be caused by other conditions.
Despite the difficulty in diagnosing peritoneal mesothelioma, victims can often receive the proper treatment to extend their lives. In the majority of cases, this involves surgery and heated chemotherapy.
If you or someone you love have been diagnosed with peritoneal mesothelioma, contact our mesothelioma attorneys to find out what we can do to help. We can connect you to 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 ensure you receive the financial compensation you're entitled to. You can begin this process by filling out our free online form. We can assist you in obtaining the best outcome possible by working with top mesothelioma attorneys.
Diagnosis
The first step in identifying mesothelioma of the peritoneal region is to collect an complete medical history. Doctors will inquire about the patient's exposure to asbestos and the time it occurred. They may also conduct a physical exam. Blood tests, X-rays and CT scans are typically employed in the initial examination.
Due to the lengthy latency period, peritoneal mesothelioma lawyer can be difficult to recognize. Patients may experience symptoms such as nausea, abdominal pain and fever that are similar to those of other conditions. These nonspecific symptoms can confuse doctors. Mesothelioma is a rare cancer that can take years to manifest symptoms after asbestos exposure, is a rare disease.
Asbestos fibers inhaled, or consumed are transported to the stomach lining called the peritoneum. Asbestos fibers that are sharp can irritate mesothelium when they reach the peritoneum. As time passes this irritation can cause inflammation and scar tissue growth. Eventually, this leads to abnormal cell growth and tumors forming.
Researchers are working to develop methods to detect mesothelioma early. The stage of mesothelioma is the basis for the treatment options.
A mesothelioma specialist can perform paracentesis (percutaneous needle biopsy) to take a sample for lab testing. These tests can help identify the type of cancer cells (epithelioid biphasic, sarcomatoid, or epithelioid) within the tumor and aid doctors come up with the best treatment strategy.
Specialists in mesothelioma also determine the stage of the patient. The stage determines the most effective treatment and assists mesothelioma lawyers to determine which asbestos-related companies are responsible in mesothelioma lawsuits.
When a mesothelioma specialist analyzes the results of a biopsy they prepare an analysis report that contains details on the type of mesothelioma. The report may also contain the staging scale, which indicates how the cancer has spread within the body. The more advanced the stage is, the less likely it is to respond to treatment. A lawyer can explain the implications of this to the particular case of a client.
Treatment
When inhaled or swallowed asbestos fibers are embedded in the tissues that line the abdomen and other organs. They damage DNA and can cause irritation to cells. This leads to the development of tumors. Typically, peritoneal cancer develops in the lining of the abdomen. Peritoneal mesothelioma occurs less frequently than pleural mesothelioma. It usually affects women more.
The symptoms of peritoneal cancer are similar to those that are associated with gastrointestinal disorders, such as Crohn's and irritable bowel disease and makes it difficult for doctors to recognize. In the beginning, symptoms can be mistaken for normal ailments and may last for months or even years before a patient receives a mesothelioma diagnosis.
A physician will also conduct imaging and blood tests 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 carried out by a doctor to confirm the diagnosis. This is because peritoneal msothelioma occurs in the abdominal lining. A biopsy is the process of removing small samples of the affected area for examination by pathologists. Biopsies can detect cancerous cells as well as identify the type of mesothelioma.
If a peritoneal msothelioma has been confirmed doctors will discuss treatment options with patients. The goal of the treatment plan is to reduce the size and quantity of tumors. Surgery is typically the first line of defense, however, patients should also talk about the possibility of chemotherapy and immunotherapy.
Contrary to chest-based treatment for pleural Mesothelioma that is administered via the lungs peritoneal Mesothelioma treatment is administered via intravenously or orally. Injections of chemotherapies, like heated intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC), have helped to prolong the lives of many patients. HIPEC was invented by mesothelioma expert Paul Sugarbaker.
Patients suffering from peritoneal asbestosis may be able to sue negligent asbestos companies. A knowledgeable mesothelioma attorney can review a patient's case and suggest legal options. Contact us today to get started. It's free, confidential and there is no obligation. We provide nationwide representation.
Prognosis
Mesothelioma is a rare type of cancer. Doctors aren't familiar with it, and many patients are misdiagnosed as having other illnesses. Fortunately, a mesothelioma specialist can aid in the diagnosis process and help patients receive the right treatment.
Asbestos exposure is the only known cause of peritoneal mesothelioma. Asbestos fibers can cause irritation to abdominal tissues as well as cell mutations when inhaled or consumed. This can lead to tumors that develop into mesothelioma in the peritoneum in time.
Exposure to asbestos often begins with working in manufacturing or construction. These industries may use asbestos-containing materials, such as fireproofing and insulation. Asbestos is also found in household products, such as roofing tiles and flooring. Even the smallest amount of asbestos exposure could cause a person to be at risk of developing mesothelioma. Because the disease has a long latency period patients may be diagnosed with peritoneal cancer decades after the initial exposure.
Peritoneal mesothelioma symptoms can be similar to those of other conditions and be mistaken for hernias, digestive problems such as Crohn's disease or colitis, or other types of abdominal cancer. Many patients do not disclose their asbestos exposure, and don't seek medical attention. A biopsy may be recommended by a specialist to confirm a diagnosis of mesothelioma. A biopsy is the process of removing just a small portion of affected tissue to test. This test can determine whether the mesothelioma is epithelioid (epidermoid), sarcomatoid (sarcomatoid) or biphasic.
If mesothelioma lawsuit does not have spread, doctors can remove the tumors. They will also offer an option for curative treatment. The doctor will also be able to determine whether the cancer has spread to the abdomen. They may then recommend palliative treatment for the patient, including paracentesis to drain the fluid from the abdomen.
If mesothelioma progresses and the prognosis is less favorable, it becomes more difficult to treat. The cancers can become resistant to certain treatments and recur. The doctor might recommend a combination of surgery and chemotherapy. The surgical options include cytoreduction surgery along with hyperthermic intraperitoneal therapy. This combination is more likely to improve a patient's outlook than merely chemotherapy alone.