Peritoneal Mesothelioma Asbestos Symptoms
Peritoneal mesothelioma asbestos symptoms typically affect the digestive system. This is because asbestos fibers get consumed and are absorbed into the stomach's lining, called the peritoneum.
In time, these fibers cause mutations to healthy peritoneal cells. Cancerous tumors develop in the peritoneum as a result.
Mesothelioma is a challenging condition to identify. The initial signs may 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. The fibers may then become trapped in the linings of the abdomen and other organs. This can cause irritation and inflammation, 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 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 can be difficult to recognize because the early symptoms aren't specific and are similar to symptoms of gastrointestinal conditions. Patients suffering from peritoneal mesothelioma typically have stomach pain, fatigue and gastrointestinal issues.
Mesothelioma sufferers are usually diagnosed with peritoneal mesothelioma after undergoing a physical examination, a medical history review and a series of laboratory tests. A X-ray as well as a CT scan can assist doctors to identify any lumps or other indications of illness. In certain cases mesothelioma specialists may also request a biopsy for a more precise diagnosis.
Peritoneal mesothelioma symptoms generally begin in the abdomen and can cause severe abdominal discomfort as well as weight loss, bloating, fluid buildup in the belly, nausea, vomiting and other digestive problems. Other symptoms include chest pain, swelling, and fatigue. When these symptoms occur it is crucial that victims seek medical attention as they could be triggered by other ailments.
Despite the difficulties in 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 a loved one have been diagnosed with peritoneal cancer, contact our mesothelioma lawyers to learn how we can assist. We can connect you to a mesothelioma attorneys specialist near you who can assist you in bringing a lawsuit against the asbestos companies that are responsible for your exposure. We can also assist you to get the financial compensation you are entitled to. You can start this process by filling out our free online form. We can assist you in obtaining the best possible outcome by working with the best mesothelioma lawyers.
Diagnosis
The first step to diagnose 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. A physical exam will be conducted. Initial work-ups often include X-rays and blood tests and CT scans.
Peritoneal mesothelioma is a difficult cancer to identify due to its lengthy latency period. Patients may experience symptoms such as abdominal nausea, fever and pain that are similar to other conditions. These non-specific symptoms can confuse doctors. Mesothelioma, a rare cancer that can take years to manifest symptoms following exposure to asbestos, is a rare illness.
Asbestos fibers inhaled, or consumed travel to the stomach lining called the peritoneum. When they reach the peritoneum, the sharp asbestos fibers can cause irritation to the mesothelium. This irritation leads to scar tissue and inflammation over time. In the end, this causes abnormal cell growth and tumors develop.
There are no FDA-approved screening tests for mesothelioma of the peritoneum, but researchers are working on developing ways to identify the disease in its earliest stages. The stage of mesothelioma is the basis for the treatment options.
A mesothelioma specialist may perform paracentesis (percutaneous needle biopsy) to collect the specimen for laboratory testing. These tests can identify the type of cancer cells (epithelioid or sarcomatoid) within the tumor and help doctors determine an appropriate treatment strategy.
Specialists in mesothelioma also determine the stage of a patient. The stage determines the most effective treatments and helps mesothelioma lawyers know which asbestos companies are liable in mesothelioma lawyer cases.
When a mesothelioma doctor analyzes the results of a biopsy they create an analysis report that contains details on the type of mesothelioma. The report may also include an assessment system that outlines how the cancer has spread in the body. The higher the stage of cancer, the less likely the patient will be able to respond to treatment. A lawyer can explain the implications of this for a particular client's case.
Treatment
When swallowed or inhaled asbestos fibers get encased in the tissues that line the abdomen and other organs. These fibers damage DNA and irritate cells. As time passes, this leads to the formation of tumors in the lining. Typically, peritoneal cancer develops in the lining of 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 conditions like irritable bowel syndrome and Crohn's disease, which makes it difficult for doctors to recognize the condition. In the beginning, symptoms are mistaken for normal ailments, and can last for months or years before a patient is given the mesothelioma diagnosis.
A doctor may also perform tests of blood and imaging to rule out any other conditions or diseases that could trigger mesothelioma-like symptoms. These tests will also help to determine the best treatment options.
Since peritoneal mesothelioma can develop in the abdominal lining, a doctor will perform a biopsy to confirm a diagnosis. A biopsy is the removal of small amounts of tissue from the affected area to be examined by pathologists. Biopsies are able to reveal cancerous cells and identify the type of Mesothelioma.
If a peritoneal msothelioma has been confirmed, doctors will discuss the treatment options with patients. The aim of any treatment plan is typically to decrease the size and number of tumors. Surgery is often the first option, however patients may also consider chemotherapy and immunotherapy.
In contrast to chest-based therapies for pleural mesothelioma that are administered through the lung, the peritoneal mesothelioma treatment are administered either intravenously or orally. Chemotherapies like injections, such as heated intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) have been able to extend survival for many patients. HIPEC was developed by mesothelioma lawsuit expert Paul Sugarbaker.
Individuals with peritoneal asbestosis could be able to sue negligent asbestos companies. A mesothelioma lawyer can evaluate the case of a patient and suggest legal options. Contact us now to get started. It's no cost, it's 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. Fortunately mesothelioma specialists can assist in the diagnostic process and get patients the right treatment.
Asbestos exposure is the sole known cause of peritoneal cancer. When asbestos fibers are inhaled or consumed, they may cause irritation to the tissues of the abdomen and cause cells to alter. Over time, this can lead to tumors that form mesothelioma in the peritoneum.
Exposure to asbestos often is a result of work in construction or manufacturing. These industries can utilize products that contain asbestos, for example, insulation and fireproofing. Asbestos is also found in household products such as flooring and roof tiles. Even very low levels of exposure can put someone at risk of developing mesothelioma. Because of the long period of latency the victims could be diagnosed with peritoneal msothelioma several decades after their initial exposure.
Peritoneal mesothelioma symptoms can resemble those of other conditions and be mistaken for a hernia, digestive problems such as Crohn's disease or colitis, or other types of abdominal cancer. A lot of patients do not report their asbestos exposure and do not seek medical care. Doctors may suggest a biopsy to confirm the diagnosis of mesothelioma. A biopsy is the process of removing a small portion of the affected tissue for testing. This procedure will reveal the stage of mesothelioma, and whether it is epithelioid sarcomatoid or biphasic.
If mesothelioma does not have spread, doctors can remove the tumors. They will also provide a curative treatment. The specialist can also determine if the cancer has spread to the abdomen. They will then recommend palliative care for the patient. For example paracentesis, which is a procedure to drain the abdomen of fluid.
If mesothelioma progresses, the prognosis becomes poorer. This is because the cancer can become resistant to certain treatments and may recur. The specialist may recommend a combination of chemotherapy and surgery. Options for surgery include cytoreduction and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy. This combination is more likely than chemotherapy by itself to improve the outlook of the patient.