Peritoneal Mesothelioma Asbestos Symptoms
Peritoneal mesothelioma asbestos symptoms often affect the digestive system. This is because asbestos fibers are ingested and become embedded in the stomach's lining and peritoneum.
As time passes the fibers trigger mutations in healthy peritoneal cells. In the end tumors that are cancerous develop in the peritoneum.
Mesothelioma is a challenging condition to identify. The early signs may be confused with symptoms of other conditions like hernias or irritable Bowel Syndrome.
Signs and symptoms
When asbestos fibers are inhaled they can pass into the lungs and then travel throughout the body. From there, they may get trapped in the abdominal lining or other organs, causing inflammation and irritation that can lead to the growth of tumors. This process can take years to develop, and many victims are unaware of their asbestos exposure until too late.
Asbestos fibers can become trapped in the tissue that lines the abdominal cavity, or other organs, causing malignant peritoneal melanomas. It is the second most common mesothelioma. However, it can be difficult for doctors to recognize since the first symptoms aren't specific. It is also possible that they are similar to 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 tests in the laboratory, mesothelioma patients are diagnosed with peritoneal cancer. A X-ray as well as a CT scan can assist doctors to identify any lumps or other symptoms of disease. In some cases, mesothelioma doctors will also request a biopsy for an precise diagnosis.
Peritoneal mesothelioma symptoms generally begin in the abdominal area and can result in severe abdominal pain and bloating, weight loss, swelling of the belly nausea, vomiting, and other digestive problems. Other symptoms include chest pain, swelling, and fatigue. If symptoms like these occur, it is important that victims seek medical attention as they may be caused by other ailments.
Despite the difficulty in diagnosing peritoneal mesothelioma, victims are often able to receive the right treatment to extend their lives. In most cases, this requires the use of surgery and chemotherapy that is heated.
If you or a loved one have been diagnosed with peritoneal mesothelioma, call our mesothelioma attorneys to learn more about how we can help. We can assist you in finding an expert in your area who can assist you in filing an asbestos lawsuit against the companies that are responsible for your exposure. We can also assist you in ensuring that you receive the financial compensation that you are entitled to. Fill out our online form to start the process. We can assist you in obtaining the best possible outcome by working with top mesothelioma attorneys.
Diagnosis
To determine if you have peritoneal msothelioma it is crucial to have a an extensive medical history. Doctors will ask the patient about their asbestos exposure and the date it happened. They will also conduct a physical exam. Initial examinations typically include X-rays and blood tests, as well as CT scans.
Due to the lengthy latency period, peritoneal mesothelioma is often difficult to identify. Patients may be afflicted by symptoms like nausea, abdominal pain and fever that are similar to those of other conditions. These nonspecific symptoms may cause confusion for doctors. Mesothelioma is a rare cancer that can take years to show symptoms following exposure to asbestos, is a rare condition.
Asbestos fibers inhaled, or consumed are transported into the stomach lining known as the peritoneum. When they reach the peritoneum, the asbestos fibers are sharp and irritate the mesothelium. This irritation can cause scar tissue and inflammation over time. In the end, this causes abnormal cell growth and tumors develop.
Researchers are working on ways to detect the disease in its earliest stages. The stage of mesothelioma will determine the treatment options.
A mesothelioma specialist may perform paracentesis (percutaneous needle biopsy) to collect a sample for tests in the laboratory. These tests can identify the kind of cancer cells (epithelioid or sarcomatoid) within the tumor, and assist doctors to determine an appropriate treatment strategy.
Specialists in mesothelioma can also determine the stage of the patient. The stage determines the most effective treatment and helps mesothelioma lawyers know which asbestos-related companies are responsible in mesothelioma suits.
If a mesothelioma specialist analyzes the results of a biopsy the doctor creates a pathology record that contains information on the type of mesothelioma. The report can also include a staging system that describes how far the cancer has spread in the body. The more advanced the stage of cancer is, the less likely the patient is to respond to treatment. Lawyers can explain what this means for a client's case.
Treatment
Asbestos fibers can be breathed in or eaten and then absorbed in the tissue that lines the abdomen and other organs. The fibers harm DNA and cause irritation to cells. This can lead to the development of tumors. Typically, peritoneal cancer is found in the lining that surrounds the abdomen. Peritoneal mesothelioma is less common than pleural mesothelioma, and typically affects women more.
The symptoms of peritoneal cancer are similar to those seen with digestive disorders like Crohn's disease and irritable colon disease, making it hard for doctors to diagnose. Early symptoms can be misinterpreted as a sign of other illnesses, and may persist for a long time, or even years before mesothelioma diagnosis is made.
A physician will also conduct tests on blood and imaging to rule out any other diseases or conditions that could trigger mesothelioma-like symptoms. These tests can aid in determining the most effective treatment options.
Because peritoneal mesothelioma develops in the abdominal lining, a doctor will perform biopsy to confirm a diagnosis. A biopsy is the process of removing small samples of the affected area for examination by pathologists. Biopsies can reveal cancerous cells, and identify the type of Mesothelioma.
Once a peritoneal mesothelioma diagnosis has been established doctors will discuss the options for treatment with the patient. The goal of a treatment plan is to decrease the size and quantity of tumors. Surgery is usually the first option, however patients can also look into chemotherapy and immunotherapy.
In contrast to chest-based therapies for pleural mesothelioma, which are administered through the lung, the peritoneal mesothelioma treatment are administered either intravenously or orally. Injections of chemotherapies, like heated intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) have helped to prolong the life of many patients. HIPEC was developed by mesothelioma expert Paul Sugarbaker.
Individuals with peritoneal asbestosis could be able to sue negligent asbestos companies. A knowledgeable mesothelioma attorney will review the case of a patient and recommend legal options. Contact us now to begin. It is absolutely free, and confidential, and there is no commitment. We provide nationwide representation.
Prognosis
Mesothelioma cancer is a rare form of cancer. Because doctors lack experience, many patients are misdiagnosed with other diseases. Fortunately mesothelioma specialists can aid in the diagnosis process and help patients receive the appropriate treatment.
The only known cause of mesothelioma of the peritoneal region is asbestos exposure. When asbestos fibers are breathed in or ingested, they could irritate abdominal tissues and cause cells to change. Over time, this can lead to tumors that form mesothelioma of peritoneum.
Construction or manufacturing work is often the first location where asbestos exposure can begin. These industries can employ products that contain asbestos, like insulation and fireproofing. Asbestos can also be found in household items such as roof tiles and flooring. Even very low levels of exposure can put a person at risk of developing mesothelioma lawsuit. Because of the long period of latency the victims could be diagnosed with peritoneal mesothelioma several decades after their initial exposure.
Peritoneal Mesothelioma can mimic other conditions. It is often mistaken for hernias, gastrointestinal problems like Crohn's or colitis and other types of abdominal cancer. A lot of patients do not disclose their asbestos exposure, and don't seek medical care. If mesothelioma has been identified experts may suggest an examination for a more accurate diagnosis. A biopsy is the process of removing just a small portion of affected tissue to test. This test can determine if the mesothelioma is epithelioid (epidermoid) or the sarcomatoid (sarcomatoid) or biphasic.
If the mesothelioma is in an early stage, doctors can remove all of the tumors and offer the best treatment. The doctor can also determine whether the cancer has spread within the abdomen. They will then recommend palliative care for the patient. For instance, paracentesis to drain the abdomen of fluid.
The outlook for patients is worse when a mesothelioma lawsuit has progressed. The cancers can become resistant to certain treatments and may recur. The doctor may recommend a combination of chemotherapy and surgery. Surgery options include cytoreduction, which is hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy. This combination is more likely to improve the prognosis of a patient than merely chemotherapy alone.