Peritoneal Mesothelioma Asbestos Symptoms
Peritoneal mesothelioma asbestos symptoms typically affect the digestive system. This is because asbestos fibers are consumed and are absorbed into the stomach's lining known as the peritoneum.
In time the fibers cause changes in healthy peritoneal cells. Cancerous tumors develop in the peritoneum as a result of.
The diagnosis of mesothelioma can be a bit difficult. Early signs may be confused with other symptoms like hernias or irritable Bowel Syndrome.
Signs and symptoms
Asbestos fibers can travel through the body after inhalation. From there, they may get trapped in the lining of the abdomen or other organs, creating inflammation and irritation that can lead to tumor growth. This process can take a long time to develop, and most sufferers are unaware the fact that they've been exposed to asbestos until it is too late.
Asbestos fibers may get caught in the tissue that lines the abdominal cavity or other organs, leading to malignant peritoneal melanoma. It is the second most common type of mesothelioma, but it is difficult to recognize because the early symptoms aren't specific and are similar to those of digestive diseases. Patients with peritoneal cancer often have stomach pain, fatigue and gastrointestinal problems.
Mesothelioma patients are usually diagnosed with peritoneal mesothelioma after undergoing a physical examination, a medical history review and a series of tests performed by a laboratory. A X-ray and a CT scan can assist doctors to find any lumps or indications of disease. In some instances mesothelioma specialists may also require a biopsy to get an precise diagnosis.
Peritoneal mesothelioma symptoms generally begin in the abdominal area and can lead to extreme abdominal pain, bloating, weight loss, swelling of the belly, nausea, vomiting and other digestive problems. Other symptoms include fatigue, chest pain and swelling. If symptoms like these occur it is crucial that patients seek medical attention as they could be triggered by other conditions.
Despite the difficulties of diagnosing peritoneal mesothelioma lawsuits, patients can often receive the proper treatment to extend their lives. In the majority of cases, this involves surgical treatment and heated chemotherapy.
Contact our mesothelioma lawyers to learn how we can assist you if a loved one has been diagnosed with peritoneal mesothelioma. We can help you find an expert in your area who can assist you in filing an asbestos lawsuit against asbestos-related companies responsible for your exposure. We can also help you get the financial compensation you deserve. Fill out our online form to begin the process. We work with top mesothelioma lawyers to help you secure the best possible outcome.
Diagnosis
The first step in diagnosing mesothelioma of the peritoneal region is to collect an accurate medical history. Doctors will ask the patient about their asbestos exposure and when it happened. They may also conduct a physical exam. Blood tests, X-rays, and CT scans are often employed in the initial examination.
Due to the long time of latency, peritoneal cancer is often difficult to identify. Patients may be afflicted by symptoms like nausea, abdominal pain and fever that are similar to other illnesses. These nonspecific symptoms may cause confusion for doctors. Mesothelioma is a rare type of cancer, and it can take decades for symptoms to manifest after exposure to asbestos.
Inhaling or eating asbestos fibers travel to the stomach lining, called the peritoneum. Asbestos fibers are sharp and irritate mesothelium after they reach the peritoneum. This irritation causes scar tissue and inflammation over time. Eventually, this leads to abnormal cell growth, and tumors can develop.
There are no FDA-approved screenings for peritoneal mesothelioma, however, researchers are developing methods to detect the disease in its earliest stages. The stage of mesothelioma determines the treatment options.
A mesothelioma expert can perform a paracentesis procedure or percutaneous needle biopsy to collect a sample of mesothelioma tumors for lab testing. These tests can reveal the type of cancer cells (epithelioid, sarcomatoid or biphasic) within the tumor, and assist doctors to determine an appropriate treatment strategy.
Specialists in mesothelioma are able to determine the stage of the patient. It determines which treatment options will be most effective and helps mesothelioma lawsuit attorneys know which asbestos-related companies to sue in mesothelioma lawsuits.
When a mesothelioma specialist analyzes the results of a biopsy, they produce an a pathology report which contains details about the type of mesothelioma. The report may also include the staging scale, which indicates how far the cancer has spread within the body. The higher the stage of cancer the less likely a patient will be able 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. These fibers irritate the cells and damage DNA. As time passes, this leads to the formation of tumors within the lining. The majority of the time, peritoneal cancer develops in the lining of the abdomen. Peritoneal mesothelioma is rarer than pleural mesothelioma and usually affects women more.
The symptoms of peritoneal cancer are similar to those of gastrointestinal disorders such as irritable bowel syndrome and Crohn's disease, making it difficult for doctors to recognize the condition. Because of this, early symptoms can be mistaken as normal ailments and can persist for months or even years before a patient is given a mesothelioma diagnosis.
A doctor 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 best treatment options.
Since peritoneal mesothelioma can develop in the abdominal lining, a doctor will perform 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 can reveal cancerous cells, and determine the type of Mesothelioma.
If a diagnosis of peritoneal mesothelioma is confirmed doctors will discuss treatment options with the patient. The purpose of any treatment plan is generally to reduce the size and the number 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 through the lung, the peritoneal mesothelioma treatment are injected orally or intravenously. Injections of chemotherapy such as heated intraperitoneal therapy (HIPEC), helped extend the life expectancy of many patients. HIPEC is a procedure innovated by mesothelioma pioneer Paul Sugarbaker.
Individuals diagnosed with peritoneal mesothelioma could be able to bring a lawsuit against negligent asbestos companies. A mesothelioma lawyer with experience can review a patient's case and recommend legal options. Contact us today to get started. Contact us now. It's completely free, confidential, and there's no obligation. We provide nationwide representation.
Prognosis
Mesothelioma is a rare type of cancer. Because doctors aren't experienced with the disease, many patients are misdiagnosed with other illnesses. A mesothelioma expert can help patients with the diagnosis and ensure that they receive the right treatment.
The only known cause of peritoneal mesothelioma lawsuits is asbestos exposure. When asbestos fibers are inhaled or ingested, they can irritate the tissues of the abdomen and cause cells to change. As time passes, this could lead to tumors that form mesothelioma of peritoneum.
The exposure to asbestos typically is a result of working in manufacturing or construction. These industries may use products that contain asbestos, for example, insulation and fireproofing. Asbestos is also found in household products like roofing tiles and flooring. Even low levels of exposure can put a person at risk of developing mesothelioma. Because mesothelioma has an extended latency period, victims can sometimes be diagnosed with peritoneal mesothelioma decades after their initial exposure.
Peritoneal mesothelioma symptoms could appear similar to other conditions and be mistaken for a hernia digestive issues such as colitis or Crohn's disease, or other types of abdominal cancer. Due to this, a lot of patients do not report their exposure to asbestos and they do not seek medical attention. Specialists may recommend a biopsy to confirm a diagnosis of mesothelioma. A biopsy is the removal of a small piece of tissue that is examined. This test will reveal whether the mesothelioma has epithelioid (epidermoid), Sarcomatoid (sarcomatoid) or biphasic.
If mesothelioma isn't spreading, doctors can remove the tumors. They will also provide an effective treatment. The doctor can also determine whether the cancer has spread to the abdomen. They may then recommend palliative treatment for the patient, such as paracentesis that drains abdominal fluid.
If a mesothelioma has advanced, the prognosis becomes poorer. The reason for this is that the tumors are able to become resistant to certain treatments, and they may develop a recurrence. The doctor may suggest the combination of chemotherapy and surgery. Surgery options include cytoreduction, which is hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy. This combination is more likely to improve a patient's outlook than merely chemotherapy alone.