Peritoneal Mesothelioma Asbestos Symptoms
The digestive system is commonly affected by the symptoms of peritoneal mesothelioma. This is because asbestos fibers are ingested and become embedded in the lining of the stomach, called the peritoneum.
In time the fibers cause mutations in healthy peritoneal cells. In the end tumors that are cancerous develop in the peritoneum.
The diagnosis of mesothelioma can be a challenge. Early signs may be confused with symptoms of other conditions such as hernias or irritable Bowel syndrome.
Symptoms
When asbestos fibers are breathed in, they can be absorbed into the lungs and then travel throughout the body. They can then be stuck in the lining of the abdomen or other organs, creating inflammation and irritation that eventually leads to the growth of tumors. The process can take years to develop, and most victims are unaware that they are exposed to asbestos until it is too late.
Malignant peritoneal mesothelioma is a condition that occurs asbestos fibers get trapped in the tissues that line the abdominal cavity and other organs. It is the second most prevalent mesothelioma. However, it can be difficult to identify because the initial symptoms are nonspecific and similar to those of gastrointestinal conditions. Patients with peritoneal mesothelioma frequently have stomach pain, fatigue, and digestive issues.
Mesothelioma patients are usually diagnosed with peritoneal mesothelioma after undergoing a physical examination as well as a medical history check and an array of tests in the laboratory. A X-ray as well as a CT scan can help doctors find any lumps or signs of disease. In some cases, doctors who treat mesothelioma will also require a biopsy to obtain a more precise diagnosis.
Peritoneal Mesothelioma Symptoms usually begin in the abdomen. They can cause severe abdominal discomfort, bloating and weight loss. They can also trigger nausea and vomiting, as well as other digestive issues. Other symptoms include chest pain, fatigue and swelling. It is essential for patients to seek medical attention when they experience these symptoms because they could be caused by something other than mesothelioma.
Despite the difficulty in diagnosing peritoneal msothelioma patients can often receive the right treatment to prolong their lives. In most cases, this is done through surgery and heated chemotherapy.
Contact our mesothelioma lawyers today to learn how we can assist you if a family member has been diagnosed with peritoneal mesothelioma. We can connect you to mesothelioma specialists near you who can assist you in bringing a lawsuit against the asbestos companies responsible for your exposure. We can also help ensure that you receive the financial compensation you are entitled to. You can start this process by filling in our free online form. We can help you get the best possible outcome working with the best mesothelioma lawyers.
Diagnosis
The first step to diagnose mesothelioma of the peritoneal region is to collect an exact medical history. Doctors will inquire with the patient about their asbestos exposure and when it happened. A physical exam will be conducted. Initial examinations typically include blood tests and Xrays, as well as CT scans.
Because of the long time of latency, peritoneal cancer can be difficult to recognize. Patients may be afflicted by symptoms like abdominal pain, nausea and fever that are similar to other illnesses. These symptoms that are not specific can confuse doctors. Mesothelioma, a rare cancer that can take years to show symptoms following exposure to asbestos is a rare condition.
Inhaling or ingestion of asbestos fibers move to the stomach lining known as the peritoneum. Once inside the peritoneum the asbestos fibers' sharp edges cause irritation to the mesothelium. This irritation leads to inflammation and scar tissue over time. This causes abnormal cell proliferation and tumors.
Researchers are working on methods to detect the disease in its earliest stages. The process of identifying mesothelioma's stage is crucial as it will determine the treatment options.
A mesothelioma specialist may perform paracentesis (percutaneous needle biopsy) to collect samples for lab testing. These tests will reveal if the cancerous cells are epithelioid (epithelioid) or Sarcomatoid (sarcomatoid) or biphasic within the tumor. This information helps doctors create the treatment plan.
Specialists in mesothelioma also determine the stage of the patient. Staging determines which treatments might be most effective and also helps mesothelioma lawyers determine 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 on the type of mesothelioma. The report may also contain a staging scale that indicates how far the cancer has spread within the body. The higher the stage the more likely it is that it will respond to treatment. A lawyer can explain the implications of this to a particular client's case.
Treatment
Asbestos fibers can be inhaled or ingested and become embedded in the tissue lining the abdomen and other organs. These fibers damage DNA and can cause irritation to cells. This causes the formation of tumors. The majority of the time, peritoneal cancer develops in the lining of the abdomen. Peritoneal Mesothelioma has a greater impact on women than pleural mesothelioma but it is less common.
The symptoms of peritoneal mesothelioma are similar to those of gastrointestinal diseases like irritable bowel syndrome and Crohn's disease. This makes it difficult for doctors to recognize the condition. Early symptoms can be misinterpreted as a sign of other illnesses, and may persist for months or even years before mesothelioma is diagnosed.
In addition to a thorough medical history, a doctor will perform tests for imaging and bloodwork to rule out other illnesses and conditions that may cause the same symptoms as mesothelioma attorney. These tests can be used to determine the most suitable 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 portions of the affected area to be examined by pathologists. Biopsies may reveal cancerous cells as well as identify the mesothelioma type.
If a peritoneal msothelioma has been confirmed, doctors will discuss the treatment options with patients. The aim of any treatment plan is usually to decrease the size and number of tumors. Surgery is often the first option, but patients may also consider chemotherapy and immunotherapy.
In contrast to chest-based therapies for pleural mesothelioma that are administered through the lungs, peritoneal mesothelioma treatments are administered either intravenously or orally. Injections of chemotherapies, like heated intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC), have helped to prolong the lives of many patients. HIPEC is a procedure innovated by mesothelioma attorneys pioneer Paul Sugarbaker.
Patients who have been diagnosed with peritoneal cancer may qualify to file an asbestos lawsuit against negligent companies. A mesothelioma lawyer can evaluate the case of a patient and suggest legal options. Contact us today to get started. It's completely free, confidential and there is no commitment. We provide nationwide representation.
Prognosis
Mesothelioma is a rare cancer. Because doctors have limited experience with the disease, many patients are misdiagnosed as having other illnesses. Fortunately mesothelioma specialists can assist in the diagnostic process and get patients the right treatment.
The only known cause of peritoneal mesothelioma is asbestos exposure. Asbestos fibers can cause irritation of abdominal tissues and cell mutations when inhaled or consumed. This may cause tumors to develop mesothelioma within the peritoneum over time.
Manufacturing or construction is usually the first area where asbestos exposure can begin. These industries can use materials that contain asbestos, such as insulation and fireproofing. Asbestos is also present in household products, such as flooring and roofing tiles. Even very low levels of exposure put a person at risk for mesothelioma. Because mesothelioma lawsuit has an extended latency period it is possible for patients to be diagnosed with peritoneal mesothelioma decades after the initial exposure.
Peritoneal mesothelioma symptoms can appear similar to other conditions and can be mistaken for hernias, digestive problems such as Crohn's disease or colitis, or other types of abdominal cancer. Many patients don't declare their asbestos exposure and don't seek medical attention. Doctors may suggest a biopsy to confirm a diagnosis of mesothelioma. A biopsy involves removing just a small portion of affected tissue to test. This procedure can reveal if the mesothelioma lawsuit is epithelioid (epidermoid), the sarcomatoid (sarcomatoid) or biphasic.
If the mesothelioma is in an early stage doctors can remove all the tumors and provide an effective treatment. The doctor will also be able to determine whether the cancer has spread to the abdomen. They may then recommend palliative treatments for the patient. For instance paracentesis to remove abdominal fluid.
The outlook for patients is worse when a mesothelioma has advanced. The tumors may become resistant to certain treatment and may recur. The doctor may recommend a combination of surgery and chemotherapy. Surgery options include cytoreduction with hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy. This combination is more likely to improve a patient's prognosis than chemotherapy on its own.