Peritoneal Mesothelioma Asbestos Symptoms
Peritoneal mesothelioma asbestos symptoms often affect the digestive system. This is due to asbestos fibers being consumed and then absorbed within the lining of your stomach known as the peritoneum.
In time the fibers cause mutations in healthy peritoneal cells. In the end, cancerous tumors form in the peritoneum.
Mesothelioma is a difficult condition to diagnose. Early signs may be confused with other signs like hernias, or irritable Bowel Syndrome.
Signs and symptoms
When asbestos fibers are breathed in, they can be absorbed into the lungs and then travel throughout the body. They can then become stuck in the abdominal lining or other organs, causing inflammation and irritation that can lead to tumor growth. This process can take years to develop, and many victims are unaware of their asbestos exposure until too late.
Malignant peritoneal mesothelioma occurs when asbestos fibers become trapped in the tissues that line the abdominal cavity and other organs. It is the second most common mesothelioma. However, it is difficult to recognize because the early symptoms aren't specific and are similar to those of digestive conditions. Patients with peritoneal mesothelioma often suffer from stomach pain, fatigue and gastrointestinal issues.
After a physical exam followed by an examination of medical history, and a series of tests in the laboratory, mesothelioma patients are diagnosed with peritoneal cancer. A CT scan or X-ray may help doctors identify lumps or any other signs of illness. In certain cases, doctors who treat mesothelioma will also order a biopsied to obtain a more precise diagnosis.
Peritoneal mesothelioma symptoms generally begin in the abdominal area and can lead to extreme abdominal pain and weight loss, bloating swelling of the belly, nausea, vomiting and other digestive problems. The symptoms can also include chest pain, swelling and fatigue. If symptoms like these occur, it is important that victims seek medical attention since they may be caused by other ailments.
Despite the difficulty in diagnosing peritoneal mesothelioma, victims are often able to receive the right treatment to prolong their lives. In the majority of cases, treatment involves surgery and chemo treatment that is heated.
Contact our mesothelioma lawyers today to learn how we can assist you if someone in your family has been diagnosed with peritoneal msothelioma. We can help you find an expert in mesothelioma near you who can help you file a lawsuit against asbestos companies responsible for your exposure. We can also ensure you receive the financial settlement you're entitled to. You can start this process by filling in our free online form. We can assist you to get the best possible outcome working with the best mesothelioma lawyers.
Diagnosis
The first step in diagnosing peritoneal mesothelioma is to get an complete medical history. Doctors will ask about the person's exposure asbestos and the time it occurred. They also conduct a physical exam. X-rays, blood tests and CT scans are typically employed in the initial examination.
Peritoneal mesothelioma is a difficult cancer to diagnose due to its lengthy period of latency. Patients may experience symptoms such as nausea, abdominal pain and fever that are similar to other conditions. These symptoms that are not specific can confuse doctors. Mesothelioma is a rare type of cancer, and it can take years before symptoms show up after exposure to asbestos.
Inhaling or eating asbestos fibers travel to the stomach lining, known as the peritoneum. Asbestos fibers are sharp and irritate mesothelium when they reach the peritoneum. Over time this irritation can cause inflammation and scar tissue. This causes abnormal cell growth and tumors.
Researchers are working on methods to detect mesothelioma early. The stage of mesothelioma will determine the treatment options.
A mesothelioma specialist can perform paracentesis (percutaneous needle biopsy) to take a sample for laboratory testing. These tests can reveal whether the cancer cells are epithelioid (epithelioid) or the sarcomatoid (sarcomatoid) or biphasic within the tumor. This information aids doctors create a treatment plan.
Mesothelioma specialists can also assess a patient's stage of mesothelioma. Staging determines which treatments might be most effective and also helps mesothelioma attorneys know which asbestos-related companies to sue in mesothelioma lawsuits.
If a mesothelioma specialist analyzes the results from a biopsy the doctor creates a pathology document which contains details about the mesothelioma type. The report may also include an assessment system that outlines how the cancer has spread throughout the body. The more advanced the stage of cancer, the less likely the patient will be able to respond to treatment. Lawyers can explain the implications of this to the particular case of a client.
Treatment
Inhalation or swallowing asbestos fibers are embedded in the tissue that lines the abdomen and other organs. These fibers can cause irritation to cells and damage DNA. As time passes, this leads to the development of tumors within the lining. Typically, peritoneal mesothelioma forms in the lining of the abdomen called the peritoneum. Peritoneal mesothelioma is less common than pleural mesothelioma. It usually affects women more.
Symptoms of peritoneal mesothelioma are similar to those of gastrointestinal diseases like irritable bowel disorder and Crohn's disease, which makes it difficult for doctors to identify the condition. Initial symptoms may be misinterpreted as other conditions, and may persist for a long time, or even years before mesothelioma is diagnosed.
In addition to an extensive medical history, a doctor will run imaging and blood tests to rule out other diseases and conditions that could trigger the same symptoms as mesothelioma. These tests can be used to determine 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 portions of the affected area to be examined by pathologists. Biopsies can identify cancerous cells and determine the type of Mesothelioma.
Once a peritoneal mesothelioma diagnosis is confirmed doctors will discuss treatment options with the patient. The aim of any treatment plan is typically to decrease the size and number of tumors. Surgery is typically the first line of defense however, patients should also talk about the possibility of immunotherapy and chemotherapy.
Contrary to chest-based treatments for pleural mesothelioma, which are administered through the lung, the peritoneal mesothelioma treatment are injected orally or intravenously. The injections of chemotherapy, such as heated intraperitoneal therapy (HIPEC) have helped prolong survival for many patients. HIPEC is a method that was invented by mesothelioma pioneer Paul Sugarbaker.
Patients who have been diagnosed with peritoneal cancer may qualify to file a lawsuit against negligent asbestos companies. A mesothelioma attorney can review the case of a patient and recommend legal options. Contact us today to start. It's absolutely free, and confidential, and there is no obligation. We provide nationwide representation.
Prognosis
Mesothelioma is a rare cancer. Because doctors have limited experience, many patients are misdiagnosed with other diseases. A mesothelioma expert can help patients identify the cause and ensure that they receive the appropriate treatment.
Asbestos exposure is only the one known cause of peritoneal mesothelioma. When asbestos fibers are inhaled or ingested, they could cause irritation to abdominal tissues and cause cells to alter. This can cause tumors to develop mesothelioma within the peritoneum over time.
The exposure to asbestos typically is a result of work in construction or manufacturing. These industries may utilize asbestos-containing materials including fireproofing, insulation. Asbestos may also be found in household items, such as flooring and roof tiles. Even small amounts of exposure to asbestos can cause a person to be at risk of mesothelioma. Because the disease has an extended latency period it is possible for patients to be diagnosed with peritoneal mesothelioma years after the initial exposure.
Peritoneal mesothelioma lawsuit can mimic other diseases. It is often mistaken for hernias or gastrointestinal problems like Crohn's or colitis and other types of abdominal cancers. Many patients do not report their asbestos exposure and don't seek medical attention. If mesothelioma is found experts may suggest the procedure of a biopsy to make an precise diagnosis. A biopsy is the process of removing only a small amount of affected tissue for testing. This procedure can reveal if the mesothelioma is epithelioid (epidermoid), the sarcomatoid (sarcomatoid) or biphasic.
If mesothelioma has reached an early stage doctors can remove all the tumors and offer an effective treatment. The doctor can also determine whether the cancer has spread to the abdomen. They may then recommend palliative care for the patient, including paracentesis that drains abdominal fluid.
If mesothelioma progresses and the prognosis is less favorable, it becomes more difficult to treat. This is because the tumors are able to become resistant to certain treatments and may recur. The doctor may recommend a combination of chemotherapy and surgery. Surgery options include cytoreduction with hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy. This combination is more likely to improve a patient's prognosis than chemotherapy alone.