Peritoneal Mesothelioma Asbestos Symptoms
The digestive system is often affected by the symptoms of peritoneal mesothelioma. This is due to asbestos fibers being ingested, and become embedded in the lining of the stomach known as the peritoneum.
As time passes the fibers cause changes in healthy peritoneal cells. Tumors that are cancerous develop in the peritoneum as a result of.
Mesothelioma is a challenging condition to diagnose. The early signs may be confused with symptoms of other conditions like hernias, or irritable Bowel Syndrome.
Symptoms
When asbestos fibers are inhaled they can pass into the lungs and travel throughout the body. The fibers may then become trapped in the linings of the abdomen and other organs. This causes inflammation and irritation that results in the development of tumors. The process can take years to develop, and most sufferers are unaware the fact that they've been exposed to asbestos until it is too late.
Asbestos fibers can become trapped in the tissue that lines the abdominal cavity or other organs, causing malignant peritoneal melanoma. It is the second most prevalent type of mesothelioma, but it is difficult to identify because the initial symptoms are nonspecific and similar to symptoms of gastrointestinal disorders. Patients suffering from peritoneal mesothelioma typically experience stomach pain, fatigue and gastrointestinal issues.
After a physical examination and an examination of medical history, and a series of laboratory tests, mesothelioma patients are diagnosed with peritoneal cancer. An X-ray or CT scan can help doctors identify any lumps or other symptoms of disease. In some instances mesothelioma specialists may also request a biopsy for an accurate diagnosis.
Peritoneal mesothelioma symptoms usually begin in the abdominal area and can cause severe abdominal discomfort as well as bloating, weight loss, stomach fluid accumulation nausea, vomiting, and other digestive issues. Symptoms may also include chest pain, swelling and fatigue. If symptoms like these occur, it is important that victims seek medical attention because they could be caused by other ailments.
Despite the difficulties in diagnosing peritoneal msothelioma patients can typically receive the appropriate treatment to prolong their lives. In the majority of cases, this involves surgical treatment and heated chemotherapy.
Contact our mesothelioma lawyers today to find out how we can help you if you or 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 a lawsuit against asbestos companies responsible for your exposure. We can also help you receive the financial compensation that you are entitled to. You can begin this process by filling out our no-cost online form. We partner with the top mesothelioma attorneys and can help you secure the best possible outcome.
Diagnosis
The first step to diagnose mesothelioma peritoneal is to obtain an exact medical history. Doctors will inquire about the person's exposure asbestos and the time it occurred. A physical examination will be conducted. Blood tests, X-rays, and CT scans are typically used in the initial work-up.
Due to the lengthy period of latency, peritoneal mesothelioma can be difficult to recognize. Patients may experience symptoms such as abdominal pain, nausea and fever that are similar to other conditions. These symptoms that are not specific can cause confusion for doctors. Mesothelioma is a rare type of cancer and it can take years before symptoms show up after asbestos exposure.
Inhaled or ingested asbestos fibers travel to the stomach lining called the peritoneum. Asbestos fibers that are sharp irritate mesothelium once they reach the peritoneum. In time the irritation causes inflammation and scar tissue growth. This leads to abnormal cell proliferation and tumors.
Researchers are working to develop methods to detect the disease at its earliest stages. The stage of mesothelioma is the basis for the treatment options.
A mesothelioma specialist can perform paracentesis (percutaneous needle biopsy) to take the specimen for lab testing. These tests can help identify the type of cancer cells (epithelioid or sarcomatoid) within the tumor and help doctors determine the best treatment strategy.
Specialists in mesothelioma also determine the stage of the patient. It determines which treatment options will be most effective and helps mesothelioma lawyers determine which asbestos companies to pursue in mesothelioma lawsuits.
When a mesothelioma attorney expert reviews the results of an examination the doctor creates a pathology document that contains information on the mesothelioma type. The report may also contain the staging scale, which indicates how far the cancer has spread across the body. The higher the stage is, the less likely it is to respond to treatment. Lawyers can explain what this means in a client's situation.
Treatment
Asbestos fibers can be inhaled or ingested and become embedded in the tissue lining the abdomen and other organs. The fibers harm DNA and cause irritation to cells. In time, this can lead to the formation of tumors within the lining. Typically, peritoneal cancer develops in the lining that surrounds the abdomen. Peritoneal Mesothelioma affects more women than pleural mesothelioma lawsuit (resources), but is less common.
Symptoms of peritoneal mesothelioma are similar to symptoms of gastrointestinal diseases such as irritable bowel syndrome and Crohn's disease, making it difficult for doctors to recognize the condition. Because of this, early symptoms are mistaken for normal ailments and may last for months or even years before a patient is given the mesothelioma diagnosis.
In addition to a thorough medical history, a physician will perform bloodwork and imaging tests to rule out other diseases and conditions that may cause the same symptoms as mesothelioma. These tests can also be used to determine the best treatment options.
A biopsy is performed by a doctor to confirm the diagnosis. This is because peritoneal Msothelioma can be found in the abdominal liner. A biopsy is the removal of small amounts of tissue from 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 the options for treatment with the patient. The goal of any treatment plan is usually to reduce the size and number of tumors. Surgery is typically the first line of defense, however, patients must also consider the possibility of immunotherapy and chemotherapy.
In contrast to the chest-based treatment for pleural mesothelioma which is administered through the lungs, the treatment for peritoneal Mesothelioma is injected intravenously or orally. The injections of chemotherapy such as heated intraperitoneal therapy (HIPEC) have helped prolong the survival of many patients. HIPEC is a method that was invented by mesothelioma pioneer Paul Sugarbaker.
Individuals suffering from peritoneal cancer may be able to bring a lawsuit against negligent asbestos companies. A mesothelioma lawyer can evaluate the case of a patient and recommend legal options. Contact us today to get started. It's completely free, confidential and there is no obligation. We provide nationwide representation.
Prognosis
Mesothelioma is a rare type of cancer. Because doctors aren't experienced, many patients are misdiagnosed as having other illnesses. Fortunately, a mesothelioma specialist can aid in the diagnosis process and help patients receive the appropriate treatment.
Asbestos exposure is the sole known cause of peritoneal mesthelioma. When asbestos fibers are breathed in or consumed, they may cause irritation to abdominal tissues and cause cells to alter. This can lead to tumors that develop mesothelioma within the peritoneum over time.
Manufacturing or construction is often the first location where asbestos exposure can begin. These industries may utilize products that contain asbestos, such as insulation and fireproofing. Asbestos can also be present in household products like flooring and roof tiles. Even low levels of exposure to asbestos can put a person in danger of mesothelioma. Because of the long latency period of the disease, victims may be diagnosed with peritoneal mesothelioma several decades after their first exposure.
Peritoneal Mesothelioma may mimic other conditions. It is often mistaken for hernias, digestive issues such as colitis or Crohn's and other forms of abdominal cancers. A lot of patients do not disclose their asbestos exposure, and do not seek medical care. Specialists may recommend a biopsy to confirm a diagnosis of mesothelioma. A biopsy is the removal the smallest piece of tissue that is examined. This procedure will reveal the stage of mesothelioma as well as if it is epithelioid, biphasic or sarcomatoid.
If the mesothelioma is at an early stage doctors can remove all of the tumors and offer curative treatment. The doctor will also be able to determine if the cancer has been able to spread to the abdomen. They may then recommend palliative treatments for the patient. For instance, paracentesis to drain the abdomen of fluid.
If mesothelioma progresses the chances of survival are less. The tumors may become resistant to certain treatments and recur. The specialist may suggest a combination of chemotherapy and surgery. Surgical options include cytoreduction surgery combined with hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy. This combination is more likely to improve a patient's prognosis than chemotherapy alone.