Peritoneal Mesothelioma Asbestos Symptoms
Peritoneal mesothelioma asbestos symptoms often affect the digestive system. This is due to asbestos fibers being inhaled and then become a part of the stomach's lining, called the peritoneum.
As time passes, these fibers cause changes to healthy peritoneal cells. As a result tumors that are cancerous develop in the peritoneum.
The diagnosis of mesothelioma can be difficult. Early signs can be confused with symptoms of other conditions like hernias or irritable Bowel syndrome.
Signs and symptoms
When asbestos fibers are breathed in, they can enter the lungs and travel throughout the body. The fibers can then get trapped in the linings the abdomen and other organs. This causes inflammation and irritation that can lead to the development of tumors. This process can take decades to develop, and most victims are unaware that they have asbestos exposure until it is too late.
Malignant peritoneal mesothelioma occurs when asbestos fibers get trapped in the tissue that lines the abdominal cavity and other organs. It is the second most frequent form of mesothelioma. However it can be difficult for doctors to diagnose as early symptoms are nonspecific. It is also possible that they are similar to gastrointestinal conditions. Patients with peritoneal cancer often experience fatigue, stomach pain and gastrointestinal issues.
Mesothelioma victims are typically diagnosed with peritoneal cancer after undergoing a physical examination, a medical history review and an array of laboratory tests. A X-ray and a CT scan can help doctors identify any lumps or other indications of disease. In certain instances mesothelioma lawsuits patients, doctors may also request a biopsy to get a more accurate diagnosis.
Peritoneal Mesothelioma symptoms typically begin in the abdomen. They can cause severe abdominal discomfort, bloating and weight loss. They may also cause nausea, vomiting, and other digestive issues. Symptoms may also include chest pain, swelling and fatigue. If these symptoms are present it is crucial that patients seek medical attention because they may be caused by other conditions.
Despite the difficulties of diagnosing peritoneal mesothelioma, patients can often receive the proper treatment to prolong their lives. In the majority of cases, this involves surgery and heated chemotherapy.
If you or someone you love have been diagnosed with peritoneal mesothelioma, call our mesothelioma attorneys to learn how we can help. We can help you connect with mesothelioma specialists near you, who can assist you in bringing a suit against the asbestos-related companies responsible for your exposure. We can also assist you in ensuring that you receive the financial compensation that you are entitled to. Start the process by filling out our no-cost online form. We can assist you in obtaining the best outcome possible by working with top mesothelioma attorneys.
Diagnosis
To diagnose peritoneal Msothelioma it is crucial to have a an exhaustive medical history. Doctors will ask the patient about their exposure to asbestos and when it happened. They will also conduct a physical examination. Initial examinations typically include blood tests and Xrays, as well as CT scans.
Peritoneal mesothelioma can be difficult to diagnose due to its long latency period. Patients may experience symptoms such as abdominal pain, fever and nausea that are similar to other conditions. These symptoms that are not specific can cause confusion for doctors. Mesothelioma is a rare form of cancer that can take years to manifest symptoms after asbestos exposure, is a rare illness.
Inhaled or ingested asbestos fibers move into the stomach lining, called the peritoneum. Asbestos fibers are sharp and irritate mesothelium when they reach the peritoneum. This irritation causes scar tissue and inflammation over time. Then, it leads to abnormal cell growth and tumors develop.
Researchers are working on methods to detect the disease at its earliest stages. The stage of mesothelioma determines the treatment options.
A mesothelioma expert can perform paracentesis (percutaneous needle biopsy) to collect the specimen for lab testing. These tests can determine if the cancer cells are epithelioid (epithelioid), Sarcomatoid (sarcomatoid) or biphasic within the tumor. This information aids doctors develop an appropriate treatment plan.
Specialists in mesothelioma can also determine the stage of a patient. The stage determines the most effective treatment and helps mesothelioma lawyers know which asbestos companies are accountable in mesothelioma cases.
When a mesothelioma expert analyzes the results from the biopsy the doctor creates a pathology report that contains information on the mesothelioma type. The report may also include the staging system which outlines how the cancer has spread within the body. The more advanced the stage, the less likely it is to respond to treatment. A lawyer can explain the implications of this to the particular case of a client.
Treatment
Inhalation or swallowing, asbestos fibers become embedded in the tissues that line the abdomen and other organs. The fibers harm DNA and irritate cells. In time, this can lead to the formation of tumors in the lining. Typically, peritoneal cancer develops in the lining of the abdomen. Peritoneal Mesothelioma affects more women than pleural Mesothelioma however, it is less prevalent.
The symptoms of peritoneal cancer are similar to those that are associated with gastrointestinal disorders, such as Crohn's disease and irritable bowel syndrome and makes it difficult for doctors to identify. As a result, early symptoms can be mistaken as normal ailments, and can last for months or years before a patient receives a mesothelioma diagnosis.
A doctor may also perform imaging and blood tests to rule out any other conditions or diseases that could trigger the same symptoms as mesothelioma lawsuit. These tests will aid in determining the most effective treatment options.
A biopsy is conducted by a physician to confirm the diagnosis. This is because peritoneal msothelioma occurs in the abdominal liner. A biopsy is the removal of small samples from the affected area to be examined by pathologists. Biopsies may reveal cancerous cells and determine the type of mesothelioma.
When a peritoneal Msothelioma diagnosis is confirmed doctors will discuss treatment options with patients. Generally, the goal of a treatment plan is to reduce the size and quantity of tumors. Surgery is typically the first line of defense however, patients must also consider the possibility of immunotherapy and chemotherapy.
Unlike the chest-based treatments for pleural mesothelioma, which are administered via the lung, the peritoneal mesothelioma treatment are injected orally or intravenously. Chemotherapy injections, 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 could be able to bring a lawsuit against negligent asbestos companies. A knowledgeable mesothelioma attorney will review the case of a patient and recommend legal options. Contact us today to begin. It is no cost, it's 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 assist patients identify the cause and ensure they receive the right treatment.
Asbestos exposure is only the one known cause of peritoneal mesothelioma lawsuits. When asbestos fibers are inhaled or ingested, they can cause irritation to the abdominal tissues and cause cells to mutate. Over time, this can cause tumors to form mesothelioma of peritoneum.
Construction or manufacturing work is often the first place where asbestos exposure begins. These industries could employ materials that contain asbestos, such as insulation and fireproofing. Asbestos can also be present in household items, such as flooring and roof tiles. Even low levels of asbestos exposure can put someone at risk of developing mesothelioma. Because of the lengthy time of latency the victims could be diagnosed with peritoneal msothelioma for a long time after their initial exposure.
Peritoneal mesothelioma symptoms could resemble those of other conditions and can be mistaken for a hernia digestive problems such as colitis or Crohn's disease, or other forms of abdominal cancer. This is why many patients do not disclose their exposure to asbestos and they do not seek medical attention. Doctors may suggest a biopsy to confirm a diagnosis of mesothelioma. A biopsy involves the removal of a small piece of tissue that is examined. This procedure will reveal the stage of mesothelioma and whether it is epithelioid sarcomatoid or biphasic.
If mesothelioma has not spread and the doctors are able to remove the tumors. They will also provide an option for curative treatment. The doctor can also determine if the cancer has been able to spread to the abdomen. They will then recommend palliative treatment for the patient. For instance paracentesis to remove the abdomen of fluid.
When a mesothelioma is advanced and the prognosis is less favorable, it becomes more difficult to treat. This is because the cancer may become resistant to certain treatments and can develop a recurrence. The doctor might suggest a combination of surgery and chemotherapy. Options for surgery include cytoreduction and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy. This combination is more likely to improve a patient's prognosis than chemotherapy alone.