Peritoneal Mesothelioma Asbestos Symptoms
The digestive system is often affected by the symptoms of mesothelioma peritoneal. This is because asbestos fibers get ingested and become embedded in the stomach's lining, called the peritoneum.
Over time, these fibers cause mutations in healthy peritoneal cells. In the end cancerous tumors develop in the peritoneum.
The diagnosis of mesothelioma can be a bit difficult. Early signs can be confused with symptoms of other conditions like hernias, or irritable Bowel syndrome.
Symptoms
Asbestos fibers can travel through the body when breathed. From there, they may be trapped in the lining of the abdomen or other organs, creating inflammation and irritation that eventually leads to the growth of tumors. This process can take decades to develop, and many victims are unaware that they have asbestos exposure until it is too late.
Malignant peritoneal melanoma develops when asbestos fibers get trapped in the tissue that lines the abdominal cavity and other organs. It is the second most common mesothelioma type. However, it can be difficult for doctors to diagnose as early symptoms are nonspecific. They can also be similar to digestive disorders. Patients suffering from peritoneal cancer typically experience fatigue, stomach pain and gastrointestinal issues.
Mesothelioma victims are typically diagnosed with peritoneal mesothelioma after undergoing a physical examination, a medical history review and an array of laboratory tests. A CT scan or X-ray may help doctors identify lumps or any other signs of disease. In certain cases, doctors who treat mesothelioma will also order a biopsied to get a more accurate diagnosis.
Peritoneal mesothelioma symptoms generally begin in the abdominal area and can lead to severe abdominal pain as well as weight loss, bloating stomach fluid accumulation nausea, vomiting, and other digestive problems. Other symptoms include chest pain, swelling, and fatigue. If these symptoms are present it is essential that victims seek medical attention because they could be caused by other ailments.
Despite the difficulties of diagnosing peritoneal cancer, patients can often receive the proper treatment to prolong their lives. In most cases, this involves the use of surgery and chemotherapy that is heated.
If you or a loved one have been diagnosed with peritoneal cancer, contact our mesothelioma attorneys to learn more about what we can do to help. We can assist you in finding an expert in your area who can help you file an asbestos lawsuit against the companies responsible for your exposure. We can also help ensure that you receive the financial compensation you are entitled to. Complete our online form to begin the process. We can help you get the best outcome possible by working with top mesothelioma attorneys.
Diagnosis
The first step to diagnose peritoneal mesothelioma is to get an accurate medical history. Doctors will inquire about the person's exposure to asbestos and the time it occurred. They will also conduct a physical examination. Initial work-ups often include blood tests and X-rays and CT scans.
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 those of other conditions. These symptoms that are not specific could confuse doctors. Mesothelioma, a rare cancer that can take years to show symptoms following exposure to asbestos is a rare illness.
Asbestos fibers that are inhaled or consumed are transported to the stomach lining called the peritoneum. Once inside the peritoneum the asbestos fibers are sharp and can cause irritation to the mesothelium. As time passes, this irritation causes inflammation and scar tissue. This causes abnormal cell growth and tumors.
There are no FDA-approved screening tests for peritoneal mesothelioma but researchers are working on finding ways to detect the disease's early stages. The process of identifying mesothelioma's stage is crucial as it will determine the treatment options.
A mesothelioma expert can perform paracentesis (percutaneous needle biopsy) to collect samples for lab testing. These tests can reveal whether the cancerous cells are epithelioid (epithelioid) or the sarcomatoid (sarcomatoid) or biphasic within the tumor. This information helps doctors create a treatment plan.
mesothelioma lawyers specialists can also determine the stage of mesothelioma a patient is. The staging process determines which treatments will be the most effective and help mesothelioma attorneys know which asbestos-related companies to sue in mesothelioma lawsuits.
When a mesothelioma doctor analyzes the results of a biopsy they produce an analysis report that 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 more advanced the stage of cancer the less likely a patient will respond to treatment. Lawyers can explain the implications of this to a particular client's case.
Treatment
When swallowed or inhaled asbestos fibers get encased in the tissues that line the abdomen and other organs. The fibers harm DNA and cause irritation to cells. As time passes, this leads to the formation of tumors within the lining. Typically, peritoneal mesothelioma develops in the abdomen's lining called the peritoneum. Peritoneal mesothelioma occurs less frequently than pleural mesothelioma lawyers and usually affects women more.
The symptoms of peritoneal cancer are similar to those associated with gastrointestinal disorders such as Crohn's disease and irritable colon disease, making it hard for doctors to recognize. Early symptoms can be mistaken for other ailments and can last for months or even years before a mesothelioma diagnosis is made.
In addition to a thorough medical history, a doctor will perform tests for imaging and bloodwork to rule out other illnesses and conditions that could trigger the same symptoms as mesothelioma. These tests will also help to determine the best treatment options.
Since peritoneal mesothelioma is a cancer that develops the abdominal lining The doctor will conduct a biopsy to confirm a diagnosis. A biopsy is the process of removing small amounts of tissue from the affected area to be examined by pathologists. Biopsies are able to reveal cancerous cells, and can identify the type of Mesothelioma.
If a peritoneal msothelioma has been confirmed, doctors will discuss the treatment options with patients. Generally, the goal of a treatment plan is to decrease the size and quantity 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 treatment for pleural mesothelioma that is administered via the lungs, peritoneal Mesothelioma treatment is injected via intravenously or orally. Chemotherapies like injections, such as heated intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) have helped to prolong the lives 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 attorney can review the case of a patient and suggest legal options. Contact us now to get started. It is absolutely free, and confidential, and there is no obligation. We offer nationwide representation.
Prognosis
Mesothelioma is a rare cancer. Because doctors have limited experience in diagnosing patients, many are mistakenly diagnosed as having other illnesses. A mesothelioma specialist can assist patients with the diagnosis and ensure they receive the right treatment.
Asbestos exposure is the sole known cause of peritoneal cancer. When asbestos fibers are breathed in or ingested, they could irritate the abdominal tissues and cause cells to mutate. This can lead to tumors that develop into mesothelioma in the peritoneum in time.
Manufacturing or construction work is often the first place where asbestos exposure begins. These industries can use products that contain asbestos, like insulation and fireproofing. Asbestos can also be found in household products such as flooring and roofing tiles. Even the smallest amounts of exposure put a person at risk of developing mesothelioma. Due to the long time of latency, victims may be diagnosed with peritoneal msothelioma several decades after their initial exposure.
Peritoneal Mesothelioma may mimic other conditions. It is often mistaken for hernias, digestive issues such as colitis or Crohn's and other types of abdominal cancers. This is why many patients do not report their exposure to asbestos, and they don't seek medical treatment. Specialists may recommend a biopsy to confirm a diagnosis of mesothelioma. A biopsy involves removing only a small amount of affected tissue for testing. This procedure will reveal the stage of mesothelioma and if it is epithelioid, biphasic or sarcomatoid.
If mesothelioma does not have spread, doctors can remove the tumors. They will also offer an effective treatment. The doctor can also determine if the cancer has expanded to the abdomen. They may then recommend palliative treatment for the patient, for example paracentesis, which drains the abdominal fluid.
The prognosis is worsened when a mesothelioma has advanced. The tumors could become resistant to certain treatment and recur. The doctor may recommend 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 outlook than chemotherapy alone.