Peritoneal Mesothelioma Asbestos Symptoms
The digestive system is commonly affected by the symptoms of peritoneal mesothelioma. This is due to asbestos fibers being consumed and then absorbed in a lining of the stomach known as the peritoneum.
In time, these fibers result in mutations to the healthy peritoneal cell. In the end, cancerous tumors form in the peritoneum.
The diagnosis of mesothelioma can be a bit difficult. The early signs may be confused with other symptoms such as hernias or irritable Bowel Syndrome.
Signs and symptoms
Asbestos fibers can move through the body when breathed. From there, they may become trapped in the lining of the abdomen or other organs, creating inflammation and irritation that can lead to the growth of tumors. This process can take a long time to develop and many patients are unaware of their asbestos exposure until too late.
Asbestos fibers can get trapped in the tissue that lines the abdominal cavity or other organs, which can cause malignant peritoneal melanoma. It is the second most common mesothelioma type. However it can be difficult for doctors to identify because the early symptoms are not specific. They can also be similar to gastrointestinal disorders. Patients with peritoneal cancer often experience fatigue, stomach pain and gastrointestinal problems.
After a physical examination and a review of medical history and a series of laboratory tests, mesothelioma lawsuit sufferers are diagnosed with peritoneal cancer. An X-ray or CT scan can assist doctors to detect any lumps or indications of illness. In some instances mesothelioma specialists may also require a biopsy to get an accurate diagnosis.
Peritoneal mesothelioma lawsuit symptoms typically start in the abdominal region and can lead to extreme abdominal discomfort, bloating, weight loss, fluid buildup in the belly nausea, vomiting, and other digestive problems. Other symptoms include chest pain, fatigue and swelling. When these symptoms occur it is essential that victims seek medical attention as they may be caused by other conditions.
Despite the difficulty in diagnosing peritoneal mesothelioma, victims typically receive the appropriate treatment to extend their lives. In the majority of cases, this requires surgical treatment and heated chemotherapy.
If you or a loved one have been diagnosed with peritoneal mesothelioma, contact our mesothelioma lawyers to find out how we can assist. We can connect you to mesothelioma specialists in your area who can assist you in bringing a lawsuit against the asbestos companies that are responsible for your exposure. We can also assist you to receive the financial compensation that you deserve. Start the process by filling out our no-cost online form. We can help you get the best possible outcome by working with the best mesothelioma lawsuits lawyers.
Diagnosis
To diagnose peritoneal msothelioma, it is essential to take a an exhaustive medical history. Doctors will ask about the person's exposure asbestos and the time it occurred. A physical examination will be performed. Initial tests typically include blood tests and X-rays and CT scans.
Peritoneal mesothelioma is a difficult cancer to identify due to its long period of latency. Patients may experience symptoms such as nausea, abdominal pain and fever that are similar to other conditions. These non-specific symptoms can cause confusion for doctors. Mesothelioma, a rare cancer that can take years to show symptoms after asbestos exposure, is a rare illness.
Inhaling or eating asbestos fibers move to the stomach lining called the peritoneum. Asbestos fibers that are sharp can irritate mesothelium when they reach the peritoneum. This irritation leads to inflammation and scar tissue over time. In the end, this causes abnormal cell growth and tumors develop.
Researchers are working to develop methods to detect the disease at its earliest stages. The stage of mesothelioma determines the treatment options.
A mesothelioma specialist may perform paracentesis (percutaneous needle biopsy) to take a sample for laboratory testing. These tests can reveal whether the cancerous cells are epithelioid (epithelioid), Sarcomatoid (sarcomatoid) or biphasic within the tumor. This information helps doctors develop a treatment plan.
Mesothelioma specialists also evaluate the stage of mesothelioma a patient is. The stage determines the most effective treatment and helps mesothelioma lawyers know which asbestos companies are accountable in mesothelioma suits.
When a mesothelioma expert analyzes the results of the biopsy and creates a pathology report that includes information about the mesothelioma type. The report could also include a staging system that describes how the cancer has spread in the body. The higher 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
Asbestos fibers can be inhaled or eaten and then absorbed in the tissue that lines the abdomen and other organs. These fibers damage DNA and irritate cells. As time passes, this leads to the development of tumors within the lining. Typically, peritoneal mesothelioma develops in the abdomen's lining called the peritoneum. Peritoneal Mesothelioma has a greater impact on women than pleural Mesothelioma, however, it is less prevalent.
Symptoms of peritoneal mesothelioma are similar to those of gastrointestinal conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome and Crohn's disease, which makes it difficult for doctors to recognize the condition. In the beginning, symptoms are mistaken for normal ailments and can persist for months or even years before a patient receives an mesothelioma-related diagnosis.
A doctor will also conduct imaging and blood tests to rule out other conditions or diseases that could trigger the same symptoms of mesothelioma. These tests can also be used to determine the best 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 amounts of tissue from the affected area to be examined by pathologists. Biopsies can identify cancerous cells, and can determine the type of Mesothelioma.
If a diagnosis of peritoneal cancer has been confirmed, doctors will discuss treatment options with the patient. Generally speaking, the aim of the treatment plan is to minimize the size and amount of tumors. Surgery is usually the first option, however patients can also look into chemotherapy and immunotherapy.
Contrary to the chest-based treatment for pleural mesothelioma which is administered via the lungs, the treatment for peritoneal Mesothelioma is administered via intravenously or orally. Chemotherapy injections such as heated intraperitoneal therapy (HIPEC) have helped prolong survival for many patients. HIPEC was invented by mesothelioma expert Paul Sugarbaker.
Individuals with peritoneal asbestosis could be able to bring a lawsuit against negligent asbestos companies. An experienced mesothelioma lawyer will review the case of a patient and suggest legal options. Contact us today to get started. It's completely no cost, it's confidential and there is no commitment. We offer nationwide representation.
Prognosis
Mesothelioma cancer is a rare form of cancer. Because doctors lack experience, many patients are misdiagnosed with other diseases. A mesothelioma specialist can assist patients identify the cause and ensure that they receive the proper 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. In time, this may cause tumors to form mesothelioma in the peritoneum.
The exposure to asbestos usually starts with jobs in manufacturing or construction. These industries may employ asbestos-containing products, such as fireproofing and insulation. Asbestos may also be found in household items, such as flooring and roof tiles. Even very low levels of exposure put a person at risk for mesothelioma. Because of the long time of latency the victims could be diagnosed with peritoneal mesothelioma several decades after their first exposure.
Peritoneal mesothelioma symptoms may appear similar to other diseases and could be mistaken for hernias, digestive issues such as colitis or Crohn's disease or other forms of abdominal cancer. A lot of patients do not disclose their asbestos exposure, and do not seek medical care. If mesothelioma is found, the specialists may recommend a biopsy for a more precise diagnosis. A biopsy involves removing a small portion of the affected tissue to test. This procedure can reveal the stage of mesothelioma and whether it is epithelioid biphasic, or sarcomatoid.
If mesothelioma has reached an early stage doctors can remove all the tumors and offer curative treatment. The doctor will also be able to determine if the cancer has spread to the abdomen. They may then recommend palliative care for the patient, including paracentesis that drains abdominal fluid.
When a mesothelioma is advanced the chances of survival are less. This is because the tumors are able to become resistant to certain treatments and can recur. The doctor might recommend an amalgamation of surgery and chemotherapy. Surgery options include cytoreduction, which is hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemo. This combination is more likely than chemotherapy by itself to improve the prognosis for the patient.