Peritoneal Mesothelioma Asbestos Symptoms
Peritoneal mesothelioma asbestos symptoms often affect the digestive system. This is because asbestos fibers are taken in and are then embedded in the lining of the stomach, known as the peritoneum.
As time passes, these fibers cause changes to healthy peritoneal cells. In the end, cancerous tumors form in the peritoneum.
Mesothelioma is a challenging condition to recognize. The initial signs may resemble symptoms of other conditions such as hernia or irritable bowel syndrome.
Signs and symptoms
When asbestos fibers are inhaled, they can enter the lungs and circulate throughout the body. The fibers then become stuck in the linings of the abdomen and other organs. This causes inflammation and irritation that leads to tumor development. This process can take decades to develop, and most victims do not know that they are exposed to asbestos until it is too late.
Asbestos fibers can become trapped in the tissue lining the abdominal cavity, or other organs, causing malignant peritoneal melanomas. It is the second-most common mesothelioma type. However it can be difficult for doctors to recognize as early symptoms are nonspecific. They can also be similar to gastrointestinal disorders. Patients suffering from peritoneal cancer typically have stomach pain, fatigue and gastrointestinal issues.
mesothelioma lawsuits sufferers are usually diagnosed with peritoneal mesothelioma following conducting a physical examination and a medical history review and several laboratory tests. A X-ray as well as a CT scan can assist doctors to identify any lumps or other signs of disease. In certain cases mesothelioma physicians may request a biopsy for an precise diagnosis.
Peritoneal mesothelioma symptoms usually begin in the abdominal area and can result in severe abdominal pain, weight loss, bloating, fluid buildup in the belly, nausea, vomiting and other digestive problems. Other symptoms include fatigue, chest pain and swelling. If these symptoms are present it is essential that victims seek medical attention since they may be caused by other illnesses.
Despite the difficulty of diagnosing patients with peritoneal msothelioma, they can typically receive the appropriate treatment to prolong their lives. In most cases, treatment is surgery and chemo treatment that is heated.
If you or a loved one have been diagnosed with peritoneal cancer, contact one of our mesothelioma lawyers today to learn how we can help. We can help you connect with a mesothelioma specialist near you and assist you in filing a lawsuit against the asbestos companies that are responsible for your exposure. We can also help you receive the financial compensation that you deserve. Fill out our online form to start the process. We can help you get the best outcome possible by working with top mesothelioma attorneys.
Diagnosis
To determine if you have peritoneal msothelioma it is crucial to have a a complete medical history. Doctors will ask about the patient's exposure to asbestos and when it happened. They will also conduct a physical examination. Blood tests, X-rays and CT scans are typically used in the initial work-up.
Due to the lengthy time of latency, peritoneal cancer is often difficult to identify. Patients may experience symptoms such as abdominal pain, nausea and fever that are similar to other illnesses. These non-specific symptoms can confuse doctors. Mesothelioma, a rare cancer that can take years to manifest symptoms following exposure to asbestos, is a rare disease.
Asbestos fibers inhaled, or consumed travel to the stomach lining, known as the peritoneum. Once inside the peritoneum the asbestos fibers are sharp and irritate the mesothelium. As time passes the irritation causes inflammation and scar tissue. Eventually, this leads to abnormal cell growth and tumors develop.
There are no FDA-approved screening tests for peritoneal mesothelioma but researchers are working on developing ways to identify the disease's early stages. The importance of identifying mesothelioma early is that it determines treatment options.
A mesothelioma specialist can perform a paracentesis procedure or percutaneous needle biopsy to take a sample of mesothelioma tumours for laboratory testing. These tests can help identify the kind of cancer cells (epithelioid biphasic, sarcomatoid, or epithelioid) within the tumor, and assist doctors to develop an appropriate treatment strategy.
Specialists in mesothelioma lawsuit also determine the stage of a patient. Staging determines which treatments might be the most effective and help mesothelioma attorneys know which asbestos-related companies to sue in mesothelioma lawsuits.
A mesothelioma specialist examines the results of a biopsy, they prepare an analysis report that contains details about the type of mesothelioma. The report could also include an assessment system that outlines how far the cancer has spread in the body. The higher the stage of cancer, the less likely the patient will be able to respond to treatment. Lawyers can explain the implications of this to specific clients.
Treatment
When inhaled or swallowed asbestos fibers are embedded in the tissue that lines the abdomen and other organs. These fibers can cause irritation to cells and destroy DNA. In time, this can lead to the development of tumors in the lining. Typically, peritoneal cancer is found in the lining that covers the abdomen. Peritoneal Mesothelioma affects more women than pleural Mesothelioma but it is less common.
The symptoms of peritoneal cancer are similar to those seen with digestive disorders like Crohn's disease and irritable bowel syndrome and makes it difficult for doctors to diagnose. In the beginning, symptoms can be mistaken for normal ailments and can persist for months or years before a patient is diagnosed with an mesothelioma-related diagnosis.
A doctor may also perform tests on blood and imaging to rule out other conditions or diseases that may cause the same symptoms as mesothelioma. These tests will also help to determine the best treatment options.
Because peritoneal mesothelioma develops in the abdominal lining The doctor will conduct 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 is confirmed doctors will discuss treatment options with the patient. The goal of the treatment plan is to minimize the size and quantity of tumors. Surgery is often the first option, but patients can also consider chemotherapy and immunotherapy.
Unlike the chest-based treatments for pleural mesothelioma that are administered through the lung, the peritoneal mesothelioma treatment are administered intravenously or orally. Injections of chemotherapy like heated intraperitoneal therapy (HIPEC) have helped prolong the survival of many patients. HIPEC was invented by mesothelioma expert Paul Sugarbaker.
Individuals with peritoneal asbestosis may be able to sue negligent asbestos companies. A mesothelioma lawyer attorney can review the case of a patient and suggest legal options. Contact us today to start. It is absolutely free, and confidential, and there is no obligation. We provide nationwide representation.
Prognosis
Mesothelioma is a rare cancer. Doctors aren't familiar with it, and many patients are wrongly diagnosed as having other diseases. A mesothelioma expert can assist patients with the diagnosis and ensure they receive right treatment.
Asbestos exposure is the sole known cause of peritoneal cancer. Asbestos fibers can cause irritation of abdominal tissues and cell mutations when inhaled or consumed. In time, this may result in tumors that develop into mesothelioma in the peritoneum.
Manufacturing or construction is usually the first area where asbestos exposure can begin. These industries can use asbestos-containing materials including fireproofing, insulation. Asbestos is also found in household products like flooring and roof tiles. Even very low levels of exposure can put a person at risk for mesothelioma. Because of the lengthy time of latency patients may be diagnosed with peritoneal mesothelioma several decades after their initial exposure.
Peritoneal mesothelioma symptoms can be similar to those of other conditions and be mistaken for hernias, digestive issues such as colitis or Crohn's disease or other forms of abdominal cancer. Many patients do not disclose their asbestos exposure, and do not seek medical care. When mesothelioma is detected experts may suggest an examination for a more accurate diagnosis. A biopsy is the process of removing a small portion of the affected tissue for testing. This test will reveal if the mesothelioma is epithelioid (epidermoid) or Sarcomatoid (sarcomatoid) or biphasic.
If mesothelioma has not spread it is possible to remove the tumors. They can also provide an effective treatment. The doctor can also determine whether the cancer has spread to the abdomen. They will then recommend palliative treatment for the patient. For instance paracentesis to remove the abdomen of fluid.
If mesothelioma progresses, the prognosis becomes poorer. This is because the tumors may become resistant to certain treatments, and they may recur. The doctor might suggest a combination of chemotherapy and surgery. Surgery options include cytoreduction with hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemo. This combination is more likely than chemotherapy on its own to improve the prognosis of the patient.