Peritoneal Mesothelioma Asbestos Symptoms
Peritoneal mesothelioma asbestos symptoms typically affect the digestive system. This is because asbestos fibers are consumed and are absorbed into the lining of the stomach and peritoneum.
In time, these fibers result in mutations to the healthy peritoneal cells. As a result cancerous tumors develop in the peritoneum.
The diagnosis of mesothelioma lawsuits can be a bit difficult. The initial signs may resemble symptoms of other conditions, such as hernia or IBS.
Signs and symptoms
Asbestos fibers can move through the body when breathed. They can then be stuck 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 victims do not know that they are exposed to asbestos until it is too late.
Malignant peritoneal mesothelioma is a condition that occurs asbestos fibers become trapped in the tissue that lines the abdominal cavity and other organs. It is the second most prevalent mesothelioma type, however it can be difficult to identify because the initial symptoms are not specific and similar to those of gastrointestinal conditions. Patients with peritoneal mesothelioma frequently have stomach pain, fatigue, and gastrointestinal issues.
Mesothelioma patients are usually diagnosed with peritoneal mesothelioma following undergoing a physical examination and a medical history review and several tests in the laboratory. A CT scan and X-ray can aid in identifying lumps or any other signs of disease. In certain cases mesothelioma specialists may also order a biopsy to obtain a more precise diagnosis.
Peritoneal mesothelioma symptoms usually begin in the abdomen and can lead to severe abdominal discomfort as well as weight loss, bloating fluid buildup in the belly, nausea, vomiting and other digestive issues. Other symptoms include chest pain, fatigue and swelling. It is essential for patients to seek medical attention when they have these symptoms, as they could be caused by something other than mesothelioma.
Despite the difficulties of diagnosing peritoneal cancer, patients are often able to receive the right treatment to extend their lives. In the majority of cases, this involves surgical treatment and heated chemotherapy.
Contact our mesothelioma lawyers today to learn more about how we can help you if you or a loved one has been diagnosed with peritoneal mesothelioma. We can assist you in finding a mesothelioma expert near you who can assist you in filing an asbestos lawsuit against 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. Complete our online form to begin the process. We can assist you in obtaining the best possible outcome by working with the best mesothelioma lawyers.
Diagnosis
The first step in diagnosing mesothelioma of the peritoneal region is to collect an accurate medical history. Doctors will ask patients about their asbestos exposure and when it occurred. A physical examination will be conducted. Initial work-ups often include X-rays and blood tests, as well as CT scans.
Due to the long latency period, peritoneal mesothelioma can be difficult to recognize. Patients may experience symptoms such as abdominal discomfort, nausea, and fever that resemble other conditions. These symptoms that are not specific could confuse doctors. mesothelioma lawsuit is a rare cancer that can take decades before symptoms show up after asbestos exposure.
Inhaling or eating asbestos fibers move to the stomach lining, called the peritoneum. Asbestos fibers are sharp and irritate mesothelium once they reach the peritoneum. In time, this irritation causes inflammation and scar tissue growth. This causes abnormal cell growth and tumors.
There are no FDA-approved screening tests for mesothelioma of the peritoneum, however, researchers are developing methods to detect the disease in its earliest stages. The stage of mesothelioma will determine the treatment options.
A mesothelioma expert can perform a paracentesis or percutaneous needle biopsy to collect mesothelioma tumors for lab testing. These tests can identify the kind of cancer cells (epithelioid or sarcomatoid) within the tumor, and assist doctors to determine the best treatment strategy.
Specialists in mesothelioma also determine the stage of a patient. Staging determines which treatments might be most effective and helps mesothelioma lawyers determine which asbestos companies to hold liable in mesothelioma lawsuits.
When a mesothelioma expert analyzes the results from an examination, he or she creates a pathology document that includes information about the type mesothelioma. The report could also include the staging system which outlines how far the cancer has spread within the body. The higher the stage, the less likely it is that it will respond to treatment. Lawyers can explain the implications of this to a particular client's case.
Treatment
Inhalation or swallowing, asbestos fibers become embedded in the tissue that lines the abdomen and other organs. These fibers irritate the cells and damage DNA. This leads to the development of tumors. Typically, peritoneal cancer develops in the lining that covers the abdomen. Peritoneal Mesothelioma affects more women than pleural Mesothelioma but is less common.
The symptoms of peritoneal cancer are similar to those that are associated with digestive disorders like Crohn's and irritable bowel disease which makes it difficult for doctors to diagnose. Early symptoms can be misinterpreted as a sign of other illnesses and can last for months or even years before mesothelioma is identified.
In addition to an extensive medical history, a physician will perform imaging and blood tests to rule out other diseases and conditions that may cause the same symptoms as mesothelioma. These tests can help to determine the best treatment options.
Since peritoneal mesothelioma can develop in the abdominal lining The doctor will conduct a biopsy to confirm a diagnosis. A biopsy involves the removal of small portions of the affected area for examination by pathologists. Biopsies can reveal cancerous cells and identify the type of Mesothelioma.
If a peritoneal msothelioma has been confirmed doctors will discuss treatment options with patients. The goal of the treatment plan is to reduce the size and number of tumors. Surgery is often the first option, but patients may also consider chemotherapy and immunotherapy.
Contrary to chest-based treatments for pleural mesothelioma, which are administered through the lungs, peritoneal mesothelioma treatments are administered either intravenously or orally. The injections of chemotherapy like heated intraperitoneal therapy (HIPEC), helped extend the survival of many patients. HIPEC is a method that was invented by mesothelioma pioneer Paul Sugarbaker.
Individuals suffering from peritoneal cancer may be eligible 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 begin. It is absolutely free, and confidential, and there is no obligation. We offer nationwide representation.
Prognosis
Mesothelioma is a rare type of cancer. The doctors have limited experience with it, and many patients are misdiagnosed as having other illnesses. Fortunately, a mesothelioma specialist can aid in the diagnosis process and get patients the right treatment.
The only known cause of mesothelioma of the peritoneal region is asbestos exposure. When asbestos fibers are inhaled or ingested, they could irritate the abdominal tissues and cause cells to alter. This may cause tumors to develop mesothelioma within the peritoneum in time.
Manufacturing or construction work is usually the first area where asbestos exposure can begin. These industries could use asbestos-containing materials like fireproofing and insulation. Asbestos may also be found in household items, such as flooring and roof tiles. Even low levels of exposure can put a person at risk for mesothelioma. Because mesothelioma has an extended latency period it is possible for patients to be diagnosed with peritoneal mesothelioma decades after their initial exposure.
Peritoneal mesothelioma symptoms can resemble those of other diseases and could be mistaken for hernias, digestive issues such as Crohn's disease or colitis, or other forms of abdominal cancer. A lot of patients do not disclose their asbestos exposure, and don't seek medical care. A biopsy may be recommended by a specialist to confirm a diagnosis of mesothelioma. A biopsy involves the removal of a small piece of tissue to be tested. This test will reveal whether the mesothelioma has epithelioid (epidermoid), sarcomatoid (sarcomatoid) or biphasic.
If mesothelioma has reached an early stage, doctors can remove all of the tumors and provide an effective treatment. The specialist can also determine if the cancer has spread to the abdomen. They will then recommend palliative care for the patient. For example paracentesis to remove fluid from the abdomen.
If a mesothelioma has advanced and the prognosis is less favorable, it becomes more difficult to treat. The reason for this is that the tumors are able to become resistant to certain treatments and can be recurred. The doctor may suggest an amalgamation of chemotherapy and surgery. Surgery options include cytoreduction, which is hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemo. This combination is more likely than chemotherapy on its own to improve the prognosis of a patient.