Peritoneal Mesothelioma Asbestos Symptoms
Peritoneal mesothelioma asbestos symptoms typically affect the digestive system. This is due to asbestos fibers being ingested and become embedded in the lining of the stomach and peritoneum.
In time these fibers can trigger mutations in healthy peritoneal cells. Tumors that are cancerous develop in the peritoneum due to.
Mesothelioma is a difficult condition to recognize. Early signs may be confused with symptoms of other conditions such as hernias or irritable Bowel Syndrome.
Signs and symptoms
When asbestos fibers are inhaled they can be absorbed into the lungs and circulate throughout the body. They can then get trapped in the lining of the abdomen or other organs, creating irritation and inflammation that leads to tumor growth. This process can take a long time to develop and many victims 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, causing malignant peritoneal melanoma. It is the second-most common mesothelioma. However it is often difficult for doctors to diagnose because the early symptoms are not specific. They can also be similar to gastrointestinal disorders. Patients suffering from peritoneal cancer typically experience fatigue, stomach pain and gastrointestinal problems.
Mesothelioma victims are typically diagnosed with peritoneal cancer after undergoing a physical examination, a medical history review and a series of tests in the laboratory. An X-ray or CT scan can help doctors detect any lumps or indications of disease. In some cases mesothelioma lawyer patients, doctors may also request a biopsy to obtain a more precise diagnosis.
Peritoneal mesothelioma symptoms usually begin in the abdomen and can cause severe abdominal pain and bloating, weight loss, swelling of the belly, nausea, vomiting and other digestive problems. Symptoms may also include chest pain, swelling and fatigue. It is important for victims to seek medical advice in the event of these symptoms as they may be caused by something other than mesothelioma.
Despite the difficulty in diagnosing peritoneal msothelioma patients can typically receive the appropriate treatment to prolong their lives. In the majority of cases, treatment involves surgery and heated chemo.
Contact our mesothelioma attorneys to learn how we can assist you if a loved one has been diagnosed with peritoneal mesothelioma. We can connect you with a mesothelioma specialist near you, who can assist you in filing a lawsuit against the asbestos companies that are responsible for your exposure. We can also assist you to receive the financial compensation that you are entitled to. Complete our online form to start the process. We partner with the top mesothelioma lawyers to help you secure the best possible outcome.
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 when it happened. A physical examination will be performed. X-rays, blood tests and CT scans are commonly used in the initial work-up.
Due to the lengthy period of latency, peritoneal mesothelioma can be difficult to diagnose. Patients may be afflicted by symptoms like abdominal pain, nausea and fever that are similar to other illnesses. These nonspecific symptoms can cause confusion for doctors. Mesothelioma is a rare cancer that can take a long time for symptoms to appear after asbestos exposure.
Asbestos fibers inhaled, or consumed travel to the stomach lining, known as the peritoneum. Once in the peritoneum, the asbestos fibers are sharp and can cause irritation to the mesothelium. This irritation causes inflammation and scar tissue over time. 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 in its early stages. The stage of mesothelioma will determine the treatment options.
A mesothelioma specialist may perform paracentesis (percutaneous needle biopsy) to take a sample for laboratory testing. These tests can determine if the cancer cells are epithelioid (epithelioid), the sarcomatoid (sarcomatoid) or biphasic within the tumor. This information aids doctors create the treatment plan.
Mesothelioma specialists can also assess the stage of mesothelioma a patient is. The staging process determines which treatments will be most effective and helps mesothelioma lawyers determine which asbestos companies to pursue in mesothelioma lawsuits (Securityholes blog post).
When a mesothelioma expert analyzes the results of the biopsy the doctor creates a pathology record that includes information about the mesothelioma type. The report may also include an assessment scale that reveals how far the cancer has spread throughout the body. The higher the stage of cancer is, the less likely the patient will respond to treatment. Lawyers can explain the implications of this to a particular client's case.
Treatment
Asbestos fibers are inhaled or consumed and are absorbed in the tissues lining the abdomen and other organs. They damage DNA and irritate cells. This can lead to the development of tumors. Typically, peritoneal mesothelioma develops in the abdomen's lining called the peritoneum. Peritoneal Mesothelioma affects more women than pleural Mesothelioma but is less common.
The symptoms of peritoneal mesothelioma are similar to symptoms of gastrointestinal disorders such as irritable bowel syndrome and Crohn's disease, making it difficult for doctors to identify the condition. Initial symptoms may be misinterpreted as other conditions and can last for months or even years before a mesothelioma diagnosis is made.
In addition to a thorough medical history, a physician will run imaging and blood tests to rule out other diseases and conditions that could trigger the same symptoms as mesothelioma. These tests can aid in determining the best treatment options.
Because peritoneal mesothelioma develops in the abdominal lining, a doctor will perform an examination to confirm the diagnosis. A biopsy involves removing small amounts of the affected area to be examined by pathologists. Biopsies are able to reveal cancerous cells and identify the type of Mesothelioma.
If a peritoneal msothelioma has been confirmed doctors will discuss treatment options with patients. The aim of any treatment plan is generally to reduce the size and quantity of tumors. Surgery is typically the first line of defense but patients should also discuss the possibility of chemotherapy and immunotherapy.
Unlike the chest-based treatments for pleural mesothelioma which are administered through the lungs, peritoneal mesothelioma treatments are administered intravenously or orally. Chemotherapies that are injected, such as heated intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) have helped to extend survival for many patients. HIPEC is a method that was invented by mesothelioma pioneer Paul Sugarbaker.
Patients diagnosed with peritoneal mesothelioma may qualify to bring a lawsuit against negligent asbestos companies. A mesothelioma lawyer with experience can review a patient's case and suggest 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. Doctors aren't familiar with it, so many patients are wrongly diagnosed as having other diseases. A mesothelioma expert can assist patients to diagnose the disease and ensure that they receive the appropriate treatment.
Asbestos exposure is the sole known cause of peritoneal mesthelioma. Asbestos fibers can cause irritation of abdominal tissues as well as cell changes when inhaled or consumed. This may cause tumors to develop into mesothelioma in the peritoneum over time.
The exposure to asbestos typically is a result of work in construction or manufacturing. These industries can employ asbestos-containing products including fireproofing, insulation. Asbestos is also found in household items, such as flooring and roof tiles. Even very low levels of exposure can put someone at risk for mesothelioma. Because of the lengthy period of latency, victims may be diagnosed with peritoneal msothelioma several decades after their first exposure.
Peritoneal mesothelioma symptoms can be similar to those of other diseases and could be mistaken for a hernia gastrointestinal issues like Crohn's disease or colitis, or other forms of abdominal cancer. Many patients do not report their asbestos exposure and do not seek medical attention. If mesothelioma has been identified experts may suggest a biopsy for a more precise diagnosis. A biopsy involves the removal of the smallest piece of tissue to be examined. This test will reveal if the mesothelioma is epithelioid (epidermoid) or sarcomatoid (sarcomatoid) or biphasic.
If mesothelioma has not spread and the doctors are able to remove the tumors. They will also offer an option for curative treatment. The doctor will also be able to determine if the cancer has expanded to the abdomen. They can then prescribe palliative treatment for the patient. For instance, paracentesis to drain fluid from the abdomen.
The odds of survival are worse when a mesothelioma has progressed. The tumors may become resistant to treatment and then recur. The specialist may suggest a combination of chemotherapy and surgery. Options for surgery include cytoreduction and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemo. This combination is more likely to improve a patient's prognosis than chemotherapy alone.