Peritoneal Mesothelioma Asbestos Symptoms
The digestive system is frequently affected by the symptoms of mesothelioma peritoneal. This is due to asbestos fibers being consumed and then absorbed in the lining of the stomach called the peritoneum.
As time passes, these fibers cause mutations to healthy peritoneal cell. Cancerous tumors develop in the peritoneum as a result of.
The diagnosis of mesothelioma can be a bit difficult. The early signs can resemble symptoms of other diseases, like hernia, or IBS.
Symptoms
When asbestos fibers are inhaled they can be absorbed into the lungs and then travel throughout the body. The fibers can then get trapped in the linings of the abdomen and other organs. This causes irritation and inflammation, which can lead to the development of tumors. The process can take years to develop, and a lot of victims are unaware that they have asbestos exposure until it is too late.
Asbestos fibers can get trapped in the tissue lining the abdominal cavity, or other organs, causing malignant peritoneal melanomas. It is the second-most common form of mesothelioma. However it can be difficult for doctors to identify since the first symptoms aren't specific. It is also possible that they are similar to gastrointestinal disorders. Patients with peritoneal cancer frequently have stomach pain, fatigue and gastrointestinal issues.
After a physical examination followed by a review of medical history and a series laboratory tests, mesothelioma patients are diagnosed with peritoneal cancer. A CT scan or X-ray may help doctors identify lumps, or other indications of disease. In certain instances, doctors who treat mesothelioma will also require a biopsy to make a more precise diagnosis.
Peritoneal mesothelioma symptoms typically start in the abdominal region and can cause extreme abdominal pain and weight loss, bloating, stomach fluid accumulation nausea, vomiting, and other digestive problems. Other symptoms include chest pain, fatigue and swelling. It is essential for patients to seek medical attention in the event of these symptoms as they may be caused by something other than mesothelioma.
Despite the difficulty in diagnosing patients with peritoneal msothelioma, they can often be treated to prolong their lives. In the majority of cases, treatment involves surgery and heated chemo.
If you or a loved one have been diagnosed with peritoneal cancer, contact our mesothelioma attorneys to learn how we can assist. We can help you locate a mesothelioma expert near you who can assist you in filing an asbestos lawsuit against the companies that are responsible for your exposure. We can also help ensure that you receive the financial compensation you are entitled to. You can start this process by filling out our no-cost online form. We can assist you in obtaining the best possible outcome by working with top mesothelioma attorneys.
Diagnosis
The first step to diagnose peritoneal mesothelioma is to get an complete medical history. Doctors will ask patients about their exposure to asbestos and when it happened. A physical examination will be conducted. Initial work-ups often include blood tests and X-rays, as well as CT scans.
Peritoneal mesothelioma is difficult to identify because of its long time of latency. Patients might experience symptoms such as abdominal pain, nausea and fever that are similar to other conditions. These non-specific symptoms can cause confusion for doctors. Mesothelioma is a rare type of cancer, and it can take a long time for symptoms to appear after exposure to asbestos.
Inhaled or ingested asbestos fibers travel to the stomach lining called the peritoneum. Asbestos fibers are sharp and irritate mesothelium once they reach the peritoneum. This irritation causes inflammation and scar tissue over time. Eventually, this leads to abnormal cell growth and tumors forming.
There are no FDA-approved screening tests for peritoneal mesothelioma however, researchers are finding ways to detect the disease in its early stages. The stage of mesothelioma determines the treatment options.
A mesothelioma specialist may perform paracentesis (percutaneous needle biopsy) to collect a sample for lab testing. These tests can reveal the type of cancer cells (epithelioid biphasic, sarcomatoid, or epithelioid) within the tumor, and assist doctors to determine a treatment plan.
Mesothelioma specialists can also assess a patient's stage of mesothelioma lawsuits. Staging determines which treatments might be most effective and helps mesothelioma attorneys know which asbestos companies to pursue in mesothelioma lawsuits.
When a mesothelioma expert reviews the results from the biopsy, he or she creates a pathology document that contains information on the mesothelioma type. The report could also include a staging system that describes how the cancer has spread throughout the body. The more advanced the stage, the less likely it is to respond to treatment. A lawyer can explain the significance of this for the client's case.
Treatment
Inhalation or swallowing, asbestos fibers become embedded in the tissue that lines the abdomen and other organs. These fibers damage DNA and cause irritation to cells. In time, this can lead to the development of tumors within the lining. Typically, peritoneal cancer develops in the lining that covers the abdomen. Peritoneal mesothelioma is rarer than pleural mesothelioma, and typically affects women more.
The symptoms of peritoneal mesothelioma are similar to symptoms of gastrointestinal disorders like irritable bowel disorder and Crohn's disease, which makes it difficult for doctors to identify the condition. As a result, early symptoms can be mistaken as normal ailments, and can last for months or years before a patient is given a mesothelioma diagnosis.
In addition to an extensive medical history, a physician will perform tests for imaging and bloodwork to rule out other diseases and conditions that may cause the same symptoms as mesothelioma lawyers. These tests can be used 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 is the process of removing small samples from the affected area to be examined by pathologists. Biopsies can reveal cancerous cells and determine the type of mesothelioma.
If a peritoneal msothelioma has been confirmed doctors will discuss treatment options with patients. The purpose of any treatment plan is usually to reduce the size and number of tumors. Surgery is usually the first option, but patients can also consider chemotherapy and immunotherapy.
In contrast to chest-based therapies for pleural mesothelioma which are administered via the lung, peritoneal mesothelioma treatments are administered intravenously or orally. The injections of chemotherapy, such as heated intraperitoneal therapy (HIPEC) has helped prolong the life expectancy of many patients. HIPEC was invented by mesothelioma expert Paul Sugarbaker.
Patients diagnosed with peritoneal mesothelioma may qualify to bring an asbestos lawsuit against negligent companies. A knowledgeable mesothelioma attorney will evaluate a patient's situation and suggest legal options. Contact us today to start. Contact us now. It's free, private and there's absolutely no obligation. We offer nationwide representation.
Prognosis
Mesothelioma cancer is a rare form of cancer. Because doctors aren't experienced in diagnosing patients, many are mistakenly diagnosed with other diseases. Fortunately, a mesothelioma specialist can help with the diagnostic process and get patients the proper treatment.
Asbestos exposure is the only known cause of peritoneal mesothelioma. When asbestos fibers are breathed in or consumed, they may irritate the abdominal tissues and cause cells to alter. This can cause tumors to develop mesothelioma within the peritoneum over time.
Construction or manufacturing work is usually the first area where asbestos exposure starts. These industries may use asbestos-containing materials, such as fireproofing and insulation. Asbestos can also be present in household products, such as roofing tiles and flooring. Even small amounts of asbestos exposure can put a person in danger of developing mesothelioma. Because of the long time of latency, victims may be diagnosed with peritoneal mesothelioma many decades after their initial exposure.
Peritoneal mesothelioma symptoms may resemble those of other conditions and be mistaken for a hernia, gastrointestinal issues like colitis or Crohn's disease, or other forms of abdominal cancer. Many patients don't disclose their asbestos exposure, and do not seek medical attention. Specialists may recommend a biopsy to confirm a diagnosis of mesothelioma. A biopsy is the process of removing just a small portion of affected tissue to test. This procedure can reveal whether the mesothelioma has epithelioid (epidermoid) or Sarcomatoid (sarcomatoid) or biphasic.
If mesothelioma has not spread it is possible to remove the tumors. They can also provide an option for curative treatment. The specialist can also determine if the cancer has spread to the abdomen. They can then prescribe palliative treatments for the patient. For example paracentesis, which is a procedure to drain fluid from the abdomen.
When a mesothelioma is advanced and the prognosis is less favorable, it becomes more difficult to treat. The tumors may become resistant to treatment and may recur. The doctor might recommend a combination of surgery and chemotherapy. Surgery options include cytoreduction along with hyperthermic intraperitoneal therapy. This combination is more likely to improve a patient's prognosis than chemotherapy alone.