Peritoneal Mesothelioma Asbestos Symptoms
Peritoneal mesothelioma lawsuit asbestos symptoms often affect the digestive system. This is due to asbestos fibers being taken in and are then embedded in the lining of the stomach called the peritoneum.
In time the fibers cause changes in healthy peritoneal cells. As a result cancerous tumors develop in the peritoneum.
The diagnosis of mesothelioma can be a bit difficult. Early signs may be confused with symptoms of other conditions like hernias, or irritable Bowel Syndrome.
Symptoms
When asbestos fibers are inhaled, they can be absorbed into the lungs and travel throughout the body. The fibers may then become trapped in the linings of the abdomen and other organs. This causes inflammation and irritation, which leads to tumor development. The process can take years to develop, and most sufferers are unaware that they are exposed to asbestos until it is too late.
Malignant peritoneal mesothelioma occurs when asbestos fibers get trapped in the tissue that lines the abdominal cavity as well as other organs. It is the second most prevalent type of mesothelioma, but it is difficult to identify because the initial symptoms aren't specific and are similar to those of digestive diseases. Patients with peritoneal mesothelioma often experience stomach pain, fatigue, and digestive problems.
Mesothelioma sufferers are usually diagnosed with peritoneal cancer after conducting a physical examination as well as a medical history check and a series of tests in the laboratory. A CT scan or X-ray can aid in identifying lumps, or other indications of illness. In certain instances doctors who treat mesothelioma may also request a biopsy to make a more precise diagnosis.
Peritoneal Mesothelioma symptoms typically begin in the abdomen. They can cause severe abdominal discomfort, bloating, and weight loss. They can also trigger nausea, vomiting, and other digestive issues. Other symptoms include fatigue, chest pain and swelling. If these symptoms are present it is essential that victims seek medical attention as they may be caused by other conditions.
Despite the difficulties of diagnosing peritoneal mesothelioma, patients typically receive the appropriate treatment to extend their lives. In most cases, this is done through surgical treatment and heated chemotherapy.
If you or a loved one have been diagnosed with peritoneal mesothelioma, call our mesothelioma attorneys to learn more about what we can do to help. We can help you find a mesothelioma expert near you who can help you file a lawsuit against asbestos companies that are responsible for your exposure. We can also help you get the financial compensation you deserve. Fill out our online form to begin the process. We work with top mesothelioma lawyers and can help you secure the best possible outcome.
Diagnosis
The first step to diagnose mesothelioma of the peritoneal region is to collect an complete medical history. Doctors will inquire with the patient about their exposure to asbestos and when it occurred. A physical exam will be conducted. X-rays, blood tests and CT scans are commonly used in the initial work-up.
Due to the lengthy time of latency, peritoneal cancer can be difficult to recognize. Patients may experience symptoms such as abdominal pain, nausea and fever that are similar to other illnesses. These symptoms that are not specific can confuse doctors. Mesothelioma is a rare type of cancer that can take a long time before symptoms show up after asbestos exposure.
Inhaling or ingestion of asbestos fibers move to the stomach lining, called the peritoneum. Once in the peritoneum, the asbestos fibers' sharp edges cause irritation to the mesothelium. Over time this irritation can cause inflammation and scar tissue growth. This causes abnormal cell proliferation and tumors.
There are no FDA-approved screening tests for peritoneal mesothelioma but researchers are working on developing methods to detect the disease in its early stages. The process of identifying mesothelioma's stage is crucial as it determines treatment options.
A mesothelioma specialist may perform paracentesis (percutaneous needle biopsy) to take samples for tests in the laboratory. These tests can help identify the kind of cancer cells (epithelioid, sarcomatoid or biphasic) within the tumor, and assist doctors to come up with an appropriate treatment strategy.
Specialists in mesothelioma are able to determine the stage of the patient. Staging determines which treatments might be most effective and also helps mesothelioma attorneys know which asbestos-related companies to sue in mesothelioma lawsuits.
When a mesothelioma expert analyzes the results from an examination, he or she creates a pathology record that contains information on the type of Mesothelioma lawsuit. The report may also include an assessment system that outlines how the cancer has spread within the body. The higher the stage is, the less likely it is to respond to treatment. Lawyers can explain what this means for a client's case.
Treatment
When swallowed or inhaled asbestos fibers get encased in the tissues that line the abdomen and other organs. The fibers cause irritation to cells and cause DNA damage. This leads to the development of tumors. The majority of the time, peritoneal cancer develops in the lining that covers the abdomen. Peritoneal mesothelioma occurs less frequently than pleural mesothelioma. It usually affects women more.
Symptoms of peritoneal mesothelioma are similar to those of gastrointestinal disorders like irritable bowel syndrome and Crohn's disease, making it difficult for doctors to diagnose the condition. As a result, early symptoms can be mistaken for normal ailments, and can last for months or years before a patient is diagnosed with a mesothelioma diagnosis.
In addition to an extensive medical history, a physician will run imaging and blood tests to rule out other illnesses and conditions that could trigger the same symptoms as mesothelioma. These tests will also aid in determining the best treatment options.
A biopsy is conducted by a physician to confirm the diagnosis. This is because peritoneal Msothelioma can be found in the abdominal liner. A biopsy is the removal of small samples from the affected area to be examined by pathologists. Biopsies can detect cancerous cells as well as identify the type of mesothelioma.
When a peritoneal Msothelioma diagnosis is confirmed doctors will discuss treatment options with patients. Generally speaking, the aim of the treatment plan is to minimize the size and amount of tumors. Surgery is usually the first option, but patients may also consider chemotherapy and immunotherapy.
Contrary to the chest-based treatment for pleural Mesothelioma that is administered via the lungs, peritoneal Mesothelioma treatment is administered intravenously or orally. Chemotherapies that are injected, such as heated intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC), have helped to prolong the life of many patients. HIPEC is a technique that was developed by mesothelioma pioneer Paul Sugarbaker.
Individuals diagnosed with peritoneal mesothelioma may qualify to file a lawsuit against negligent asbestos companies. An experienced mesothelioma lawyer will evaluate a patient's situation and suggest legal options. Contact us today to get started. Contact us now. It's free, confidential and there's absolutely no obligation. We provide nationwide representation.
Prognosis
Mesothelioma is a rare cancer. Because doctors lack experience in diagnosing patients, many are mistakenly diagnosed as having other illnesses. Fortunately mesothelioma specialists can aid in the diagnosis process and help patients receive the right treatment.
Asbestos exposure is only the one known cause of peritoneal mesothelioma. When asbestos fibers are breathed in or ingested, they can irritate the tissues of the abdomen and cause cells to alter. This can cause tumors to form mesothelioma in the peritoneum in time.
The exposure to asbestos usually is a result of work in construction or manufacturing. These industries may use asbestos-containing materials like fireproofing and insulation. Asbestos is also found in household products like roofing tiles and flooring. Even the smallest amount of exposure to asbestos 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 appear similar to other conditions and can be mistaken for a hernia digestive issues such as colitis or Crohn's disease or other forms of abdominal cancer. Many patients do not declare their asbestos exposure and do not seek medical attention. If mesothelioma is found, the specialists may recommend the procedure of a biopsy to make an precise diagnosis. A biopsy involves the removal of a small piece of tissue to be tested. This test can determine whether the mesothelioma has epithelioid (epidermoid), the sarcomatoid (sarcomatoid) or biphasic.
If mesothelioma isn't spreading and the doctors are able to remove the tumors. They will also offer a curative treatment. The doctor can also determine whether the cancer has expanded to the abdomen. They may then recommend palliative care for the patient, for example paracentesis that drains abdominal fluid.
If a mesothelioma attorney has advanced the chances of survival are less. The cancers can become resistant to certain treatments and may recur. The doctor may recommend a combination of chemotherapy and surgery. Surgery options include cytoreduction with hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy. This combination is more likely than chemotherapy by itself to improve the outlook of the patient.