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 called the peritoneum.
Over time, these fibres cause changes to healthy peritoneal cells. In the end cancerous tumors develop in the peritoneum.
Mesothelioma is a difficult disease to recognize. Early signs can be confused with other symptoms like hernias or irritable Bowel Syndrome.
Signs and symptoms
Asbestos fibers can move through the body after inhalation. The fibers can then get stuck in the linings of the abdomen and other organs. This causes inflammation and irritation, which can lead to the development of tumors. This process can take years to develop and many victims are unaware of their asbestos exposure until too late.
Asbestos fibers can get trapped in the tissue lining the abdominal cavity, or other organs, causing malignant peritoneal melanoma. It is the second most common mesothelioma. However, it can be difficult to diagnose because early symptoms aren't specific and are similar to those of gastrointestinal disorders. Patients with peritoneal cancer frequently experience fatigue, stomach pain and gastrointestinal problems.
After a physical examination and a review of medical history and a series of laboratory tests, mesothelioma sufferers are diagnosed with peritoneal cancer. A X-ray and a CT scan can assist doctors to find any lumps or signs of illness. In some cases mesothelioma specialists may also order a biopsy to obtain an accurate diagnosis.
Peritoneal Mesothelioma symptoms usually start in the abdomen and can cause extreme abdominal discomfort, bloating and weight loss. They can also trigger nausea, vomiting, and other digestive issues. Other symptoms include chest pain, fatigue and swelling. If these symptoms are present it is essential that victims seek medical attention because they could be triggered by other ailments.
Despite the difficulty in diagnosing peritoneal cancer, patients typically receive the appropriate treatment to prolong their lives. In the majority of cases, this is done through the use of surgery and chemotherapy that is heated.
If you or a loved one have been diagnosed with peritoneal mesothelioma, call our mesothelioma attorneys to find out what we can do to help. We can connect you with mesothelioma specialists in your area who can assist you in bringing a lawsuit against the asbestos companies that are responsible for your exposure. We can also ensure you get the financial compensation you deserve. Complete our online form to begin the process. We can help you get the best possible outcome working with top mesothelioma attorneys.
Diagnosis
The first step in identifying mesothelioma peritoneal is to obtain an accurate medical history. Doctors will inquire with the patient about their asbestos exposure and the date it occurred. They may also conduct a physical exam. Initial work-ups often include blood tests and Xrays, as well as CT scans.
Peritoneal mesothelioma is a difficult cancer to diagnose because of its long time of latency. Patients may be afflicted by symptoms like nausea, abdominal pain, and fever that are similar to other illnesses. These nonspecific symptoms could confuse doctors. Mesothelioma is a rare type of cancer, and it can take decades for symptoms to manifest after asbestos exposure.
Inhaling or eating asbestos fibers travel to the stomach lining known as the peritoneum. When they reach the peritoneum, the asbestos fibers are sharp and cause irritation to the mesothelium. This irritation can cause inflammation and scar tissue over time. Eventually, this leads to abnormal cell growth and tumors develop.
There are no FDA-approved screening tests for mesothelioma of the peritoneum, however, researchers are developing methods to detect the disease's early stages. The stage of mesothelioma determines the treatment options.
A mesothelioma doctor can perform a paracentesis or percutaneous needle biopsy to collect a sample of mesothelioma tumors for lab testing. These tests will reveal if the cancerous cells are epithelioid (epithelioid) or the sarcomatoid (sarcomatoid) or biphasic within the tumor. This information helps doctors create a treatment plan.
mesothelioma lawsuit specialists also evaluate the mesothelioma stage of a patient. The stage determines the most effective treatment and helps mesothelioma lawyers know which asbestos-related companies are responsible in mesothelioma cases.
When a mesothelioma expert reviews the results of an examination the doctor creates a pathology record which contains details about the mesothelioma type. The report may also contain an assessment scale that reveals how far the cancer has spread within the body. The more advanced the stage of cancer the less likely a patient is to respond to treatment. A lawyer can explain what this means for a client's case.
Treatment
When swallowed or inhaled asbestos fibers are embedded in the tissues that line the abdomen and other organs. The fibers harm DNA and cause irritation to cells. This causes the formation of tumors. The majority of the time, peritoneal cancer develops in the lining that surrounds the abdomen. Peritoneal mesothelioma is rarer than pleural mesothelioma and usually affects women more.
The symptoms of peritoneal mesothelioma attorney are similar to symptoms of gastrointestinal diseases like irritable bowel syndrome and Crohn's disease. This makes it difficult for doctors to diagnose the condition. Early symptoms can be misinterpreted as a sign of other illnesses, and may persist for months or even years before a mesothelioma diagnosis is made.
A doctor will also conduct tests of blood and imaging to rule out any other conditions or diseases that may cause the same symptoms of mesothelioma. These tests can be used to determine the most suitable treatment options.
A biopsy is performed by a doctor to confirm the diagnosis. This is because peritoneal Msothelioma can be found in the abdominal liner. A biopsy involves the removal of small amounts of the affected area for examination by pathologists. Biopsies are able to reveal cancerous cells and determine the type of Mesothelioma.
If a diagnosis of peritoneal mesothelioma has been confirmed, doctors will discuss the options for treatment with the patient. The aim of any treatment plan is typically to reduce the size and number of tumors. Surgery is typically the first line of defense however, patients should also talk about the possibility of chemotherapy and immunotherapy.
Unlike the chest-based treatments for pleural mesothelioma which are administered via the lung, peritoneal mesothelioma treatments are injected orally or intravenously. Chemotherapies like injections, such as heated intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC), have helped to prolong the lives of many patients. HIPEC is a method that was invented by mesothelioma pioneer Paul Sugarbaker.
Individuals with peritoneal asbestosis may be able to sue negligent asbestos companies. A knowledgeable mesothelioma attorney will review the case of a patient and recommend legal options. Contact us now to get started. It's completely free, confidential and there is no commitment. We offer nationwide representation.
Prognosis
Mesothelioma cancer is rare. Doctors have limited experience with it, so many patients are mistakenly diagnosed with other illnesses. Fortunately, a mesothelioma specialist can help with the diagnostic process and provide patients with the appropriate treatment.
The sole known cause of mesothelioma of the peritoneal region is asbestos exposure. Asbestos fibers can cause irritation to abdominal tissues and cell mutations when consumed or inhaled. This can cause tumors to develop mesothelioma within the peritoneum in time.
Manufacturing or construction work is often the first location where asbestos exposure begins. These industries can employ asbestos-containing products including fireproofing, insulation. Asbestos can also be present in household items like roofing tiles and flooring. Even the smallest amounts of exposure can put someone at risk of developing mesothelioma. Because mesothelioma has a long time to develop patients may be diagnosed with peritoneal mesothelioma years after the initial exposure.
Peritoneal mesothelioma lawyers is a type of cancer that can be conditions. It is often mistaken for hernias, gastrointestinal problems like Crohn's or colitis and other forms of abdominal cancer. This is why many patients don't report their exposure to asbestos, and they don't seek medical attention. A biopsy may be recommended by a specialist to confirm the diagnosis of mesothelioma. A biopsy involves the removal of just a small portion of affected tissue to test. This procedure can reveal if the mesothelioma is epithelioid (epidermoid) or sarcomatoid (sarcomatoid) or biphasic.
If the mesothelioma is in an early stage doctors can remove all the tumors and provide curative treatment. The doctor can also determine whether the cancer has expanded to the abdomen. They can then prescribe palliative treatments for the patient, for example paracentesis to drain the fluid from the abdomen.
The odds of survival are worse when mesothelioma is advanced. The reason for this is that the tumors may become resistant to certain treatments and may recur. The specialist may suggest 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 a patient.