Peritoneal Mesothelioma Asbestos Symptoms
The digestive system is commonly affected by the symptoms of peritoneal mesothelioma lawsuit. This is due to asbestos fibers being ingested and become embedded in the stomach's lining known as the peritoneum.
As time passes, these fibers cause mutations to healthy peritoneal cell. As a result tumors that are cancerous develop in the peritoneum.
Mesothelioma is a challenging condition to recognize. Early signs may be confused with other symptoms like hernias or irritable Bowel Syndrome.
Symptoms
When asbestos fibers are breathed in, they can enter the lungs and then travel throughout the body. The fibers can then get stuck in the linings of the abdomen and other organs. This causes inflammation and irritation that can lead to the development of tumors. The process can take years to develop and many patients are unaware of their asbestos exposure until it is too late.
Malignant peritoneal melanoma develops when asbestos fibers are trapped in the tissues that line the abdominal cavity and other organs. It is the second most common mesothelioma type, however it is difficult to identify because the initial symptoms are nonspecific and similar to symptoms of gastrointestinal diseases. Patients with peritoneal mesothelioma often have stomach pain, fatigue and gastrointestinal problems.
Mesothelioma sufferers are usually diagnosed with peritoneal mesothelioma after having a physical exam as well as a medical history check and an array of tests performed by a laboratory. A X-ray as well as a CT scan can help doctors detect any lumps or indications of illness. In some instances mesothelioma specialists may also request a biopsy for a more accurate diagnosis.
Peritoneal Mesothelioma Symptoms usually begin in the abdomen and can cause severe abdominal discomfort, bloating and weight loss. They may also cause nausea and vomiting, as well as other digestive issues. The symptoms can also include chest pain, swelling and fatigue. It is important for victims to seek a medical diagnosis when they have these symptoms as they may be caused by something other than mesothelioma.
Despite the difficulty of diagnosing peritoneal mesothelioma, patients typically receive the appropriate treatment to extend their lives. In most cases, the treatment involves surgery and chemo treatment that is heated.
If you or a loved one have been diagnosed with peritoneal mesothelioma, call our mesothelioma attorneys to learn how we can help. We can help you connect with mesothelioma specialists near you, who can assist you in bringing a lawsuit against the asbestos companies responsible for your exposure. We can also ensure you receive the financial compensation you deserve. You can start this process by filling out our free online form. We can help you get the best possible outcome working with top mesothelioma attorneys.
Diagnosis
To diagnose peritoneal Msothelioma it is crucial to have a an extensive medical history. Doctors will ask patients about their asbestos exposure and the date it happened. They will also conduct a physical exam. Blood tests, X-rays and CT scans are typically employed in the initial examination.
Due to the long period of latency, peritoneal mesothelioma can be difficult to diagnose. Patients may experience symptoms such as abdominal pain, nausea and fever that are similar to other illnesses. These nonspecific symptoms could confuse doctors. Mesothelioma is a rare cancer and it can take a long time before symptoms show up after asbestos exposure.
Asbestos fibers that are inhaled or consumed move to the stomach lining, known as the peritoneum. When they reach the peritoneum, the asbestos fibers' sharp edges irritate the mesothelium. In time this irritation can cause inflammation and scar tissue growth. This leads to abnormal cell proliferation and tumors.
There are no FDA-approved screening tests for peritoneal mesothelioma however, researchers are developing ways to identify the disease in its early stages. Staging mesothelioma is important as it will determine the treatment options.
A mesothelioma specialist can perform paracentesis (percutaneous needle biopsy) to take a sample for tests in the laboratory. These tests can reveal whether the cancer cells are epithelioid (epithelioid) or sarcomatoid (sarcomatoid) or biphasic within the tumor. This information helps doctors create the treatment plan.
Specialists in mesothelioma are able to determine the stage of the patient. The staging process determines which treatments will be most effective and also helps mesothelioma attorneys know which asbestos companies to pursue in mesothelioma lawsuits.
When a mesothelioma expert reviews the results of the biopsy and creates a pathology report that includes information about the mesothelioma type. The report could also include the staging system which outlines how the cancer has spread in the body. The higher the stage of cancer the less likely a patient will respond to treatment. A lawyer can explain the implications of this for the particular case of a client.
Treatment
Asbestos fibers can be breathed in or ingested and become embedded in the tissue lining the abdomen and other organs. These fibers irritate the cells and damage DNA. This can lead to the development of tumors. The majority of the time, peritoneal mesothelioma is found in the lining of the abdomen called the peritoneum. Peritoneal Mesothelioma is more prevalent in women than pleural Mesothelioma, however, it is less prevalent.
The symptoms of peritoneal cancer are similar to those of gastrointestinal diseases like irritable bowel disorder and Crohn's disease. This makes it difficult for doctors to identify the condition. In the beginning, symptoms are mistaken for normal ailments and may last for months or even years before a patient receives an mesothelioma-related diagnosis.
In addition to an extensive medical history, a doctor will run tests for imaging and bloodwork to rule out other illnesses and conditions that could cause the same symptoms as mesothelioma. These tests can also be used to determine the most suitable treatment options.
A biopsy is performed by a physician to confirm the diagnosis. This is due to the fact that peritoneal msothelioma can in the abdominal liner. A biopsy is the process of removing small portions of the affected area to be examined by pathologists. Biopsies can reveal cancerous cells, and can determine the type of Mesothelioma.
If a peritoneal msothelioma has been confirmed, doctors will discuss the treatment options with patients. The purpose of any treatment plan is generally to decrease the size and the number of tumors. Surgery is usually the first line of defense however, patients must also consider the possibility of chemotherapy and immunotherapy.
Contrary to the chest-based treatment for pleural Mesothelioma which is administered via the lungs peritoneal Mesothelioma treatment is administered intravenously or orally. Injections of chemotherapy such as heated intraperitoneal therapy (HIPEC) have helped prolong the survival of many patients. HIPEC was invented by mesothelioma expert Paul Sugarbaker.
Patients diagnosed with peritoneal mesothelioma may qualify to file a lawsuit against negligent asbestos companies. A knowledgeable mesothelioma attorney can review a patient's case and recommend legal options. Contact us today to begin. Contact us now. It's free, confidential and there's absolutely no obligation. We offer nationwide representation.
Prognosis
mesothelioma lawsuit cancer is rare. Because doctors aren't experienced with the disease, many patients are misdiagnosed with other diseases. Fortunately, a mesothelioma specialist can assist in the diagnostic process and get patients the appropriate treatment.
The only known cause of mesothelioma of the peritoneal region is asbestos exposure. When asbestos fibers are breathed in or ingested, they can cause irritation to the abdominal tissues and cause cells to mutate. This can lead to tumors that develop mesothelioma within the peritoneum in time.
Exposure to asbestos often is a result of working in manufacturing or construction. These industries can use asbestos-containing materials like fireproofing and insulation. Asbestos is also found in household items, such as roofing tiles and flooring. Even very low levels of exposure can put a person at risk for mesothelioma. Because of the lengthy time of latency, victims may be diagnosed with peritoneal msothelioma for a long time after their first exposure.
Peritoneal mesothelioma symptoms may resemble those of other conditions and be mistaken for hernias, gastrointestinal issues like colitis or Crohn's disease or other forms of abdominal cancer. This is why many patients do not disclose their exposure to asbestos, and they do not seek medical treatment. A biopsy may be recommended by a specialist to confirm a diagnosis of mesothelioma. A biopsy involves the removal of only a small amount of affected tissue to test. This procedure can help determine the stage of mesothelioma and whether it is epithelioid biphasic or sarcomatoid.
If mesothelioma has not spread and the doctors are able to remove the tumors. They can also provide a curative treatment. The specialist can also determine if the cancer has spread within the abdomen. They may then recommend palliative treatment for the patient, for example paracentesis that drains fluid from the abdomen.
If mesothelioma progresses and the prognosis is less favorable, it becomes more difficult to treat. The tumors may become resistant to certain treatments and recur. The doctor may recommend a combination of chemotherapy and surgery. Surgery options include cytoreduction, which is hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemo. This combination is more likely to improve a patient's prognosis than chemotherapy on its own.