Peritoneal Mesothelioma Asbestos Symptoms
Peritoneal mesothelioma asbestos symptoms typically affect the digestive system. This is because asbestos fibers get inhaled and then become a part of the stomach's lining, called the peritoneum.
In time these fibers can cause mutations in healthy peritoneal cells. In the end tumors that are cancerous develop in the peritoneum.
The diagnosis of mesothelioma can be difficult. The initial signs may resemble symptoms of other conditions, like hernia or irritable bowel syndrome.
Symptoms
When asbestos fibers are breathed in, they can enter the lungs and then travel throughout the body. From there, they can get stuck in the lining of the abdomen or other organs, creating irritation and inflammation that leads to the growth of tumors. This process can take a long time to develop, and many victims are unaware that they are exposed to asbestos until it is too late.
Malignant peritoneal melanoma develops when asbestos fibers become trapped in the tissues that line the abdominal cavity and other organs. It is the second-most common mesothelioma. However it can be difficult for doctors to identify as early symptoms are nonspecific. They may also be similar to gastrointestinal disorders. Patients with peritoneal mesothelioma frequently experience stomach pain, fatigue and gastrointestinal issues.
After a physical examination followed by reviewing medical history and a series tests in the laboratory, mesothelioma patients are diagnosed with peritoneal cancer. A X-ray and a CT scan can help doctors detect any lumps or indications of disease. In some cases mesothelioma physicians may request a biopsy for an accurate diagnosis.
Peritoneal Mesothelioma Symptoms usually begin in the abdomen. They can cause severe abdominal discomfort, bloating, and weight loss. They may also cause nausea and vomiting, as well as other digestive issues. Other symptoms include fatigue, chest pain and swelling. It is crucial for patients to seek medical attention when they experience these symptoms, as they could be caused by something other than mesothelioma.
Despite the difficulties of diagnosing peritoneal mesothelioma, victims are often able to receive the right treatment to prolong their lives. In most cases, this involves surgical treatment and heated chemotherapy.
If you or someone you love have been diagnosed with peritoneal cancer, contact our mesothelioma attorneys to learn how we can assist. We can help you locate an expert in your area who can help you file a lawsuit against asbestos companies responsible for your exposure. We can also assist you in ensuring that you get the financial compensation you deserve. Start the process by filling out our free online form. We can help you get the best possible outcome by working with top mesothelioma attorneys.
Diagnosis
The first step in identifying mesothelioma of the peritoneal region is to collect an accurate medical history. Doctors will inquire about the patient's exposure to asbestos and when it happened. They will also conduct a physical exam. Initial work-ups often include blood tests and Xrays and CT scans.
Due to the long time of latency, peritoneal cancer can be difficult to diagnose. Patients may be afflicted by symptoms like abdominal pain, nausea and fever that are similar to those of other conditions. These non-specific symptoms can cause confusion for doctors. Mesothelioma, a rare cancer that can take years to manifest symptoms following exposure to asbestos is a rare condition.
Inhaling or eating asbestos fibers travel to the stomach lining, known as the peritoneum. Once inside the peritoneum the asbestos fibers are sharp and can cause irritation to the mesothelium. As time passes this irritation can cause inflammation and scar tissue formation. Eventually, this leads to abnormal cell growth, and tumors can develop.
There are no FDA-approved screenings for peritoneal mesothelioma, but researchers are working on developing ways to identify the disease's early stages. The process of identifying mesothelioma's stage is crucial as it determines the treatment options.
A mesothelioma expert can perform paracentesis (percutaneous needle biopsy) to take a sample for lab testing. These tests can help identify the kind of cancer cells (epithelioid or sarcomatoid) within the tumor and help doctors determine the best treatment plan.
Specialists in mesothelioma can also determine the stage of a patient. Staging determines which treatments might be most effective and helps mesothelioma attorneys know which asbestos companies to hold liable in mesothelioma lawsuits.
When a mesothelioma doctor analyzes the results of a biopsy they create an a pathology report which contains details about the type of mesothelioma. The report may also contain the staging scale, which indicates how the cancer has spread within the body. The more advanced the stage the more likely it will respond to treatment. Lawyers can explain what this means in a client's situation.
Treatment
Inhalation or swallowing, asbestos fibers become embedded in the tissues that line the abdomen and other organs. These fibers can cause irritation to cells and destroy DNA. In time, this can lead to the formation of tumors within the lining. Typically, peritoneal cancer is found in the lining that surrounds the abdomen. Peritoneal Mesothelioma is more prevalent in women than pleural mesothelioma but it is less common.
The symptoms of peritoneal cancer are similar to those that are associated with digestive disorders like Crohn's disease and irritable colon disease which makes it difficult for doctors to diagnose. Early symptoms can 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 doctor will run bloodwork and imaging tests to rule out other diseases and conditions that could trigger the same symptoms as mesothelioma. These tests can also be used to determine the best treatment options.
A biopsy is conducted by a doctor to confirm the diagnosis. This is due to the fact that peritoneal msothelioma can in the abdominal liner. A biopsy involves the removal of small amounts of tissue from the affected area to be examined by pathologists. Biopsies can reveal cancerous cells, and can identify the type of Mesothelioma.
Once a peritoneal Mesothelioma Lawsuit diagnosis has been established doctors will discuss the options for treatment with the patient. The goal 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 immunotherapy and chemotherapy.
In contrast to the chest-based treatment for pleural mesothelioma that is administered via the lungs, the treatment for peritoneal Mesothelioma is administered either intravenously or orally. Chemotherapies that are injected, such as heated intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) have been able to prolong the lives of many patients. HIPEC is a method that was invented by mesothelioma pioneer Paul Sugarbaker.
Individuals diagnosed with peritoneal mesothelioma could be able to bring a lawsuit against negligent asbestos companies. A mesothelioma attorney can review the case of a patient and recommend legal options. Contact us today to start. Contact us today. It's free, confidential and there's no commitment. We provide nationwide representation.
Prognosis
Mesothelioma is a rare cancer. Because doctors aren't experienced in diagnosing patients, many are mistakenly diagnosed with other diseases. Fortunately mesothelioma specialists can help with the diagnostic process and get patients the appropriate treatment.
The only cause that is known for peritoneal mesothelioma is asbestos exposure. When asbestos fibers are breathed in or ingested, they could cause irritation to the abdominal tissues and cause cells to mutate. This can lead to tumors that form mesothelioma in the peritoneum over time.
The exposure to asbestos typically begins with jobs in manufacturing or construction. These industries could use products that contain asbestos, for example, insulation and fireproofing. Asbestos is also present in household items such as flooring and roofing tiles. Even low levels of asbestos exposure can put someone at risk of mesothelioma. Because of the long period of latency the victims could be diagnosed with peritoneal msothelioma several decades after their initial exposure.
Peritoneal Mesothelioma can mimic other conditions. It is often mistaken for hernias, digestive issues such as colitis or Crohn's and other types of abdominal cancer. This is why many patients do not disclose their exposure to asbestos, and they do not seek medical care. If mesothelioma lawsuit is found experts may suggest an examination for a more precise diagnosis. A biopsy involves removing just a small portion of affected tissue to test. This procedure can reveal whether the mesothelioma is epithelioid (epidermoid), sarcomatoid (sarcomatoid) or biphasic.
If mesothelioma has reached an early stage doctors can remove all the tumors and offer curative treatment. The doctor will also be able to determine if the cancer has spread inside the abdomen. They may then recommend palliative treatments for the patient, including paracentesis to drain the abdominal fluid.
If mesothelioma lawyer progresses the chances of survival are less. This is because the cancer are able to become resistant to certain treatments and may recur. The doctor may suggest an amalgamation of surgery and chemotherapy. The surgical options include cytoreduction surgery combined with hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy. This combination is more likely to improve a patient's prognosis than chemotherapy on its own.