Peritoneal Mesothelioma Asbestos Symptoms
The digestive system is frequently affected by the symptoms of peritoneal mesothelioma. This is due to asbestos fibers being inhaled and then become a part of the stomach's lining known as the peritoneum.
As time passes these fibers can cause mutations in healthy peritoneal cells. In the end tumors that are cancerous develop in the peritoneum.
Mesothelioma is a difficult disease to identify. The early signs can resemble symptoms of other diseases, such as hernia or irritable bowel syndrome.
Signs and symptoms
When asbestos fibers are breathed in, they can enter the lungs and then travel throughout the body. The fibers then become stuck in the linings of the abdomen and other organs. This can cause inflammation and irritation that results in the development of tumors. This process can take years to develop and many victims are unaware of their asbestos exposure until it is too late.
Malignant peritoneal melanoma develops when asbestos fibers get trapped in the tissue that lines the abdominal cavity and other organs. It is the second most frequent form of mesothelioma. However, it can be difficult for doctors to identify as early symptoms are nonspecific. They can also be similar to gastrointestinal conditions. Patients with peritoneal cancer often experience fatigue, stomach pain and gastrointestinal problems.
After a physical examination and reviewing medical history and a series laboratory tests, mesothelioma sufferers are diagnosed with peritoneal cancer. An X-ray or CT scan can assist doctors to identify any lumps or other symptoms of disease. In some cases, mesothelioma doctors will also request a biopsy for a more accurate diagnosis.
Peritoneal mesothelioma symptoms usually begin in the abdominal area and can cause extreme abdominal discomfort as well as weight loss, bloating swelling of the belly nausea, vomiting, and other digestive issues. The symptoms can also include chest pain, swelling and fatigue. It is important for victims to seek medical advice when they have these symptoms, as they could be caused by something other than mesothelioma.
Despite the difficulty in diagnosing peritoneal mesothelioma, victims are often able to receive the right treatment to extend their lives. In most cases, treatment involves surgery and heated chemo.
Contact our mesothelioma attorneys to learn how we can assist you if a loved one has been diagnosed with peritoneal msothelioma. We can connect you to mesothelioma specialists in your area and assist you in filing a lawsuit against the asbestos companies that are responsible for your exposure. We can also help you receive the financial compensation that you are entitled to. You can begin this process by filling in our free online form. We have a strong relationship with mesothelioma lawyers to assist you in obtaining the best possible outcome.
Diagnosis
To determine if you have peritoneal msothelioma it is crucial to have a a complete medical history. Doctors will ask patients about their exposure to asbestos and when it occurred. A physical exam will be conducted. Initial tests typically include X-rays and blood tests, as well as CT scans.
Peritoneal mesothelioma can be difficult to diagnose due to its long time of latency. Patients may experience symptoms such as abdominal pain, fever and nausea that resemble other conditions. These nonspecific symptoms could confuse doctors. Mesothelioma is a rare type of cancer and it can take decades for symptoms to appear after asbestos exposure.
Inhaled or ingested asbestos fibers travel to the stomach lining called the peritoneum. Asbestos fibers are sharp and irritate mesothelium when they reach the peritoneum. Over time the irritation causes inflammation and scar tissue growth. Eventually, this leads to abnormal cell growth and tumors develop.
There are no FDA-approved screenings for peritoneal mesothelioma lawsuit, but researchers are working on finding ways to detect the disease in its early stages. Staging mesothelioma is important as it will determine the treatment options.
A mesothelioma lawsuit specialist can perform paracentesis (percutaneous needle biopsy) to collect a sample for laboratory testing. These tests can reveal whether the cancerous cells are epithelioid (epithelioid), Sarcomatoid (sarcomatoid) or biphasic within the tumor. This information can help doctors develop an appropriate treatment plan.
Mesothelioma specialists can also assess the stage of mesothelioma a patient is. Staging determines which treatments might be most effective and helps mesothelioma attorneys know which asbestos companies to hold liable in mesothelioma lawsuits [Postheaven says].
When a mesothelioma doctor analyzes the results of a biopsy they produce an analysis report that contains details on the type of mesothelioma. The report could also include the staging scale, which indicates how the cancer has spread within the body. The more advanced the stage, the less likely it will respond to treatment. Lawyers can explain what this means for the client's case.
Treatment
Asbestos fibers are inhaled or consumed and are absorbed in the tissues lining the abdomen and other organs. The fibers harm DNA and cause irritation to cells. Over time, this leads to the development of tumors within the lining. Typically, peritoneal mesothelioma develops in the lining of the abdomen called the peritoneum. Peritoneal Mesothelioma has a greater impact on women than pleural mesothelioma however, it is less prevalent.
Symptoms of peritoneal mesothelioma are similar to those of gastrointestinal conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome and Crohn's disease, which makes it difficult for doctors to identify the condition. In the beginning, symptoms can be mistaken as normal ailments, and can last for months or even years before a patient is given an mesothelioma-related diagnosis.
In addition to an extensive medical history, a physician will run bloodwork and imaging tests to rule out other illnesses and conditions that could trigger the same symptoms as mesothelioma. These tests will also aid in determining the most effective treatment options.
Because peritoneal mesothelioma develops in the abdominal lining, a doctor will perform a biopsy to confirm a diagnosis. A biopsy involves removing small samples of the affected area for examination by pathologists. Biopsies can identify cancerous cells, and determine the type of Mesothelioma.
If a diagnosis of peritoneal cancer is confirmed, doctors will discuss the options for treatment with the patient. Generally, the goal of the treatment plan is to reduce the size and number of tumors. Surgery is usually the first option, but patients may also consider chemotherapy and immunotherapy.
Unlike the chest-based treatments for pleural mesothelioma which are administered through the lung, the peritoneal mesothelioma treatment are injected orally or intravenously. Chemotherapies like injections, such as heated intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) have been able to extend survival for many patients. HIPEC is a method that was invented by mesothelioma pioneer Paul Sugarbaker.
Individuals diagnosed with peritoneal mesothelioma may qualify to file a lawsuit against negligent asbestos companies. A mesothelioma lawyer can evaluate the case of a patient and suggest legal options. Contact us today to get started. Contact us today. 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, many patients are misdiagnosed as having other illnesses. Fortunately, a mesothelioma specialist can assist in the diagnostic process and get patients the proper treatment.
Asbestos exposure is the sole known cause of peritoneal mesthelioma. When asbestos fibers are breathed in or ingested, they could irritate the abdominal tissues and cause cells to alter. In time, this may result in tumors that develop into mesothelioma of peritoneum.
The exposure to asbestos typically begins with jobs in manufacturing or construction. These industries may use products that contain asbestos, such as insulation and fireproofing. Asbestos may also be found in household products, such as roofing tiles and flooring. Even small amounts of asbestos exposure could cause a person to be at risk of mesothelioma. Because of the long time of latency patients may be diagnosed with peritoneal msothelioma several decades after their first exposure.
Peritoneal mesothelioma symptoms can resemble those of other conditions and be mistaken for a hernia, digestive problems such as Crohn's disease or colitis, or other types of abdominal cancer. Due to this, a lot of patients don't report their exposure to asbestos, and they do not seek medical treatment. When mesothelioma is detected experts may suggest an examination for a more accurate diagnosis. A biopsy involves the removal of tiny pieces of tissue to be examined. This test will reveal whether the mesothelioma is epithelioid (epidermoid) or the sarcomatoid (sarcomatoid) or biphasic.
If mesothelioma isn't spreading and the doctors are able to remove the tumors. They will also provide a curative treatment. The doctor can also determine if the cancer has spread inside the abdomen. They can then prescribe palliative treatments for the patient, including paracentesis that drains abdominal fluid.
If a mesothelioma has advanced and the prognosis is less favorable, it becomes more difficult to treat. The cancers can become resistant to certain treatment and recur. The specialist may suggest a combination of chemotherapy and surgery. Surgery options include cytoreduction, which is hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemo. This combination is more likely to improve the prognosis of a patient than chemotherapy on its own.