Peritoneal Mesothelioma Asbestos Symptoms
Peritoneal mesothelioma asbestos symptoms typically affect the digestive system. This is due to asbestos fibers being consumed and are absorbed into the lining of the stomach known as the peritoneum.
In time the fibers cause mutations in healthy peritoneal cells. In the end tumors that are cancerous develop in the peritoneum.
The diagnosis of mesothelioma may be a bit difficult. The early signs can resemble symptoms of other conditions, like hernia or IBS.
Signs and symptoms
Asbestos fibers may travel through the body when inhaled. The fibers can then get trapped in the linings of the abdomen and other organs. This can cause irritation and inflammation, which can lead to the development of tumors. The process can take years to develop and many victims are unaware of their asbestos exposure until too late.
Malignant peritoneal mesothelioma is a condition that occurs asbestos fibers get trapped in the tissues that line the abdominal cavity as well as other organs. It is the second most common form of mesothelioma. However it can be difficult for doctors to identify because the early symptoms are not specific. They may also be similar to digestive disorders. Patients suffering from peritoneal mesothelioma typically have stomach pain, fatigue and gastrointestinal issues.
Mesothelioma sufferers are usually diagnosed with peritoneal cancer after undergoing a physical examination 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 signs of illness. In some cases, doctors who treat mesothelioma lawsuit may also request a biopsy to get a more accurate diagnosis.
Peritoneal mesothelioma symptoms generally start in the abdominal region and can cause extreme abdominal pain as well as weight loss, bloating fluid buildup in the belly, nausea, vomiting and other digestive issues. Symptoms may also include chest pain, swelling and fatigue. If these symptoms are present, it is important that patients seek medical attention because they could be caused by other illnesses.
Despite the difficulties in diagnosing peritoneal msothelioma patients can often be treated to prolong their lives. In most cases, treatment is surgery and chemo treatment that is heated.
If you or a loved one have been diagnosed with peritoneal cancer, contact our mesothelioma lawyers to learn how we can assist. We can help you locate a mesothelioma expert near you who can help you file an asbestos lawsuit against asbestos-related companies responsible for your exposure. We can also help you get the financial compensation you are entitled to. Complete our online form to begin the process. We can help you get the best possible outcome by working with the best mesothelioma lawyers.
Diagnosis
The first step in identifying mesothelioma peritoneal is to obtain an exact medical history. Doctors will ask the patient about their asbestos exposure and when it occurred. They also conduct a physical exam. X-rays, blood tests and CT scans are often used in the initial work-up.
Due to the long time of latency, peritoneal cancer is often difficult to identify. 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 form of cancer that can take years to manifest symptoms following exposure to asbestos is a rare condition.
Asbestos fibers that are inhaled or consumed travel into the stomach lining known as the peritoneum. Asbestos fibers are sharp and irritate mesothelium once they reach the peritoneum. Over time, this irritation causes inflammation and scar tissue formation. This leads to abnormal cell growth and tumors.
There are no FDA-approved screening tests for mesothelioma of the peritoneum, however, researchers are finding ways to detect the disease in its earliest 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 collect the specimen for tests in the laboratory. These tests can reveal the kind of cancer cells (epithelioid, sarcomatoid or biphasic) within the tumor, and assist doctors to determine an appropriate treatment strategy.
Specialists in mesothelioma also determine the stage of a patient. The stage determines the most effective treatments and helps mesothelioma lawyers know which asbestos companies are accountable in mesothelioma lawsuits.
When a mesothelioma specialist analyzes the results of a biopsy, they create an a pathology report which contains specifics about the kind of mesothelioma. The report may also include a staging system that describes how far the cancer has spread throughout the body. The higher the stage of cancer the less likely a patient will be able to respond to treatment. A lawyer can explain the significance of this for a client's case.
Treatment
When inhaled or swallowed asbestos fibers get encased in the tissue that lines the abdomen and other organs. These fibers damage DNA and can cause irritation to cells. In time, this can lead to the formation of tumors in the lining. Typically, peritoneal mesothelioma develops in the lining of the abdomen called the peritoneum. Peritoneal Mesothelioma affects more women than pleural Mesothelioma but it is less common.
Symptoms of peritoneal mesothelioma are similar to those of gastrointestinal disorders like irritable bowel disorder and Crohn's disease, making it difficult for doctors to diagnose the condition. Because of this, early symptoms can be mistaken as normal ailments and can persist for months or years before a patient is diagnosed with an mesothelioma-related diagnosis.
In addition to a thorough medical history, a physician will conduct imaging and blood tests to rule out other diseases and conditions that may cause the same symptoms as mesothelioma. These tests can also be used to determine the most suitable treatment options.
A biopsy is conducted by a physician 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 portions of the affected area to be examined by pathologists. Biopsies can identify cancerous cells, and identify the type of Mesothelioma.
If a peritoneal msothelioma has been confirmed doctors will discuss treatment options with patients. The goal of a treatment plan is to minimize 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 attorney which is administered via the lungs peritoneal Mesothelioma treatment is injected via intravenously or orally. Injections of chemotherapies, like heated intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) have been able to extend survival for many patients. HIPEC was developed by mesothelioma expert Paul Sugarbaker.
Individuals diagnosed with peritoneal mesothelioma may qualify to bring an asbestos lawsuit against negligent companies. An experienced mesothelioma lawyer will evaluate a patient's situation and suggest legal options. Contact us today to start. Contact us now. It's free, confidential and there's no commitment. We provide nationwide representation.
Prognosis
Mesothelioma cancer is a rare form of cancer. Because doctors lack experience, many patients are misdiagnosed with other diseases. Fortunately mesothelioma specialists can help with the diagnostic process and get patients the proper treatment.
Asbestos exposure is only the one known cause of peritoneal mesothelioma. Asbestos fibers can cause irritation of abdominal tissues and cell changes when inhaled or consumed. In time, this may cause tumors to form a mesothelioma of the peritoneum.
Exposure to asbestos often begins with working in manufacturing or construction. These industries could utilize materials that contain asbestos, for example, insulation and fireproofing. Asbestos is also present in household products such as roof tiles and flooring. Even low levels of asbestos exposure can cause a person to be at risk of mesothelioma. Because the disease has an extended latency period patients may be diagnosed with peritoneal mesothelioma years after their initial exposure.
Peritoneal mesothelioma symptoms can resemble those of other diseases and could be mistaken for a hernia, digestive issues such as colitis or Crohn's disease or other types of abdominal cancer. Due to this, a lot of patients do not disclose their exposure to asbestos and they don't seek medical attention. When mesothelioma is detected doctors may recommend an examination for a more accurate diagnosis. A biopsy is the removal of tiny pieces of tissue that is examined. This procedure will reveal the stage of mesothelioma as well as if it is epithelioid, biphasic, or sarcomatoid.
If mesothelioma isn't spreading it is possible to remove the tumors. They will also offer a curative treatment. The specialist can also determine whether the cancer has spread inside the abdomen. They may then recommend palliative treatment for the patient, for example paracentesis that drains abdominal fluid.
The prognosis is worsened when a mesothelioma lawyer has progressed. This is because the tumors are able to become resistant to certain treatments, and they may recur. The specialist may suggest a combination of chemotherapy and surgery. Surgical options include cytoreduction surgery combined with hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy. This combination is more likely than chemotherapy by itself to improve the prognosis of patients.