Peritoneal Mesothelioma Asbestos Symptoms
The digestive system is frequently affected by the symptoms of peritoneal mesothelioma. This is because asbestos fibers are ingested, and become embedded within the lining of your stomach, known as the peritoneum.
In time, these fibers result in mutations to the healthy peritoneal cells. Tumors that are cancerous develop in the peritoneum as a result.
The diagnosis of mesothelioma can be a challenge. Early signs may be confused with symptoms of other conditions like hernias or irritable Bowel Syndrome.
Symptoms
Asbestos fibers can travel through the body after inhalation. The fibers may then become stuck in the linings of the abdomen and other organs. This can cause inflammation and irritation, which can lead to the development of tumors. This process can take decades to develop, and most sufferers are unaware that they are exposed to asbestos until it is too late.
Malignant peritoneal melanoma develops when asbestos fibers become trapped in the tissue that lines the abdominal cavity as well as other organs. It is the second most prevalent mesothelioma. However, it is difficult to diagnose because early symptoms are nonspecific and similar to symptoms of gastrointestinal disorders. Patients with peritoneal mesothelioma often suffer from stomach pain, fatigue, and digestive issues.
After a physical exam and an examination of medical history, and a series of tests in the laboratory, mesothelioma patients are diagnosed with peritoneal cancer. A CT scan and X-ray can aid in identifying lumps, or other indications of disease. In some instances, mesothelioma doctors will also require a biopsy to get an accurate diagnosis.
Peritoneal mesothelioma symptoms generally begin in the abdomen and can lead to severe abdominal pain as well as weight loss, bloating, swelling of the belly nausea, vomiting, and other digestive problems. Other symptoms include fatigue, chest pain and swelling. If these symptoms are present, it is important to seek medical attention since they may be caused by other ailments.
Despite the difficulties in diagnosing peritoneal msothelioma patients, they can often receive the right treatment to prolong their lives. In the majority of cases, treatment involves surgery and chemo that is heated.
If you or someone you love have been diagnosed with peritoneal mesothelioma, contact our mesothelioma lawyers to learn more about how we can help. We can help you find an expert in mesothelioma near you who can assist you in filing an asbestos lawsuit against asbestos-related companies responsible for your exposure. We can also ensure you receive the financial settlement you are entitled to. Fill out our online form to begin the process. We can assist you to get the best outcome possible by working with the top mesothelioma lawyers.
Diagnosis
The first step in identifying mesothelioma of the peritoneal region is to collect an accurate medical history. Doctors will ask about the patient's exposure to asbestos and when it happened. They also conduct a physical examination. Initial work-ups often include blood tests and Xrays, as well as CT scans.
Peritoneal mesothelioma can be difficult to recognize due to its long time of latency. Patients may experience symptoms like abdominal discomfort, nausea, and fever that may resemble other ailments. These nonspecific symptoms may cause confusion for doctors. Mesothelioma, a rare cancer that can take years to manifest symptoms following exposure to asbestos, is a rare illness.
Asbestos fibers inhaled or consumed are transported to the stomach lining called the peritoneum. Once in the peritoneum, the sharp asbestos fibers can cause irritation to the mesothelium. This irritation causes scar tissue and inflammation over time. This leads to abnormal cell proliferation and tumors.
Researchers are working to develop methods to detect the disease at its earliest stages. The stage of mesothelioma is the basis for the treatment options.
A mesothelioma specialist can perform paracentesis (percutaneous needle biopsy) to take the specimen for tests in the laboratory. These tests can identify the type of cancer cells (epithelioid or sarcomatoid) within the tumor, and assist doctors to develop the best treatment strategy.
Specialists in mesothelioma are able to determine the stage of the patient. Staging determines which treatments might be most effective and helps mesothelioma attorneys know which asbestos companies to pursue in mesothelioma lawsuits.
When a mesothelioma expert reviews the results of a biopsy and creates a pathology record that includes information about the type mesothelioma. The report may also include a staging system that describes how far the cancer has spread within the body. The more advanced the stage the more likely it is to respond to treatment. Lawyers can explain what this means for the client's case.
Treatment
Inhalation or swallowing asbestos fibers get encased in the tissues that line the abdomen and other organs. These fibers irritate the cells and destroy DNA. This can lead to the development of tumors. Typically, peritoneal mesothelioma forms in the lining of the abdomen called the peritoneum. Peritoneal Mesothelioma has a greater impact on women than pleural Mesothelioma but it is less common.
The symptoms of peritoneal cancer are similar to those associated with gastrointestinal disorders, such as Crohn's disease and irritable bowel syndrome and makes it difficult for doctors to recognize. Initial symptoms may be misinterpreted as a sign of other illnesses, and may persist for a long time, or even years before a mesothelioma is diagnosed.
A doctor may also perform tests on blood and imaging to rule out other conditions or diseases that could trigger the same symptoms of mesothelioma. These tests can aid in determining the most effective treatment options.
Since peritoneal mesothelioma is a cancer that develops the abdominal lining The doctor will conduct biopsy to confirm a diagnosis. A biopsy is the process of removing small portions of the affected area for examination by pathologists. Biopsies are able to reveal cancerous cells and determine the type of Mesothelioma.
After a peritoneal msothelioma is confirmed, doctors will discuss the treatment options with patients. The purpose of any treatment plan is generally to decrease the size and quantity 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 via the lungs, peritoneal mesothelioma treatments are injected orally or intravenously. Chemotherapies that are injected, such as heated intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) have been able to extend survival for many patients. HIPEC is a technique that was developed by mesothelioma pioneer Paul Sugarbaker.
Individuals diagnosed with peritoneal mesothelioma could be able to bring a lawsuit against negligent asbestos companies. An experienced mesothelioma lawsuit (click here to read) lawyer can review a patient's case and recommend legal options. Contact us now to get started. It's no cost, it's confidential and there is no commitment. We provide nationwide representation.
Prognosis
Mesothelioma is a rare cancer. The doctors have limited experience with it, and many patients are mistakenly diagnosed with other illnesses. A mesothelioma expert can help patients identify the cause and ensure that they receive the right treatment.
The sole known cause of mesothelioma attorney of the peritoneal region is asbestos exposure. Asbestos fibers can cause irritation of the abdominal tissues and cell changes when inhaled or consumed. Over time, this can lead to tumors that form mesothelioma of peritoneum.
Exposure to asbestos often is a result of work in construction or manufacturing. These industries may use asbestos-containing materials, such as fireproofing and insulation. Asbestos may also be found in household products, such as roofing tiles and flooring. Even low levels of asbestos exposure could cause a person to be at risk of developing mesothelioma. Because mesothelioma lawsuit is a chronic disease with a long latency period, victims can sometimes be diagnosed with peritoneal mesothelioma decades after the initial exposure.
Peritoneal mesothelioma symptoms can be similar to those of other conditions and can be mistaken for hernias, gastrointestinal issues like Crohn's disease or colitis, or other forms of abdominal cancer. This is why many patients do not disclose their exposure to asbestos and they don't seek medical care. When mesothelioma is detected, the specialists may recommend an examination for a more precise diagnosis. A biopsy is the process of removing only a small amount of affected tissue for testing. This test can determine if the mesothelioma is epithelioid (epidermoid) or Sarcomatoid (sarcomatoid) or biphasic.
If the mesothelioma is at an early stage doctors can remove all the tumors and provide curative treatment. The specialist can also determine if the cancer has spread inside the abdomen. They can then prescribe palliative treatment for the patient, including paracentesis to drain the fluid from the abdomen.
The odds of survival are worse when a mesothelioma has advanced. The cancers can become resistant to certain treatments and then recur. The specialist may recommend an amalgamation of surgery and chemotherapy. Options for surgery include cytoreduction and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy. This combination is more likely to improve the prognosis of a patient than chemotherapy on its own.