Peritoneal Mesothelioma Asbestos Symptoms
The digestive system is commonly affected by the symptoms of mesothelioma of the peritoneal region. This is because asbestos fibers are ingested and become embedded in the stomach's lining, called the peritoneum.
As time passes the fibers cause mutations in healthy peritoneal cells. In the end cancerous tumors develop in the peritoneum.
The diagnosis of mesothelioma can be a challenge. Early signs may be confused with other symptoms such as hernias or irritable Bowel Syndrome.
Symptoms
Asbestos fibers can travel through the body when inhaled. The fibers then become stuck in the linings of the abdomen and other organs. This can cause inflammation and irritation, which results in the development of tumors. The process can take years to develop, and a lot of victims are unaware that they have asbestos exposure until it is too late.
Asbestos fibers may get caught in the tissue lining the abdominal cavity or other organs, leading to malignant peritoneal melanomas. It is the second most prevalent mesothelioma. However, it can be difficult to identify because the initial symptoms are nonspecific and similar to those of gastrointestinal conditions. Patients with peritoneal mesothelioma often experience stomach pain, fatigue and gastrointestinal problems.
After a physical exam followed by an examination of medical history, and a series of laboratory tests, mesothelioma sufferers are diagnosed with peritoneal cancer. A X-ray as well as a CT scan can assist doctors to find any lumps or signs of disease. In certain instances doctors who treat mesothelioma will also order a biopsied to make a more precise diagnosis.
Peritoneal mesothelioma symptoms usually begin in the abdominal area and can cause extreme abdominal pain as well as weight loss, bloating, stomach fluid accumulation, nausea, vomiting and other digestive issues. Symptoms may also include chest pain, swelling and fatigue. When these symptoms occur, it is important to seek medical attention because they could be triggered by other illnesses.
Despite the difficulties of diagnosing peritoneal cancer, patients typically receive the appropriate treatment to prolong their lives. In the majority of cases, this requires surgical treatment and heated chemotherapy.
If you or someone you love have been diagnosed with peritoneal mesothelioma, contact our mesothelioma lawyer attorneys to learn more about how we can help. We can assist you in finding an expert in your area who can help you file an asbestos lawsuit against asbestos-related companies responsible for your exposure. We can also help ensure that you receive the financial compensation you're entitled to. Fill out our online form to begin the process. We can assist you to get the best possible outcome by working with top mesothelioma attorneys.
Diagnosis
The first step in diagnosing mesothelioma of the peritoneal region is to collect an accurate medical history. Doctors will ask about the person's exposure to asbestos and when it occurred. They may also conduct a physical exam. Initial tests typically include blood tests and X-rays, as well as CT scans.
Due to the lengthy period of latency, peritoneal mesothelioma is often difficult to identify. Patients may experience symptoms such as abdominal pain, fever and nausea that are similar to other conditions. These nonspecific symptoms can confuse doctors. Mesothelioma is a rare cancer that can take decades for symptoms to manifest after exposure to asbestos.
Asbestos fibers inhaled, or consumed travel to the stomach lining called the peritoneum. When they reach the peritoneum, the asbestos fibers are sharp and irritate the mesothelium. This irritation leads to scar tissue and inflammation over time. Then, it leads to abnormal cell growth, and tumors can develop.
There are no FDA-approved screenings for peritoneal mesothelioma, however, researchers are developing ways to identify the disease in its early stages. The process of identifying mesothelioma's stage is crucial as it will determine the treatment options.
A mesothelioma specialist may perform paracentesis (percutaneous needle biopsy) to take samples for lab testing. These tests can help identify the kind of cancer cells (epithelioid biphasic, sarcomatoid, or epithelioid) within the tumor, and assist doctors to determine an appropriate treatment strategy.
Specialists in mesothelioma are able to determine the stage of a patient. The stage determines the most effective treatments and helps mesothelioma lawyers know which asbestos-related companies are responsible in mesothelioma suits.
When a mesothelioma expert analyzes the results of the biopsy the doctor creates a pathology document which contains details about the type of mesothelioma. The report could also include the staging system which outlines how far the cancer has spread within the body. The more advanced the stage is, the less likely it is to respond to treatment. A lawyer can explain what this means in a client's situation.
Treatment
Asbestos fibers can be inhaled or consumed and are absorbed in the tissue lining the abdomen and other organs. The fibers harm DNA and can cause irritation to cells. This leads to the development of tumors. Typically, peritoneal mesothelioma develops in the abdomen's lining called the peritoneum. Peritoneal mesothelioma occurs less frequently than pleural mesothelioma and usually affects women more.
The symptoms of peritoneal cancer are similar to those associated with gastrointestinal disorders, such as Crohn's disease and irritable bowel syndrome, making it hard for doctors to recognize. Because of this, early symptoms can be mistaken as normal ailments and may last for months or years before a patient is diagnosed with an mesothelioma-related diagnosis.
A doctor will also conduct tests on blood and imaging to rule out any other diseases or conditions that may cause the same symptoms as mesothelioma. These tests will aid in determining the best treatment options.
Since peritoneal mesothelioma can develop in the abdominal lining The doctor will conduct biopsy to confirm a diagnosis. A biopsy involves the removal of small portions of the affected area to be examined by pathologists. Biopsies are able to reveal cancerous cells and determine the type of Mesothelioma.
Once a peritoneal mesothelioma diagnosis is confirmed, doctors will discuss the options for treatment with the patient. The goal of any treatment plan is usually to decrease the size and number of tumors. Surgery is often the first option, however patients can also consider chemotherapy and immunotherapy.
Contrary to chest-based treatments for pleural mesothelioma which are administered via the lungs, peritoneal mesothelioma treatments are injected orally or intravenously. Injections of chemotherapies, like heated intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) have helped to prolong the lives of many patients. HIPEC was invented by mesothelioma expert Paul Sugarbaker.
Patients who have been diagnosed with peritoneal cancer may be eligible to file a lawsuit against negligent asbestos companies. A knowledgeable mesothelioma attorney (www.Shufaii.com) will evaluate a patient's situation and suggest legal options. Contact us today to begin. It's completely free, confidential and there is no obligation. We offer nationwide representation.
Prognosis
Mesothelioma cancer is rare. Doctors aren't familiar dealing with it, which means that many patients are misdiagnosed as having other illnesses. Fortunately mesothelioma specialists can help with the diagnostic process and help patients receive the appropriate treatment.
The sole known cause of mesothelioma peritoneal is exposure to asbestos. When asbestos fibers are breathed in or ingested, they can irritate the abdominal tissues and cause cells to alter. This may cause tumors to develop mesothelioma within the peritoneum over time.
Manufacturing or construction work is often the first place where asbestos exposure begins. These industries can use asbestos-containing materials including fireproofing, insulation. Asbestos is also found in household products, such as flooring and roofing tiles. Even the smallest amounts of exposure put a person at risk for mesothelioma. Because of the lengthy time of latency the victims could be diagnosed with peritoneal mesothelioma several decades after their initial exposure.
Peritoneal Mesothelioma can mimic other conditions. It is often mistaken for hernias, gastrointestinal issues such as colitis or Crohn's, and other types of abdominal cancers. Due to this, a lot of patients do not report their exposure to asbestos and they don't seek medical care. If mesothelioma is found doctors may recommend the procedure of a biopsy to make an accurate diagnosis. A biopsy involves the removal of the smallest piece of tissue that is examined. This procedure will reveal the stage of mesothelioma and whether it is epithelioid biphasic or sarcomatoid.
If mesothelioma lawsuit does not have spread it is possible to remove the tumors. They will also provide an option for curative treatment. The specialist can also determine whether the cancer has spread inside the abdomen. They can then prescribe palliative treatments for the patient, such as paracentesis, which drains the abdominal fluid.
The outlook for patients is worse when a mesothelioma has progressed. The tumors could become resistant to treatment and then recur. The doctor may recommend a combination of chemotherapy and surgery. Surgical options include cytoreduction surgery combined with hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy. This combination is more likely than chemotherapy alone to improve the prognosis for the patient.