Peritoneal Mesothelioma Asbestos Symptoms
The digestive system is often affected by the symptoms of mesothelioma of the peritoneal region. This is due to asbestos fibers being taken in and are then embedded in a lining of the stomach known as the peritoneum.
As time passes, these fibers result in mutations to the healthy peritoneal cells. Cancerous tumors develop in the peritoneum as a result.
The diagnosis of mesothelioma can be a challenge. The early signs can resemble symptoms of other conditions, like hernia, or IBS.
Symptoms
When asbestos fibers are breathed in, they can enter the lungs and circulate throughout the body. They can then become stuck in the abdominal lining or other organs, causing inflammation and irritation that can lead to tumor growth. This process can take years to develop and many patients are unaware of their asbestos exposure until too late.
Asbestos fibers can get trapped in the tissues that line the abdominal cavity, or other organs, which can cause malignant peritoneal melanomas. It is the second-most common form of mesothelioma. However, it can be difficult for doctors to identify since the first symptoms aren't specific. They can also be similar to gastrointestinal conditions. Patients with peritoneal cancer frequently suffer from stomach pain, fatigue and gastrointestinal problems.
Mesothelioma victims are typically diagnosed with peritoneal mesothelioma after having a physical exam, a medical history review and a series of tests performed by a laboratory. A CT scan and X-ray can aid in identifying lumps or other signs of disease. In some cases, doctors who treat mesothelioma will also require a biopsy to get a more accurate diagnosis.
Peritoneal Mesothelioma symptoms usually start in the abdomen and can cause severe abdominal discomfort, bloating, and weight loss. They can also trigger nausea and vomiting as well as other digestive issues. Symptoms may also include chest pain, swelling and fatigue. It is important for victims to seek medical advice in the event of these symptoms, as they could be caused by something other than mesothelioma.
Despite the difficulty in diagnosing peritoneal msothelioma patients can often be treated to prolong their lives. In most cases, the treatment involves surgery and heated chemo.
If you or someone you love have been diagnosed with peritoneal mesothelioma, call our mesothelioma lawyers to learn more about how we can help. We can connect you with a mesothelioma specialist near you, who can assist you in bringing a lawsuit against the asbestos companies responsible for your exposure. We can also assist you to receive the financial compensation that you are entitled to. You can begin this process by filling out our free online form. We can assist you to get the best possible outcome by working with the best mesothelioma lawyers.
Diagnosis
To determine if you have peritoneal msothelioma it is important to have an exhaustive medical history. Doctors will ask about the person's exposure to asbestos and when it happened. A physical examination will be performed. Initial tests typically include X-rays and blood tests, as well as 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 other illnesses. These nonspecific symptoms may cause confusion for doctors. Mesothelioma is a rare type of cancer that can take a long time before symptoms show up after exposure to asbestos.
Inhaling or ingestion of asbestos fibers move into the stomach lining, called the peritoneum. Once in the peritoneum, the asbestos fibers are sharp and cause irritation to the mesothelium. This irritation causes inflammation and scar tissue over time. This leads to abnormal cell growth and tumors.
There are no FDA-approved screening tests for peritoneal mesothelioma however, researchers are developing ways to identify the disease in its earliest stages. The stage of mesothelioma determines the treatment options.
A mesothelioma specialist can perform paracentesis (percutaneous needle biopsy) to collect a sample for laboratory testing. These tests can help identify the type of cancer cells (epithelioid biphasic, sarcomatoid, or epithelioid) within the tumor and aid doctors come up with a treatment plan.
Mesothelioma specialists can also determine a patient's stage of mesothelioma. The stage determines the most effective treatment and helps mesothelioma lawyers (visit our website) know which asbestos companies are liable in mesothelioma lawyer suits.
If a mesothelioma specialist analyzes the results of a biopsy the doctor creates a pathology report that includes information about the mesothelioma type. The report may also include a staging scale that indicates how far the cancer has spread throughout the body. The more advanced the stage the more likely it is to respond to treatment. Lawyers can explain what this means for a client's case.
Treatment
When swallowed or inhaled asbestos fibers get encased in the tissue that lines the abdomen and other organs. The fibers harm DNA and cause irritation to cells. This leads to the development of tumors. Typically, peritoneal mesothelioma develops in the abdomen's lining known as the peritoneum. Peritoneal Mesothelioma is more prevalent in women than pleural Mesothelioma however, it is less prevalent.
Symptoms of peritoneal mesothelioma are similar to those of gastrointestinal conditions like irritable bowel disorder and Crohn's disease. This makes it difficult for doctors to recognize the condition. Early symptoms can be mistaken for other ailments and can last for a long time, or even years before a mesothelioma is identified.
A doctor may also perform tests of blood and imaging to rule out other conditions or diseases that could cause the same symptoms as mesothelioma. These tests can help to determine the best treatment options.
Since peritoneal mesothelioma can develop in the abdominal lining The doctor will conduct an examination to confirm the diagnosis. A biopsy is the process of removing small amounts of the affected area for examination by pathologists. Biopsies are able to reveal cancerous cells and determine the type of Mesothelioma.
If a peritoneal msothelioma has been confirmed doctors will discuss treatment options with patients. The goal of any treatment plan is generally to decrease the size and the number of tumors. Surgery is often the first option, but patients can also consider chemotherapy and immunotherapy.
Contrary to the chest-based treatment for pleural mesothelioma which is administered through the lungs peritoneal Mesothelioma treatment is administered via intravenously or orally. Chemotherapies like injections, such as heated intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) have helped to prolong the life of many patients. HIPEC is a procedure innovated by mesothelioma lawsuit pioneer Paul Sugarbaker.
Patients 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 begin. 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 with the disease, many patients are misdiagnosed as having other illnesses. Fortunately mesothelioma specialists can help with the diagnostic process and get patients the right treatment.
The only known cause of mesothelioma of the peritoneal region is asbestos exposure. Asbestos fibers can cause irritation to abdominal tissues as well as cell mutations when consumed or inhaled. This can cause tumors to develop into mesothelioma in the peritoneum in time.
Construction or manufacturing work is often the first location where asbestos exposure starts. These industries could utilize asbestos-containing materials including fireproofing, insulation. Asbestos is also found in household items like flooring and roof tiles. Even the smallest amounts of exposure can put a person at risk for mesothelioma. Because the disease has a long latency period patients may be diagnosed with peritoneal mesothelioma years after the initial exposure.
Peritoneal mesothelioma symptoms can be similar to those of other conditions and can be mistaken for a hernia digestive issues such as colitis or Crohn's disease or other forms of abdominal cancer. A lot of patients do not report their asbestos exposure and don't seek medical care. Specialists may recommend a biopsy to confirm a diagnosis of mesothelioma. A biopsy involves removing just a small portion of affected tissue for testing. This procedure will reveal the stage of mesothelioma as well as if it is epithelioid, biphasic or sarcomatoid.
If mesothelioma has not spread it is possible to remove the tumors. They will also offer an effective treatment. The doctor can also determine whether the cancer has spread within the abdomen. They can then prescribe palliative treatments for the patient, including paracentesis that drains abdominal fluid.
If a mesothelioma has advanced, the prognosis becomes poorer. This is because the tumors may become resistant to certain treatments and may develop a recurrence. The doctor may recommend a combination of surgery and chemotherapy. Surgery options include cytoreduction, which is hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy. This combination is more likely to improve a patient's outlook than chemotherapy alone.