Peritoneal Mesothelioma Asbestos Symptoms
Peritoneal mesothelioma asbestos symptoms often affect the digestive system. This is because asbestos fibers get inhaled and then become a part of the lining of the stomach and peritoneum.
As time passes, these fibers cause changes to healthy peritoneal cells. In the end, cancerous tumors form in the peritoneum.
The diagnosis of mesothelioma can be a bit difficult. The early signs can resemble symptoms of other diseases, like hernia, or IBS.
Symptoms
Asbestos fibers can move through the body after inhalation. The fibers then become trapped in the linings of the abdomen and other organs. This causes irritation and inflammation, which can lead to the development of tumors. This process can take a long time to develop, and many victims do not know the fact that they've been 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 common mesothelioma type. However it is often difficult for doctors to recognize since the first symptoms aren't specific. They can also be similar to digestive disorders. Patients suffering from peritoneal cancer typically suffer from stomach pain, fatigue and gastrointestinal issues.
After a physical examination, a review of medical history and a series laboratory tests, mesothelioma patients are diagnosed with peritoneal cancer. A CT scan or X-ray may help doctors identify lumps or other signs of disease. In certain instances doctors who treat mesothelioma may also request a biopsy to get a more accurate diagnosis.
Peritoneal Mesothelioma symptoms usually start in the abdomen and may cause extreme abdominal discomfort, bloating and weight loss. They can also trigger nausea and vomiting as well as other digestive issues. Other symptoms include fatigue, chest pain and swelling. If symptoms like these occur it is crucial that victims seek medical attention since they could be triggered by other conditions.
Despite the difficulty in diagnosing peritoneal cancer, patients typically receive the appropriate 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 cancer, contact our mesothelioma attorneys to find out what we can do to help. We can help you find a mesothelioma expert near you who can assist you in filing an asbestos lawsuit against the companies responsible for your exposure. We can also assist you in ensuring that you get the financial compensation you are entitled to. Fill out our online form to start the process. We can help you 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 inquire with the patient about their asbestos exposure and the date it happened. A physical examination will be conducted. Initial work-ups often include blood tests and Xrays, as well as CT scans.
Peritoneal mesothelioma can be difficult to identify due to its lengthy latency period. Patients may experience symptoms like abdominal nausea, fever and pain that resemble other conditions. These nonspecific symptoms may cause confusion for doctors. Mesothelioma is a rare cancer that can take years to show symptoms after asbestos exposure, is a rare disease.
Inhaling or eating asbestos fibers travel to the stomach lining, called the peritoneum. When they reach the peritoneum, the asbestos fibers' sharp edges can cause irritation to the mesothelium. In time this irritation can cause inflammation and scar tissue. In the end, this causes abnormal cell growth and tumors develop.
There are no FDA-approved screening tests for peritoneal mesothelioma however, researchers are developing ways to identify the disease's early stages. The stage of mesothelioma determines the treatment options.
A mesothelioma specialist may perform paracentesis (percutaneous needle biopsy) to take the specimen for tests in the laboratory. These tests can reveal the kind of cancer cells (epithelioid or sarcomatoid) within the tumor and help doctors come up with a treatment plan.
Specialists in mesothelioma also determine the stage of the patient. The stage determines the most effective treatment and also helps mesothelioma lawyers understand which asbestos-related companies are responsible in mesothelioma cases.
A mesothelioma specialist examines the results of a biopsy, they create an analysis report that contains details about the type of mesothelioma. The report can also include the staging system which outlines how far the cancer has spread in the body. The more advanced the stage, the less likely it is that it will respond to treatment. A lawyer can explain the significance of this for a client's case.
Treatment
When inhaled or swallowed, asbestos fibers become embedded in the tissue that lines the abdomen and other organs. These fibers irritate the cells and cause DNA damage. As time passes, this leads to the development of tumors within the lining. Typically, peritoneal mesothelioma lawsuit forms in the lining of the abdomen called the peritoneum. Peritoneal Mesothelioma affects more women than pleural Mesothelioma but is less common.
The symptoms of peritoneal mesothelioma are similar to those of gastrointestinal diseases like irritable bowel syndrome and Crohn's disease. This makes it difficult for doctors to identify the condition. Early symptoms can be misinterpreted as a sign of other illnesses, and may persist for a long time, or even years before a mesothelioma is identified.
A doctor may also perform imaging and blood tests to rule out other conditions or diseases that could cause the same symptoms as mesothelioma. These tests can also be used to determine the most suitable treatment options.
A biopsy is carried out by a physician to confirm the diagnosis. This is because peritoneal msothelioma occurs in the abdominal liner. A biopsy involves removing small amounts of the affected area to be examined by pathologists. Biopsies can reveal cancerous cells, and can determine the type of Mesothelioma.
Once a peritoneal mesothelioma diagnosis has been confirmed doctors will discuss the options for treatment with the patient. The purpose of any treatment plan is generally to reduce the size and number of tumors. Surgery is typically the first line of defense however, patients must also consider the possibility of chemotherapy and immunotherapy.
In contrast to chest-based therapies for pleural mesothelioma that are administered through the lung, the peritoneal mesothelioma treatment are administered either intravenously or orally. Chemotherapy injections, such as heated intraperitoneal therapy (HIPEC) has helped prolong the life expectancy of many patients. HIPEC was invented by mesothelioma expert Paul Sugarbaker.
Individuals suffering from peritoneal cancer may be able to bring a lawsuit against negligent asbestos companies. A mesothelioma lawyer can evaluate the case of a patient and recommend legal options. Contact us today to start. Contact us today. It's free, confidential and there's no commitment. We provide nationwide representation.
Prognosis
Mesothelioma is a rare type of cancer. The doctors have limited experience dealing with it, which means that many patients are wrongly diagnosed as having other diseases. A mesothelioma expert can help patients to diagnose the disease and ensure they receive the appropriate treatment.
The sole known cause of mesothelioma lawyer of the peritoneal region is asbestos exposure. When asbestos fibers are breathed in or consumed, they may irritate the tissues of the abdomen and cause cells to alter. Over time, this can lead to tumors that form a mesothelioma of the peritoneum.
Manufacturing or construction is often the first location where asbestos exposure begins. These industries can utilize products that contain asbestos, for example, insulation and fireproofing. Asbestos may also be found in household items, such as roofing tiles and flooring. Even very low levels of exposure can put someone at risk of developing mesothelioma. Because mesothelioma has a long latency period patients may be diagnosed with peritoneal mesothelioma years after the initial exposure.
Peritoneal mesothelioma symptoms may be similar to those of other conditions and can be mistaken for a hernia, digestive problems such as colitis or Crohn's disease or other types of abdominal cancer. Many patients do not disclose their asbestos exposure, and don't seek medical attention. Doctors may suggest a biopsy to confirm the diagnosis of mesothelioma. A biopsy is the removal tiny pieces of tissue to be examined. This procedure can help determine the stage of mesothelioma as well as if it is epithelioid, sarcomatoid or biphasic.
If mesothelioma isn't spreading it is possible to remove the tumors. They can also provide an effective treatment. The specialist can also determine whether the cancer has been able to spread to the abdomen. They can then prescribe palliative care for the patient, including paracentesis that drains fluid from the abdomen.
When a mesothelioma is advanced and the prognosis is less favorable, it becomes more difficult to treat. The tumors may become resistant to certain treatments and recur. The specialist may recommend the combination of chemotherapy and surgery. The surgical options include cytoreduction surgery with hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy. This combination is more likely to improve the prognosis of a patient than chemotherapy alone.