Peritoneal Mesothelioma Asbestos Symptoms
The digestive system is frequently affected by the symptoms of mesothelioma of the peritoneal region. This is due to asbestos fibers being ingested and become embedded in the lining of the stomach known as the peritoneum.
In time, these fibers cause changes to healthy peritoneal cells. As a result, cancerous tumors form in the peritoneum.
The diagnosis of mesothelioma can be a bit difficult. The initial signs may resemble symptoms of other conditions, like hernia or IBS.
Symptoms
When asbestos fibers are inhaled, they can pass into the lungs and travel throughout the body. From there, they can get stuck in the lining of the abdomen or other organs, creating irritation and inflammation that leads to the growth of tumors. The process can take years to develop and many victims are unaware of their asbestos exposure until it is too late.
Malignant peritoneal mesothelioma occurs when asbestos fibers become trapped in the tissues that line the abdominal cavity as well as other organs. It is the second most prevalent mesothelioma type, however it is difficult to recognize because the early symptoms are not specific and similar to those of gastrointestinal conditions. Patients with peritoneal mesothelioma often suffer from stomach pain, fatigue, and digestive problems.
After a physical examination, 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 get a more accurate diagnosis.
Peritoneal Mesothelioma Symptoms usually begin in the abdomen and may cause severe abdominal discomfort, bloating and weight loss. They can also trigger nausea, vomiting, and other digestive issues. The symptoms can also include chest pain, swelling, and fatigue. It is essential for patients to seek medical advice when they experience these symptoms, as they could be caused by something other than mesothelioma.
Despite the difficulty of diagnosing peritoneal mesothelioma, patients can often receive the proper treatment to extend their lives. In the majority of cases, this is done through surgical treatment and heated chemotherapy.
If you or someone you love have been diagnosed with peritoneal mesothelioma, call our mesothelioma attorneys to learn what we can do to help. We can connect you with mesothelioma specialists in your area, who can assist you in bringing a lawsuit against the asbestos-related companies responsible for your exposure. We can also ensure you receive the financial settlement you are entitled to. Complete our online form to begin the process. We can assist you to get the best possible outcome working with top mesothelioma attorneys.
Diagnosis
To diagnose peritoneal Msothelioma it is crucial to have a an exhaustive medical history. Doctors will ask patients about their exposure to asbestos and when it occurred. They also conduct a physical examination. Blood tests, X-rays and CT scans are typically employed in the initial examination.
Peritoneal mesothelioma is difficult to recognize due to its lengthy period of latency. Patients may experience symptoms like abdominal pain, fever and nausea that resemble other conditions. These symptoms that are not specific can cause confusion for doctors. Mesothelioma is a rare cancer that can take years before symptoms show up after exposure to asbestos.
Inhaling or ingestion of asbestos fibers move to the stomach lining known as the peritoneum. When they reach the peritoneum, the asbestos fibers' sharp edges cause irritation to the mesothelium. This irritation leads to inflammation and scar tissue over time. This causes abnormal cell growth and tumors.
Researchers are working on ways to detect the disease at its earliest stages. The stage of mesothelioma will determine the treatment options.
A mesothelioma specialist may perform paracentesis (percutaneous needle biopsy) to take samples for lab testing. These tests will reveal if the cancerous cells are epithelioid (epithelioid) or the sarcomatoid (sarcomatoid) or biphasic within the tumor. This information helps doctors develop a treatment plan.
Mesothelioma specialists can also assess a patient's stage of mesothelioma. It determines which treatment options will be the most effective and help mesothelioma lawyers know which asbestos-related companies to sue in mesothelioma lawsuits.
When a mesothelioma doctor analyzes the results of a biopsy, they create a pathology report that includes details about the type of mesothelioma. The report can also include an assessment system that outlines how the cancer has spread throughout the body. The higher the stage the more likely it is to respond to treatment. A lawyer can explain the implications of this for the particular case of a client.
Treatment
Asbestos fibers are inhaled or ingested and become embedded in the tissue that lines the abdomen and other organs. These fibers damage DNA and irritate cells. As time passes, this leads to the formation of tumors in the lining. Typically, peritoneal cancer is found in the lining that covers the abdomen. Peritoneal mesothelioma is less common than pleural mesothelioma. It usually affects women more.
Symptoms of peritoneal mesothelioma are similar to symptoms of gastrointestinal conditions like irritable bowel syndrome and Crohn's disease. This makes it difficult for doctors to identify the condition. Initial symptoms may be misinterpreted as other conditions, and may persist for a long time, or even years before mesothelioma is identified.
A doctor will also conduct tests on blood and imaging to rule out any other conditions or diseases that could cause mesothelioma-like symptoms. These tests can aid in determining the best treatment options.
A biopsy is carried out by a doctor to confirm the diagnosis. This is because peritoneal Msothelioma can be found in the abdominal liner. A biopsy involves the removal of small samples of the affected area for examination by pathologists. Biopsies can detect cancerous cells and identify the type of mesothelioma.
If a diagnosis of peritoneal mesothelioma has been established, doctors will discuss the options for treatment with the patient. Generally, the goal of the treatment plan is to minimize the size and quantity of tumors. Surgery is usually the first line of defense, however, patients must also consider the possibility of immunotherapy and chemotherapy.
Contrary to chest-based treatment for pleural Mesothelioma which is administered via the lungs peritoneal Mesothelioma treatment is injected either intravenously or orally. Chemotherapies that are injected, such as heated intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) have been able to extend survival for many patients. HIPEC is a method that was invented by mesothelioma pioneer Paul Sugarbaker.
Individuals suffering from peritoneal cancer may be able to sue negligent asbestos companies. A mesothelioma lawyer with experience will evaluate a patient's situation and recommend legal options. Contact us today to get started. It's absolutely free, and confidential, and there is no commitment. We offer nationwide representation.
Prognosis
Mesothelioma cancer is extremely rare. Because doctors have limited experience, many patients are misdiagnosed with other illnesses. A mesothelioma expert can assist patients with the diagnosis and ensure that they receive the right treatment.
Asbestos exposure is only the one known cause of peritoneal mesthelioma. When asbestos fibers are breathed in or ingested, they can cause irritation to abdominal tissues and cause cells to mutate. In time, this may cause tumors to form a mesothelioma lawsuit of the peritoneum.
The exposure to asbestos typically is a result of jobs in manufacturing or construction. These industries can employ products that contain asbestos, for example, insulation and fireproofing. 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 long latency period of the disease the victims could be diagnosed with peritoneal mesothelioma several decades after their first exposure.
Peritoneal mesothelioma symptoms could resemble those of other diseases and could be mistaken for a hernia digestive issues such as Crohn's disease or colitis, or other types of abdominal cancer. Many patients don't report their asbestos exposure and do not seek medical attention. If mesothelioma is found, the specialists may recommend an examination for a more precise diagnosis. A biopsy involves removing a small portion of the 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 reached an early stage, doctors can remove all of the tumors and provide an effective treatment. The specialist can also determine whether the cancer has expanded to the abdomen. They may then recommend palliative treatment for the patient. For example, paracentesis to drain fluid from the abdomen.
The outlook for patients is worse when a mesothelioma has progressed. This is because the tumors may become resistant to certain treatments, and they may develop a recurrence. The doctor may recommend a combination of surgery and chemotherapy. Surgery options include cytoreduction combined with hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy. This combination is more likely than chemotherapy on its own to improve the prognosis of patients.