Peritoneal Mesothelioma Asbestos Symptoms
Peritoneal mesothelioma asbestos symptoms often affect the digestive system. This is due to asbestos fibers being ingested and become embedded in the lining of the stomach, called the peritoneum.
In time these fibers can trigger mutations in healthy peritoneal cells. As a result cancerous tumors develop in the peritoneum.
Mesothelioma is a difficult condition to recognize. The early signs can resemble symptoms of other conditions like hernia or irritable bowel syndrome.
Symptoms
When asbestos fibers are breathed in, they can be absorbed into the lungs and circulate throughout the body. From there, they can become stuck in the abdominal lining or other organs, causing inflammation and irritation that can lead to the growth of tumors. This process can take years to develop and many victims are unaware of their asbestos exposure until it's too late.
Malignant peritoneal mesothelioma is a condition that occurs asbestos fibers are 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 recognize because the early symptoms are nonspecific and similar to those of gastrointestinal disorders. Patients with peritoneal cancer often experience fatigue, stomach pain and gastrointestinal problems.
Mesothelioma sufferers are usually diagnosed with peritoneal cancer after conducting a physical examination, a medical history review and several tests in the laboratory. A X-ray and a CT scan can assist doctors to find any lumps or signs of illness. In certain cases mesothelioma patients, doctors will also order a biopsied to get a more accurate diagnosis.
Peritoneal mesothelioma symptoms typically begin in the abdomen and can result in extreme abdominal pain and weight loss, bloating stomach fluid accumulation nausea, vomiting, and other digestive issues. Other symptoms include chest pain, swelling, and fatigue. When these symptoms occur it is crucial that victims seek medical attention as they could be triggered by other ailments.
Despite the difficulty in diagnosing peritoneal cancer, patients typically receive the appropriate treatment to prolong their lives. In most cases, this requires the use of surgery and chemotherapy that is heated.
If you or a loved one have been diagnosed with peritoneal mesothelioma, call our mesothelioma lawyers to learn more about how we can assist. We can connect you with mesothelioma specialists near you and assist you in bringing a lawsuit against the asbestos companies responsible for your exposure. We can also ensure you receive the financial settlement you are entitled to. Fill out our online form to start the process. We can assist you to get the best possible outcome working with the best mesothelioma lawyers.
Diagnosis
To determine if you have peritoneal msothelioma it is essential to take a an exhaustive medical history. Doctors will inquire with the patient about their asbestos exposure and the date it happened. They will also conduct a physical exam. Initial examinations typically include blood tests and Xrays, as well as CT scans.
Peritoneal mesothelioma can be difficult to recognize due to its long period of latency. Patients may be afflicted by symptoms like nausea, abdominal pain, and fever that are similar to those of other conditions. These nonspecific symptoms could confuse doctors. Mesothelioma, a rare cancer that can take years to manifest symptoms after asbestos exposure, is a rare illness.
Asbestos fibers inhaled or consumed are transported into the stomach lining known as the peritoneum. Asbestos fibers are sharp and irritate mesothelium after they reach the peritoneum. This irritation leads to scar tissue and inflammation over time. Eventually, this leads to abnormal cell growth, and tumors can develop.
Researchers are working to develop methods to detect the disease in its earliest stages. The stage of mesothelioma lawsuit will determine the treatment options.
A mesothelioma specialist can perform paracentesis (percutaneous needle biopsy) to take a sample for laboratory testing. These tests can help identify the kind of cancer cells (epithelioid biphasic, sarcomatoid, or epithelioid) within the tumor, and assist doctors to determine the best treatment strategy.
Mesothelioma specialists can also assess a patient's stage of mesothelioma. The stage determines the most effective treatments and helps mesothelioma lawyers know which asbestos companies are liable in mesothelioma cases.
When a mesothelioma expert analyzes the results from the biopsy and creates a pathology report which contains details about the type of mesothelioma. The report could also include the staging system which outlines how far the cancer has spread in the body. The higher the stage of cancer the less likely a patient will respond to treatment. Lawyers can explain the implications of this for the particular case of a client.
Treatment
Asbestos fibers are inhaled or consumed and are absorbed in the tissue that lines the abdomen and other organs. These fibers irritate the cells and damage DNA. Over time, this leads to the development of tumors within the lining. Typically, peritoneal cancer is found in the lining that covers the abdomen. Peritoneal mesothelioma occurs less frequently than pleural mesothelioma and usually affects women more.
The symptoms of peritoneal cancer are similar to those of gastrointestinal diseases like irritable bowel syndrome and Crohn's disease, which makes it difficult for doctors to diagnose the condition. As a result, early symptoms can be mistaken as normal ailments, and can last for months or even years before a patient receives the mesothelioma diagnosis.
In addition to a thorough medical history, a physician will run imaging and blood tests to rule out other illnesses and conditions that could cause the same symptoms as mesothelioma. These tests can help to determine the best treatment options.
Since peritoneal mesothelioma is a cancer that develops the abdominal lining A doctor will conduct biopsy to confirm a diagnosis. A biopsy is the process of removing small amounts of tissue from the affected area to be examined by pathologists. Biopsies can identify cancerous cells, and can determine the type of mesothelioma lawsuits.
When a peritoneal Msothelioma diagnosis is confirmed, doctors will discuss the treatment options with patients. The goal of a treatment plan is to decrease the size and amount of tumors. Surgery is typically the first line of defense however, patients must also consider the possibility of chemotherapy and immunotherapy.
Contrary to chest-based treatments for pleural mesothelioma that are administered via the lung, the peritoneal mesothelioma treatment are injected orally or intravenously. Chemotherapies like injections, such as heated intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) have helped to prolong the lives of many patients. HIPEC is a technique that was developed by mesothelioma pioneer Paul Sugarbaker.
Individuals diagnosed with peritoneal mesothelioma may qualify to bring 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 today. It's free, private and there's absolutely no obligation. We provide nationwide representation.
Prognosis
Mesothelioma cancer is extremely rare. Doctors aren't familiar with it, so many patients are misdiagnosed as having other illnesses. Fortunately mesothelioma specialists can help with the diagnostic process and provide patients with the right treatment.
The only cause that is known for peritoneal mesothelioma is asbestos exposure. Asbestos fibers can cause irritation of abdominal tissues and cell changes when inhaled or consumed. This can lead to tumors that develop into mesothelioma in the peritoneum in time.
The exposure to asbestos typically is a result of working in manufacturing or construction. These industries may use asbestos-containing materials like fireproofing and insulation. Asbestos is also found in household products such as flooring and roofing tiles. Even the smallest amount of asbestos exposure can put someone at risk of developing mesothelioma. Because mesothelioma is a chronic disease with a long time to develop it is possible for patients to be diagnosed with peritoneal mesothelioma decades after the initial exposure.
Peritoneal Mesothelioma may mimic other diseases. It is often mistaken for hernias, digestive issues such as colitis or Crohn's, and other types of abdominal cancer. Due to this, a lot of patients do not disclose their exposure to asbestos and they do not seek medical treatment. Specialists may recommend a biopsy to confirm a diagnosis of mesothelioma. A biopsy involves the removal of the smallest piece of tissue to be examined. This procedure will reveal the stage of mesothelioma and if it is epithelioid, biphasic, or sarcomatoid.
If the mesothelioma is in an early stage, doctors can remove all the tumors and offer the best treatment. The doctor can also determine whether the cancer has spread to the abdomen. They will then recommend palliative care for the patient. For example paracentesis, which is a procedure to drain the abdomen of fluid.
The outlook for patients is worse when mesothelioma is advanced. This is because the cancer can become resistant to certain treatments and can recur. The specialist may recommend the combination of chemotherapy and surgery. Options for surgery include cytoreduction and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemo. This combination is more likely to improve a patient's outlook than merely chemotherapy alone.