Peritoneal Mesothelioma Asbestos Symptoms
Peritoneal mesothelioma asbestos symptoms often affect the digestive system. 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 cause changes to healthy peritoneal cells. As a result cancerous tumors develop in the peritoneum.
Mesothelioma is a difficult condition to identify. Early signs can be confused with other signs like hernias or irritable Bowel Syndrome.
Signs and symptoms
When asbestos fibers are breathed in, they can be absorbed into the lungs and circulate throughout the body. From there, they may be stuck in the lining of the abdomen or other organs, causing inflammation and irritation that can lead to tumor growth. This process can take a long time to develop, and a lot of sufferers are unaware the fact that they've been exposed to asbestos until it is too late.
Malignant peritoneal mesothelioma occurs when asbestos fibers become trapped in the tissue that lines the abdominal cavity and other organs. It is the second most frequent mesothelioma type, however it can be difficult to recognize because the early symptoms aren't specific and are similar to those of gastrointestinal disorders. Patients with peritoneal cancer frequently have stomach pain, fatigue and gastrointestinal issues.
After a physical exam followed by an examination of medical history and a series tests in the laboratory, mesothelioma patients are diagnosed with peritoneal cancer. An X-ray or CT scan can help doctors find any lumps or signs of illness. In some instances mesothelioma specialists may also order a biopsy to obtain a more accurate diagnosis.
Peritoneal mesothelioma symptoms typically begin in the abdominal area and can lead to severe abdominal pain and bloating, weight loss, swelling of the belly, nausea, vomiting and other digestive problems. Other symptoms include chest pain, swelling, and fatigue. It is important for victims to seek medical advice when they have these symptoms as they may be caused by something other than mesothelioma.
Despite the difficulty of diagnosing peritoneal cancer, patients are often able to receive the right treatment to prolong their lives. In the majority of cases, this requires surgical treatment and heated chemotherapy.
Contact our mesothelioma lawyers today to learn how we can assist you if you or a family member has been diagnosed with peritoneal mesothelioma. We can help you connect with a mesothelioma specialist near you who can assist you in bringing a lawsuit against the asbestos-related companies responsible for your exposure. We can also ensure you get the financial compensation you're entitled to. You can start this process by filling out our no-cost online form. We can assist you in obtaining the best possible outcome working with the best mesothelioma lawyers.
Diagnosis
The first step in identifying 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 performed. Blood tests, X-rays, and CT scans are often utilized in the initial check-up.
Peritoneal mesothelioma can be difficult to identify due to its lengthy period of latency. Patients might experience symptoms such as nausea, abdominal pain, and fever that are similar to those of other conditions. These symptoms that are not specific can confuse doctors. Mesothelioma is a rare type of cancer and it can take a long time before symptoms show up after exposure to asbestos.
Asbestos fibers inhaled, or consumed are transported to the stomach lining, known as the peritoneum. Once in the peritoneum, the asbestos fibers are sharp and can cause irritation to the mesothelium. As time passes the irritation causes inflammation and scar tissue formation. In the end, this causes abnormal cell growth and tumors forming.
There are no FDA-approved screening tests for peritoneal mesothelioma but researchers are working on developing methods to detect the disease's early stages. The importance of identifying mesothelioma early is that it determines treatment options.
A mesothelioma doctor can perform a paracentesis procedure or percutaneous needle biopsy to collect mesothelioma tumors for lab testing. These tests can help identify the type of cancer cells (epithelioid, sarcomatoid or biphasic) within the tumor, and assist doctors to determine a treatment plan.
Specialists in mesothelioma are able to determine the stage of the patient. It determines which treatment options will be most effective and helps mesothelioma lawyers determine which asbestos-related companies to sue in mesothelioma lawsuits (such a good point).
When a mesothelioma expert reviews the results of the biopsy, he or she creates a pathology report which contains details about the mesothelioma type. The report could also include the staging system which outlines how the cancer has spread throughout the body. The more advanced the stage is, the less likely it is to respond to treatment. Lawyers can explain the significance of this in a client's situation.
Treatment
Asbestos fibers are inhaled or eaten and then absorbed in the tissue lining the abdomen and other organs. The fibers harm DNA and can cause irritation to cells. Over time, this leads to the development of tumors in the lining. Typically, peritoneal mesothelioma develops in the lining of the abdomen known as the peritoneum. Peritoneal mesothelioma is less common than pleural mesothelioma and usually affects women more.
The symptoms of peritoneal mesothelioma are similar to those of gastrointestinal diseases like irritable bowel disorder and Crohn's disease, making it difficult for doctors to identify the condition. Initial symptoms may be misinterpreted as a sign of other illnesses and can last for a long time, or even years before a mesothelioma lawsuit diagnosis is made.
In addition to an extensive medical history, a doctor will run bloodwork and imaging tests to rule out other illnesses and conditions that could cause the same symptoms as mesothelioma. These tests will also help to determine the best treatment options.
A biopsy is conducted by a physician to confirm the diagnosis. This is because peritoneal Msothelioma can be found in the abdominal liner. A biopsy involves the removal of small samples from the affected area to be examined by pathologists. Biopsies can identify cancerous cells, and can determine the type of Mesothelioma.
After a peritoneal msothelioma is confirmed doctors will discuss treatment options with patients. 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 should also talk about the possibility of chemotherapy and immunotherapy.
Unlike the chest-based treatments for pleural mesothelioma that are administered via the lung, peritoneal mesothelioma treatments are administered intravenously or orally. Injections of chemotherapies, like heated intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC), have helped to extend survival for many patients. HIPEC is a procedure innovated by mesothelioma pioneer Paul Sugarbaker.
Patients suffering from peritoneal asbestosis may be able to sue negligent asbestos companies. A knowledgeable mesothelioma attorney can review a patient's case and recommend legal options. Contact us today to start. It's completely no cost, it's confidential and there is no obligation. We provide nationwide representation.
Prognosis
Mesothelioma is a rare type of cancer. The doctors have limited experience with it, so many patients are misdiagnosed as having other illnesses. A mesothelioma expert can assist patients identify the cause and ensure that they receive the right treatment.
The only known cause of mesothelioma peritoneal is exposure to asbestos. Asbestos fibers can cause irritation of abdominal tissues as well as cell mutations when inhaled or consumed. Over time, this can cause tumors to form mesothelioma in the peritoneum.
Manufacturing or construction work is often the first place where asbestos exposure begins. These industries could use materials that contain asbestos, such as insulation and fireproofing. Asbestos may also be found in household products like flooring and roof tiles. Even low levels of asbestos exposure can cause a person to be at risk of mesothelioma. Because of the long latency period of the disease patients may be diagnosed with peritoneal msothelioma for a long time after their first exposure.
Peritoneal mesothelioma symptoms may appear similar to other conditions and can be mistaken for a hernia, digestive issues such as Crohn's disease or colitis, or other types of abdominal cancer. Many patients do not declare their asbestos exposure and don't seek medical attention. A biopsy may be recommended by a specialist to confirm the diagnosis of mesothelioma. A biopsy involves removing just a small portion of affected tissue to test. This test will reveal if the mesothelioma is epithelioid (epidermoid) or Sarcomatoid (sarcomatoid) or biphasic.
If mesothelioma has reached an early stage, doctors can remove all the tumors and offer the best treatment. The doctor can also determine if the cancer has spread to the abdomen. They can then prescribe palliative care for the patient, such as paracentesis that drains abdominal fluid.
When a mesothelioma is advanced and the prognosis is less favorable, it becomes more difficult to treat. This is because the cancer can become resistant to certain treatments and may develop a recurrence. The doctor might recommend a combination of chemotherapy and surgery. Options for surgery include cytoreduction and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemo. This combination is more likely to improve a patient's prognosis than chemotherapy on its own.