Peritoneal Mesothelioma Asbestos Symptoms
Peritoneal mesothelioma asbestos symptoms often affect the digestive system. This is because asbestos fibers are ingested and become embedded in the lining of the stomach and peritoneum.
As time passes, these fibers result in mutations to the healthy peritoneal cells. Cancerous tumors grow in the peritoneum as a result.
The diagnosis of mesothelioma can be difficult. Early signs may be confused with symptoms of other conditions like hernias or irritable Bowel Syndrome.
Signs and symptoms
When asbestos fibers are inhaled, they can be absorbed into the lungs and circulate throughout the body. They can then become stuck in the lining of the abdomen or other organs, creating inflammation and irritation that can lead to tumor growth. This process can take years to develop and many victims are unaware of their asbestos exposure until too late.
Asbestos fibers can become trapped in the tissue that lines the abdominal cavity, or other organs, which can cause malignant peritoneal melanomas. It is the second most common mesothelioma type. However it can be difficult for doctors to diagnose as early symptoms are nonspecific. They may also be similar to gastrointestinal conditions. Patients suffering from peritoneal cancer typically experience fatigue, stomach pain and gastrointestinal problems.
After a physical exam, a review of medical history and a series laboratory tests, mesothelioma patients are diagnosed with peritoneal cancer. A X-ray as well as a CT scan can assist doctors to identify any lumps or other signs of illness. In certain cases doctors who treat mesothelioma will also order a biopsied to make a more precise diagnosis.
Peritoneal Mesothelioma symptoms typically begin in the abdomen and can cause extreme abdominal discomfort, bloating, and weight loss. They may also cause nausea, vomiting, and other digestive issues. Other symptoms include chest pain, fatigue and swelling. It is important for victims to seek medical advice when they experience these symptoms, as they could be caused by something other than mesothelioma.
Despite the difficulty of diagnosing patients with peritoneal msothelioma, they can often be treated to prolong their lives. In the majority of cases, this is done through the use of surgery and chemotherapy that is heated.
Contact our mesothelioma attorneys to learn how we can assist you if you or a loved one has been diagnosed with peritoneal msothelioma. We can help you find a mesothelioma expert near you who can help you file an asbestos lawsuit against asbestos-related 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 assist you to get the best possible outcome working with top mesothelioma attorneys.
Diagnosis
The first step in diagnosing mesothelioma peritoneal is to obtain an complete medical history. Doctors will inquire with the patient about their asbestos exposure and when it happened. They also conduct a physical exam. X-rays, blood tests and CT scans are typically used in the initial work-up.
Due to the lengthy time of latency, peritoneal cancer can be difficult to diagnose. Patients may be afflicted by symptoms like nausea, abdominal pain and fever that are similar to those of other conditions. These nonspecific symptoms may cause confusion for doctors. Mesothelioma is a rare form of cancer that can take years to show symptoms following exposure to asbestos, is a rare condition.
Asbestos fibers inhaled or consumed move to the stomach lining called the peritoneum. Once inside the peritoneum the asbestos fibers are sharp and irritate the mesothelium. As time passes this irritation can cause inflammation and scar tissue formation. This leads to abnormal cell proliferation and tumors.
There are no FDA-approved screenings for peritoneal mesothelioma, however, researchers are finding ways to detect the disease in its early stages. Staging mesothelioma is important as it determines treatment options.
A mesothelioma attorney doctor can perform a paracentesis procedure or percutaneous needle biopsy to collect mesothelioma tumours for laboratory testing. These tests can help identify the type of cancer cells (epithelioid biphasic, sarcomatoid, or epithelioid) within the tumor and help doctors determine a treatment strategy.
Specialists in mesothelioma also determine the stage of a patient. Staging determines which treatments might be most effective and helps mesothelioma lawyers know which asbestos-related companies to sue in mesothelioma lawsuits.
If a mesothelioma specialist analyzes the results from the biopsy and creates a pathology record that includes information about the mesothelioma type. The report could also include the staging system which outlines how far the cancer has spread throughout the body. The more advanced the stage of cancer the less likely a patient will respond to treatment. Lawyers can explain the implications of this to specific clients.
Treatment
Asbestos fibers can be breathed in or ingested and become embedded in the tissues lining the abdomen and other organs. These fibers can cause irritation to cells and cause DNA damage. This causes the formation of tumors. The majority of the time, peritoneal cancer develops in the lining that surrounds the abdomen. Peritoneal Mesothelioma affects more women than pleural Mesothelioma, but is less common.
The symptoms of peritoneal cancer are similar to those that are associated with gastrointestinal disorders such as Crohn's and irritable bowel disease, making it hard for doctors to recognize. Initial symptoms may be misinterpreted as other conditions, and may persist for a long time, or even years before mesothelioma diagnosis is made.
In addition to an extensive medical history, a physician will conduct tests for imaging and bloodwork to rule out other diseases and conditions that could cause the same symptoms as mesothelioma. These tests can also be used to determine the most suitable treatment options.
A biopsy is performed by a doctor to confirm the diagnosis. This is because peritoneal msothelioma occurs in the abdominal liner. A biopsy is the process of removing small amounts of tissue from the affected area to be examined by pathologists. Biopsies may reveal cancerous cells as well as identify the type of mesothelioma.
If a diagnosis of peritoneal mesothelioma is confirmed doctors will discuss treatment options with the patient. Generally, the goal of the treatment plan is to minimize the size and quantity of tumors. Surgery is typically the first line of defense however, patients must also consider the possibility of immunotherapy and chemotherapy.
Contrary to the chest-based treatment for pleural mesothelioma which is administered through the lungs peritoneal Mesothelioma treatment is injected intravenously or orally. Injections of chemotherapies, like heated intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) have been able to extend survival for many patients. HIPEC is a technique that was developed by mesothelioma pioneer Paul Sugarbaker.
Individuals diagnosed with peritoneal mesothelioma may be eligible to bring an asbestos lawsuit against negligent companies. An experienced mesothelioma lawyer can review a patient's case and suggest legal options. Contact us today to start. It's completely free, confidential and there is no commitment. We offer nationwide representation.
Prognosis
mesothelioma lawsuit (http://www.gtcm.info/home.Php?mod=space&uid=825668) is a rare cancer. Because doctors have limited experience with the disease, many patients are misdiagnosed with other illnesses. A mesothelioma specialist can assist patients identify the cause and ensure they receive the proper treatment.
Asbestos exposure is the sole known cause of peritoneal mesthelioma. Asbestos fibers can cause irritation to the abdominal tissues and cell mutations when consumed or inhaled. Over time, this can cause tumors to form mesothelioma in the peritoneum.
The exposure to asbestos typically is a result of working in manufacturing or construction. These industries may utilize asbestos-containing materials, such as fireproofing and insulation. Asbestos may also be found in household products like roofing tiles and flooring. Even low levels of exposure put a person at risk of developing mesothelioma. Due to the long time of latency patients may be diagnosed with peritoneal msothelioma for a long time after their initial exposure.
Peritoneal Mesothelioma can mimic other diseases. It is often mistaken for hernias, digestive problems like Crohn's or colitis, and other types of abdominal cancer. Many patients do not disclose their asbestos exposure, and do not seek medical care. If mesothelioma is found doctors may recommend the procedure of a biopsy to make an precise diagnosis. A biopsy involves the removal of a small piece of tissue to be tested. This test can determine whether the mesothelioma is epithelioid (epidermoid) or sarcomatoid (sarcomatoid) or biphasic.
If mesothelioma isn't spreading, doctors can remove the tumors. They will also provide an option for curative treatment. The specialist can also determine whether the cancer has spread inside the abdomen. They can then prescribe palliative treatments for the patient. For instance paracentesis, which is a procedure to drain fluid from the abdomen.
The odds of survival are worse when a mesothelioma has progressed. The cancers can become resistant to treatment and recur. The doctor might recommend a combination of chemotherapy and surgery. Options for surgery include cytoreduction and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy. This combination is more likely to improve a patient's outlook than chemotherapy alone.