Peritoneal Mesothelioma Asbestos Symptoms
Peritoneal mesothelioma asbestos signs typically affect the digestive system. This is due to asbestos fibers being ingested and become embedded in the lining of the stomach known as the peritoneum.
In time the fibers cause changes in healthy peritoneal cells. Cancerous tumors develop in the peritoneum as a result.
Mesothelioma is a difficult condition to diagnose. The initial signs may resemble symptoms of other conditions like hernia or IBS.
Symptoms
Asbestos fibers may travel through the body after inhalation. From there, they can get 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 many patients are unaware of their asbestos exposure until it's too late.
Malignant peritoneal mesothelioma is a condition that occurs asbestos fibers become trapped in the tissues that line the abdominal cavity and other organs. It is the second most prevalent type of mesothelioma lawsuit, but it can be difficult to recognize because the early symptoms are not specific and similar to those of gastrointestinal conditions. Patients with peritoneal mesothelioma often experience stomach pain, fatigue and digestive issues.
After a physical examination and reviewing medical history, and a series of tests in the laboratory, mesothelioma patients are diagnosed with peritoneal cancer. A CT scan and an X-ray can aid in identifying lumps or other signs of illness. In some instances mesothelioma physicians may require a biopsy to get a more accurate diagnosis.
Peritoneal Mesothelioma symptoms typically begin in the abdomen and may cause extreme abdominal discomfort, bloating, and weight loss. They can also trigger nausea, vomiting, and other digestive issues. Other symptoms include chest pain, swelling and fatigue. It is essential for patients to seek medical attention when they have these symptoms because they could be caused by something other than mesothelioma.
Despite the difficulties of diagnosing peritoneal mesothelioma, patients typically receive the appropriate treatment to extend their lives. In the majority of cases, treatment is surgery and chemo that is heated.
If you or someone you love have been diagnosed with peritoneal mesothelioma, call our mesothelioma attorneys to learn more about how we can help. We can assist you in finding an expert in mesothelioma 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. Complete our online form to start the process. We can assist you in obtaining the best outcome possible by working with the top mesothelioma lawyers.
Diagnosis
The first step in diagnosing mesothelioma of the peritoneal region is to collect an accurate medical history. Doctors will inquire about the patient's exposure to asbestos and when it occurred. A physical exam 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 long latency period. Patients may experience symptoms such as nausea, abdominal pain and fever that are similar to other illnesses. These symptoms that are not specific can confuse doctors. Mesothelioma, a rare cancer that can take years to show symptoms following exposure to asbestos is a rare illness.
Asbestos fibers inhaled, or consumed move into the stomach lining known as the peritoneum. Asbestos fibers are sharp and irritate mesothelium when they reach the peritoneum. 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, but researchers are working on developing ways to identify the disease's early stages. The stage of mesothelioma will determine the treatment options.
A mesothelioma doctor can perform a paracentesis procedure or percutaneous needle biopsy to take a sample of mesothelioma tumors to be tested in the lab. These tests can reveal whether the cancer cells are epithelioid (epithelioid), sarcomatoid (sarcomatoid) or biphasic within the tumor. This information can help doctors create the treatment plan.
Specialists in mesothelioma can also determine the stage of the patient. It determines which treatment options will be most effective and also helps mesothelioma lawyers determine which asbestos companies to hold liable in mesothelioma lawsuits.
When a mesothelioma expert analyzes the results from an examination the doctor creates a pathology record that includes information about the type of mesothelioma. The report could also include the staging system which outlines how far the cancer has spread within the body. The more advanced the stage of cancer is, the less likely the patient is to respond to treatment. Lawyers can explain the implications of this to specific clients.
Treatment
When swallowed or inhaled asbestos fibers get encased in the tissues that line the abdomen and other organs. The fibers harm DNA and irritate cells. This leads to the development of tumors. Typically, peritoneal mesothelioma develops in the abdomen's lining called the peritoneum. Peritoneal Mesothelioma has a greater impact on women than pleural mesothelioma however, it is less prevalent.
The symptoms of peritoneal cancer are similar to those associated with gastrointestinal disorders such as Crohn's and irritable bowel disease which makes it difficult for doctors to diagnose. Early symptoms can be mistaken for other ailments, and may persist for months or even years before a mesothelioma diagnosis is made.
A doctor may also perform tests on blood and imaging to rule out other conditions or diseases that may cause the same symptoms as mesothelioma. These tests will aid in determining the best treatment options.
Because peritoneal mesothelioma develops in the abdominal lining, a doctor will perform a biopsy to confirm a diagnosis. A biopsy involves removing small portions of the affected area to be examined by pathologists. Biopsies can detect cancerous cells as well as identify the mesothelioma type.
If a peritoneal msothelioma has been confirmed, doctors will discuss the treatment options with patients. The purpose of any treatment plan is generally to reduce the size and number of tumors. Surgery is typically the first line of defense but patients should also discuss the possibility of chemotherapy and immunotherapy.
In contrast to chest-based therapies for pleural mesothelioma, which are administered through the lungs, peritoneal mesothelioma treatments are administered either intravenously or orally. Injections of chemotherapies, like heated intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC), have helped to prolong the life of many patients. HIPEC was invented by mesothelioma expert Paul Sugarbaker.
Individuals diagnosed with peritoneal mesothelioma could be able to file a lawsuit against negligent asbestos companies. A mesothelioma lawyer can evaluate the case of a patient and suggest legal options. Contact us today to get started. It is free, confidential and there is no commitment. We provide nationwide representation.
Prognosis
Mesothelioma cancer is extremely rare. Because doctors aren't experienced with the disease, many patients are misdiagnosed with other illnesses. Fortunately, a mesothelioma specialist can aid in the diagnosis process and provide patients with the appropriate treatment.
The only known cause of peritoneal mesothelioma is asbestos exposure. When asbestos fibers are inhaled or consumed, they may cause irritation to abdominal tissues and cause cells to change. This can cause tumors to develop mesothelioma within the peritoneum over time.
The exposure to asbestos usually starts with jobs in manufacturing or construction. These industries can use products that contain asbestos, like insulation and fireproofing. Asbestos can also be found in household products such as flooring and roof tiles. Even low levels of asbestos exposure can put someone at risk of mesothelioma. Because the disease has a long latency period, victims can sometimes be diagnosed with peritoneal mesothelioma years after the initial exposure.
Peritoneal mesothelioma symptoms could appear similar to other conditions and can be mistaken for a hernia digestive issues such as Crohn's disease or colitis, or other forms of abdominal cancer. A lot of patients do not disclose their asbestos exposure, and don't seek medical attention. If mesothelioma is found, the specialists may recommend the procedure of a biopsy to make an precise diagnosis. A biopsy is the removal of a small piece of tissue to be tested. This procedure can help determine the stage of mesothelioma and whether it is epithelioid sarcomatoid or biphasic.
If the mesothelioma is in an early stage doctors can remove all the tumors and provide the best treatment. The specialist can also determine if the cancer has spread within the abdomen. They may then recommend palliative treatment 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 advanced. This is because the cancer may become resistant to certain treatments and can develop a recurrence. The doctor may recommend a combination of chemotherapy and surgery. Options for surgery include cytoreduction and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemo. This combination is more likely than chemotherapy on its own to improve the prognosis of a patient.