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 consumed and then absorbed in the lining of the stomach, known as the peritoneum.
Over time these fibers can cause changes in healthy peritoneal cells. As a result, cancerous tumors form in the peritoneum.
Mesothelioma is a difficult condition to diagnose. The early signs can resemble symptoms of other conditions, like hernia or irritable bowel syndrome.
Signs and symptoms
Asbestos fibers can move through the body when inhaled. They can then get stuck in the lining of the abdomen or other organs, causing inflammation and irritation that can lead to the growth of tumors. The process can take years to develop, and most sufferers are unaware that they have asbestos exposure until it is too late.
Malignant peritoneal mesothelioma is a condition that occurs asbestos fibers become trapped in the tissues that line the abdominal cavity as well as other organs. It is the second most common mesothelioma. However, it can be difficult to identify because the initial symptoms aren't specific and are similar to those of gastrointestinal diseases. Patients with peritoneal cancer often suffer from stomach pain, fatigue and gastrointestinal issues.
After a physical exam followed by reviewing 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 detect any lumps or indications of illness. In certain cases mesothelioma attorney patients, doctors will also require a biopsy to obtain a more precise diagnosis.
Peritoneal Mesothelioma symptoms usually start in the abdomen and may cause extreme abdominal discomfort, bloating and weight loss. They may also cause nausea and vomiting as well as other digestive issues. Symptoms may 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 in diagnosing peritoneal cancer, patients are often able to receive the right treatment to extend their lives. In most cases, treatment involves surgery and heated chemo.
Contact our mesothelioma attorneys to learn more about how we can help you if someone in your family has been diagnosed with peritoneal msothelioma. We can help you locate a mesothelioma expert near you who can help you file an asbestos lawsuit against asbestos-related companies that are responsible for your exposure. We can also help ensure that you receive the financial settlement you're entitled to. Start the process by filling out our free online form. We have a strong relationship with mesothelioma lawyers to assist you in obtaining the most favorable possible outcome.
Diagnosis
The first step in diagnosing mesothelioma of the peritoneal region is to collect an complete medical history. Doctors will ask about the person's exposure asbestos and the time it occurred. They also conduct a physical exam. X-rays, blood tests and CT scans are often used in the initial work-up.
Peritoneal mesothelioma is difficult to identify due to its lengthy latency period. Patients may be afflicted by symptoms like nausea, abdominal pain, and fever that are similar to other illnesses. These nonspecific symptoms may cause confusion for doctors. Mesothelioma, a rare cancer that can take years to show symptoms after asbestos exposure, is a rare illness.
Inhaled or ingested asbestos fibers move to the stomach lining, called the peritoneum. Asbestos fibers that are sharp can irritate mesothelium once they reach the peritoneum. This irritation can cause scar tissue and inflammation over time. This leads to abnormal cell growth and tumors.
There are no FDA-approved screening tests for mesothelioma of the peritoneum, however, researchers are developing ways to identify the disease in its early stages. The importance of identifying mesothelioma early is that it determines treatment options.
A mesothelioma expert can conduct a paracentesis or percutaneous needle biopsy to take a sample of mesothelioma tumours for laboratory testing. These tests can reveal the kind of cancer cells (epithelioid, sarcomatoid or biphasic) within the tumor and aid doctors determine an appropriate treatment strategy.
Specialists in mesothelioma can also determine the stage of a patient. The staging process determines which treatments will be the most effective and help mesothelioma attorneys know which asbestos-related companies to sue in mesothelioma lawsuits (click homepage).
When a mesothelioma doctor analyzes the results of a biopsy, they produce a pathology report that includes details on the type of mesothelioma. The report may also include the staging scale, which indicates how the cancer has spread across the body. The higher the stage the more likely it is to respond to treatment. Lawyers can explain what this means in a client's situation.
Treatment
Asbestos fibers can be breathed in or consumed and are absorbed in the tissue lining the abdomen and other organs. They damage DNA and cause irritation to cells. This can lead to the development of tumors. Typically, peritoneal mesothelioma develops in the abdomen's lining called the peritoneum. Peritoneal mesothelioma occurs less frequently than pleural mesothelioma. It usually affects women more.
The symptoms of peritoneal mesothelioma are similar to symptoms of gastrointestinal disorders like irritable bowel disorder and Crohn's disease, which makes it difficult for doctors to diagnose the condition. Early symptoms can be mistaken for other ailments and can last for a long time, or even years before mesothelioma is identified.
In addition to a thorough medical history, a doctor will conduct imaging and blood tests to rule out other diseases and conditions that could cause the same symptoms as mesothelioma. These tests can be used to determine the most effective treatment options.
A biopsy is performed by a doctor to confirm the diagnosis. This is due to the fact that peritoneal msothelioma can in the abdominal lining. A biopsy is the removal of small amounts of tissue from the affected area to be examined by pathologists. Biopsies can reveal cancerous cells, and identify the type of Mesothelioma.
After a peritoneal msothelioma is confirmed, doctors will discuss the treatment options with patients. The goal of the treatment plan is to decrease the size and quantity of tumors. Surgery is often the first option, however patients may also consider chemotherapy and immunotherapy.
Contrary to chest-based treatment for pleural mesothelioma that is administered via the lungs, peritoneal Mesothelioma treatment is injected either intravenously or orally. The injections of chemotherapy such as heated intraperitoneal therapy (HIPEC) have helped prolong survival for many patients. HIPEC was developed by mesothelioma expert Paul Sugarbaker.
Patients diagnosed with peritoneal mesothelioma lawsuit 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 now to begin. Contact us today. It's completely free, confidential, and there's no obligation. We provide nationwide representation.
Prognosis
Mesothelioma cancer is rare. Because doctors have limited experience in diagnosing patients, many are mistakenly diagnosed as having other illnesses. A mesothelioma expert can assist patients with the diagnosis and ensure that they receive the appropriate treatment.
The only known cause of mesothelioma of the peritoneal region is asbestos exposure. When asbestos fibers are breathed in or consumed, they may irritate the tissues of the abdomen and cause cells to mutate. In time, this may cause tumors to form a mesothelioma of the peritoneum.
Exposure to asbestos often is a result of work in construction or manufacturing. These industries may use products that contain asbestos, such as insulation and fireproofing. Asbestos can also be found in household products such as flooring and roof tiles. Even the smallest amounts of exposure put a person at risk for mesothelioma. Due to the long time of latency the victims could be diagnosed with peritoneal mesothelioma many decades after their first exposure.
Peritoneal mesothelioma symptoms could be similar to those of other diseases and could be mistaken for hernias, gastrointestinal issues like colitis or Crohn's disease or other types of abdominal cancer. Due to this, a lot of patients don't report their exposure to asbestos and they don't seek medical attention. Doctors may suggest a biopsy to confirm the diagnosis of mesothelioma. A biopsy involves removing only a small amount of affected tissue for testing. This procedure will reveal the stage of mesothelioma, and if it is epithelioid, biphasic, or sarcomatoid.
If mesothelioma has not spread it is possible to remove the tumors. They can also provide an effective treatment. The specialist can also determine whether the cancer has spread inside the abdomen. They can then prescribe palliative care for the patient. For instance, paracentesis to drain abdominal fluid.
The odds of survival are worse when mesothelioma is advanced. This is because the tumors may become resistant to certain treatments, and they may recur. The doctor may suggest an amalgamation of chemotherapy and surgery. Surgical options include cytoreduction surgery along with hyperthermic intraperitoneal therapy. This combination is more likely than chemotherapy on its own to improve the outlook of a patient.