Peritoneal Mesothelioma Asbestos Symptoms
Peritoneal mesothelioma asbestos symptoms often affect the digestive system. This is because asbestos fibers get consumed and are absorbed into the lining of the stomach, called the peritoneum.
As time passes these fibers can cause mutations in healthy peritoneal cells. In the end tumors that are cancerous develop in the peritoneum.
The diagnosis of mesothelioma may be a challenge. The early signs may be confused with other signs like hernias, or irritable Bowel Syndrome.
Signs and symptoms
Asbestos fibers may travel through the body when breathed. From there, they can get trapped in the lining of the abdomen or other organs, causing irritation and inflammation that leads to the growth of tumors. This process can take years to develop and many patients are unaware of their asbestos exposure until it is too late.
Asbestos fibers may get caught in the tissue that lines the abdominal cavity or other organs, which can cause malignant peritoneal melanomas. It is the second most frequent type of mesothelioma, but it can be difficult to recognize because the early symptoms aren't specific and are similar to those of digestive conditions. Patients suffering from peritoneal mesothelioma typically have stomach pain, fatigue and gastrointestinal issues.
After a physical exam, a review of medical history and a series of laboratory tests, mesothelioma patients are diagnosed with peritoneal cancer. A CT scan and X-ray may help doctors identify lumps, or other indications of disease. In certain cases mesothelioma lawsuits physicians may require a biopsy to get a more accurate diagnosis.
Peritoneal mesothelioma symptoms generally begin in the abdomen and can result in severe abdominal pain as well as bloating, weight loss, fluid buildup in the belly nausea, vomiting, and other digestive problems. Other symptoms include fatigue, chest pain and swelling. If these symptoms are present it is essential that patients seek medical attention as they could be triggered by other illnesses.
Despite the difficulty in diagnosing peritoneal msothelioma patients, they can often 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 find out how we can help you if you or someone in your family has been diagnosed with peritoneal mesothelioma. We can help you find a mesothelioma expert near you who can assist you in filing an asbestos lawsuit against asbestos-related companies responsible for your exposure. We can also assist you to get the financial compensation you are entitled to. Fill out our online form to start the process. We work with top mesothelioma lawyers to assist you in obtaining the best possible outcome.
Diagnosis
The first step to diagnose mesothelioma peritoneal is to obtain an complete medical history. Doctors will ask about the patient's exposure to asbestos and when it happened. They may 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 because of its long time of latency. Patients may experience symptoms such as abdominal nausea, fever and pain that may resemble other ailments. These nonspecific symptoms may confuse doctors. Mesothelioma is a rare cancer that can take years to show symptoms following exposure to asbestos is a rare illness.
Inhaling or ingestion of asbestos fibers travel into the stomach lining, known as the peritoneum. Once inside the peritoneum the asbestos fibers' sharp edges cause irritation to the mesothelium. As time passes, this irritation causes inflammation and scar tissue formation. In the end, this causes abnormal cell growth, and tumors can develop.
There are no FDA-approved screening tests for peritoneal mesothelioma however, researchers are developing ways to identify the disease in its earliest stages. The stage of mesothelioma will determine the treatment options.
A mesothelioma specialist can perform paracentesis (percutaneous needle biopsy) to take the specimen for lab testing. These tests will reveal if the cancer cells are epithelioid (epithelioid), the sarcomatoid (sarcomatoid) or biphasic within the tumor. This information helps doctors develop the treatment plan.
Specialists in mesothelioma are able to determine the stage of the patient. Staging determines which treatments might be most effective and also helps mesothelioma lawyers know which asbestos companies to pursue in mesothelioma lawsuits.
When a mesothelioma expert analyzes the results of a biopsy the doctor creates a pathology document which contains details about the type of mesothelioma. The report could also include the staging system which outlines how the cancer has spread throughout the body. The more advanced the stage, the less likely it is that it will respond to treatment. A lawyer can explain the implications of this to specific clients.
Treatment
Inhalation or swallowing asbestos fibers get encased in the tissues that line the abdomen and other organs. These fibers irritate the cells and damage DNA. Over time, this leads to the formation of tumors in the lining. The majority of the time, peritoneal mesothelioma is found 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 that are associated with digestive disorders like Crohn's disease and irritable colon disease which makes it difficult for doctors to recognize. Initial symptoms may be misinterpreted as a sign of other illnesses, and may persist for months or even years before mesothelioma is identified.
A doctor may also perform tests on blood and imaging to rule out other conditions or diseases that could cause mesothelioma-like symptoms. These tests can be used to determine the most suitable treatment options.
A biopsy is conducted by a physician to confirm the diagnosis. This is because peritoneal msothelioma occurs in the abdominal lining. A biopsy is the process of removing small amounts of tissue from the affected area to be examined by pathologists. Biopsies are able to reveal cancerous cells, and can identify the type of Mesothelioma.
After a peritoneal msothelioma is confirmed, doctors will discuss the treatment options with patients. The goal of any treatment plan is typically to reduce the size and the number of tumors. Surgery is usually the first line of defense, however, patients should also talk about the possibility of immunotherapy and chemotherapy.
Unlike the chest-based treatments for pleural mesothelioma attorneys that are administered through the lung, the peritoneal mesothelioma treatment are injected orally or intravenously. Chemotherapies that are injected, such as heated intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) have helped to extend survival for many patients. HIPEC was developed by mesothelioma expert Paul Sugarbaker.
Individuals suffering from peritoneal cancer could be able to sue negligent asbestos companies. A mesothelioma lawyer with experience can review a patient's case and recommend legal options. Contact us now to get started. Contact us now. It's free, confidential and there's no commitment. We provide nationwide representation.
Prognosis
Mesothelioma cancer is rare. The doctors have limited experience with it, and many patients are mistakenly diagnosed with other illnesses. A mesothelioma specialist can assist patients to diagnose the disease and ensure they receive proper treatment.
Asbestos exposure is the sole known cause of peritoneal mesothelioma. When asbestos fibers are breathed in or ingested, they could irritate abdominal tissues and cause cells to change. This can cause tumors to develop into mesothelioma in the peritoneum over time.
Construction or manufacturing work is usually the first area where asbestos exposure begins. These industries can utilize products that contain asbestos, for example, insulation and fireproofing. Asbestos may also be found in household items, such as roofing tiles and flooring. Even low levels of asbestos exposure can put someone at risk of mesothelioma. Because mesothelioma has a long time to develop, victims can sometimes be diagnosed with peritoneal mesothelioma years after the initial exposure.
Peritoneal mesothelioma symptoms may appear similar to other conditions and can be mistaken for hernias, digestive problems such as colitis or Crohn's disease, or other forms of abdominal cancer. A lot of patients do not report their asbestos exposure and don't seek medical attention. Specialists may recommend a biopsy to confirm the diagnosis of mesothelioma. A biopsy is the removal of the smallest piece of tissue that is examined. This procedure can reveal the stage of mesothelioma and if it is epithelioid, sarcomatoid or biphasic.
If mesothelioma has reached an early stage, doctors can remove all the tumors and provide the best treatment. The doctor will also be able to determine whether the cancer has expanded to the abdomen. They may then recommend palliative care for the patient. For instance paracentesis, which is a procedure to drain fluid from the abdomen.
If mesothelioma progresses the chances of survival are less. This is because the cancer may become resistant to certain treatments and may develop a recurrence. The specialist may 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.