Peritoneal Mesothelioma Asbestos Symptoms
Peritoneal mesothelioma asbestos symptoms typically affect the digestive system. This is because asbestos fibers are ingested, and become embedded in the lining of the stomach, known as the peritoneum.
As time passes, these fibers cause changes in healthy peritoneal cells. In the end, cancerous tumors form in the peritoneum.
The diagnosis of mesothelioma may be a bit difficult. Early signs can be confused with symptoms of other conditions like hernias or irritable Bowel Syndrome.
Signs and symptoms
When asbestos fibers are inhaled, they can pass into the lungs and travel throughout the body. The fibers then become trapped in the linings of the abdomen and other organs. This can cause inflammation and irritation, which leads to tumor development. This process can take years to develop and many victims are unaware of their asbestos exposure until too late.
Malignant peritoneal mesothelioma occurs when asbestos fibers become trapped in the tissues that line the abdominal cavity and other organs. It is the second-most common mesothelioma. However it is often difficult for doctors to diagnose since the first symptoms aren't specific. They can also be similar to gastrointestinal disorders. Patients with peritoneal mesothelioma frequently suffer from stomach pain, fatigue and digestive issues.
Mesothelioma victims are typically diagnosed with peritoneal cancer after conducting a physical examination and a medical history review and several laboratory tests. A CT scan and an X-ray may help doctors identify lumps or any other signs of disease. In some cases doctors who treat mesothelioma may also request a biopsy to obtain a more precise diagnosis.
Peritoneal Mesothelioma symptoms typically begin in the abdomen and may cause severe abdominal discomfort, bloating and weight loss. They can also trigger nausea and vomiting as well as other digestive issues. Other symptoms include chest pain, fatigue and swelling. It is essential for patients to seek a medical diagnosis when they have these symptoms, as they could be caused by something other than mesothelioma.
Despite the difficulties of diagnosing peritoneal cancer, patients are often able to receive the right treatment to prolong their lives. In most cases, this involves surgery and heated chemotherapy.
If you or a loved one have been diagnosed with peritoneal cancer, contact our mesothelioma attorneys (enquiry) to find out what we can do to help. We can connect you with mesothelioma specialists near you, who can assist you in bringing a lawsuit against the asbestos 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 help you get the best possible outcome by working with top mesothelioma attorneys.
Diagnosis
The first step in identifying peritoneal mesothelioma is to get an complete medical history. Doctors will ask patients about their asbestos exposure and the date it occurred. They will also conduct a physical exam. Initial examinations typically include blood tests and X-rays, as well as CT scans.
Because of the long time of latency, peritoneal cancer is often difficult to identify. Patients may experience symptoms such as abdominal pain, fever and nausea that resemble other conditions. These non-specific symptoms can confuse doctors. Mesothelioma is a rare type of cancer that can take years for symptoms to appear after exposure to asbestos.
Asbestos fibers inhaled or consumed travel to the stomach lining called the peritoneum. Asbestos fibers that are sharp irritate mesothelium once they reach the peritoneum. This irritation causes scar tissue and inflammation over time. This leads to abnormal cell proliferation and tumors.
There are no FDA-approved screening tests for peritoneal mesothelioma but researchers are working on developing ways to identify the disease in its earliest stages. The stage of mesothelioma determines the treatment options.
A mesothelioma doctor can conduct a paracentesis or percutaneous needle biopsy to collect a sample of mesothelioma tumours for laboratory testing. These tests can help identify the kind of cancer cells (epithelioid, sarcomatoid or biphasic) within the tumor and help doctors come up with a treatment plan.
Mesothelioma specialists can also determine a patient's stage of mesothelioma. The staging process determines which treatments will be the most effective and help mesothelioma lawyers know which asbestos companies to hold liable in mesothelioma lawsuits.
When a mesothelioma specialist analyzes the results of a biopsy they produce a pathology report that includes details on the type of mesothelioma. The report may also include an assessment system that outlines how the cancer has spread throughout the body. The more advanced the stage of cancer is, the less likely the patient will respond to treatment. Lawyers can explain the implications of this to a particular client's case.
Treatment
Asbestos fibers are inhaled or eaten and then absorbed in the tissue lining the abdomen and other organs. The fibers cause irritation to cells and cause DNA damage. This can lead to the development of tumors. Typically, peritoneal mesothelioma forms in the abdomen's lining called the peritoneum. Peritoneal Mesothelioma is more prevalent in women than pleural Mesothelioma, but is less common.
The symptoms of peritoneal cancer are similar to those seen with digestive disorders like Crohn's and irritable bowel disease which makes it difficult for doctors to recognize. In the beginning, symptoms can be mistaken as normal ailments, and can last for months or years before a patient is given a mesothelioma diagnosis.
A doctor will also conduct tests on blood and imaging to rule out other conditions or diseases that could cause the same symptoms as mesothelioma. These tests will help to determine the best treatment options.
A biopsy is carried out by a physician to confirm the diagnosis. This is because peritoneal msothelioma occurs in the abdominal liner. A biopsy is the process of removing small samples of the affected area for examination by pathologists. Biopsies can identify cancerous cells, and can determine the type of Mesothelioma.
When a peritoneal Msothelioma diagnosis is confirmed, doctors will discuss the treatment options with patients. Generally, the goal of a treatment plan is to minimize the size and amount 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 which are administered through the lung, peritoneal mesothelioma treatments are administered either intravenously or orally. Injections of chemotherapy like heated intraperitoneal therapy (HIPEC), helped extend the survival of many patients. HIPEC was invented by mesothelioma expert Paul Sugarbaker.
Individuals diagnosed with peritoneal mesothelioma may qualify to bring a lawsuit against negligent asbestos companies. An experienced mesothelioma lawyer will review the case of a patient and suggest legal options. Contact us today to start. It's no cost, it's confidential and there is no obligation. We provide nationwide representation.
Prognosis
Mesothelioma is a rare type of cancer. Doctors aren't familiar with it, and many patients are misdiagnosed as having other illnesses. A mesothelioma expert can assist patients to diagnose the disease and ensure they receive appropriate treatment.
Asbestos exposure is only the one known cause of peritoneal cancer. Asbestos fibers can cause irritation to the abdominal tissues and cell mutations when consumed or inhaled. This can lead to tumors that 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 asbestos-containing materials, such as fireproofing and insulation. Asbestos is also present in household products, such as flooring and roof tiles. Even small amounts of exposure to asbestos can put a person in danger of developing mesothelioma. Because mesothelioma is a chronic disease with a long latency period, victims can sometimes be diagnosed with peritoneal mesothelioma years after the initial exposure.
Peritoneal mesothelioma symptoms could be similar to those of other conditions and be mistaken for hernias, digestive issues such as colitis or Crohn's disease or other types of abdominal cancer. Many patients don't disclose their asbestos exposure, and do not seek medical attention. If mesothelioma is found doctors may recommend a biopsy for a more accurate diagnosis. A biopsy involves removing a small portion of the affected tissue to test. This procedure can reveal the stage of mesothelioma as well as whether it is epithelioid biphasic, or sarcomatoid.
If mesothelioma lawyers has not spread, doctors can remove the tumors. They will also provide an option for curative treatment. The doctor will also be able to determine if the cancer has expanded to the abdomen. They can then prescribe palliative care for the patient, such as paracentesis, which drains the abdominal fluid.
If a mesothelioma lawsuit has advanced the chances of survival are less. This is because the tumors can become resistant to certain treatments, and they may be recurred. The doctor may suggest an amalgamation of chemotherapy and surgery. Surgery options include cytoreduction combined with hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy. This combination is more likely than chemotherapy by itself to improve the prognosis for patients.