Peritoneal Mesothelioma Asbestos Symptoms
The digestive system is often affected by the symptoms of mesothelioma of the peritoneal region. This is due to asbestos fibers being consumed and are absorbed into the stomach's lining known as the peritoneum.
As time passes, these fibers cause mutations to healthy peritoneal cells. As a result tumors that are cancerous develop in the peritoneum.
Mesothelioma is a difficult disease to recognize. The initial signs may resemble symptoms of other conditions, such as hernia or IBS.
Symptoms
Asbestos fibers can travel through the body when inhaled. The fibers then become trapped in the linings of the abdomen and other organs. This can cause inflammation and irritation, which can lead to the development of tumors. This process can take a long time to develop, and many victims are unaware that they are exposed to asbestos until it is too late.
Malignant peritoneal melanoma develops when asbestos fibers are trapped in the tissue that lines the abdominal cavity as well as other organs. It is the second most frequent type of mesothelioma, but it can be difficult to recognize because the early symptoms are nonspecific and similar to those of digestive conditions. Patients with peritoneal mesothelioma frequently suffer from stomach pain, fatigue and gastrointestinal issues.
After a physical exam, reviewing medical history, and a series of 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 disease. In certain instances mesothelioma patients, doctors will also require a biopsy to make a more precise diagnosis.
Peritoneal mesothelioma symptoms generally begin in the abdominal area and can lead to severe abdominal discomfort and weight loss, bloating, swelling of the belly nausea, vomiting, and other digestive issues. The symptoms can also include chest pain, swelling and fatigue. If symptoms like these occur it is crucial that victims seek medical attention because they could be caused by other ailments.
Despite the difficulties in diagnosing patients with peritoneal msothelioma, they can often be treated to prolong their lives. In most cases, treatment involves surgery and heated chemo.
If you or a loved one have been diagnosed with peritoneal mesothelioma, contact our mesothelioma lawyers to find out how we can help. We can help you find a mesothelioma expert near you who can help you file an asbestos lawsuit against the companies responsible for your exposure. We can also help you receive the financial settlement you're entitled to. You can begin this process by filling out our no-cost online form. We can assist you to get the best outcome possible by working with the best mesothelioma lawyers.
Diagnosis
The first step in diagnosing mesothelioma of the peritoneal region is to collect an exact medical history. Doctors will ask patients about their asbestos exposure and the date it happened. A physical examination will be performed. Initial tests typically include blood tests and X-rays, as well as CT scans.
Because of the long latency period, peritoneal mesothelioma is often difficult to identify. Patients may experience symptoms like abdominal pain, fever and nausea that may resemble other ailments. These symptoms that are not specific can confuse doctors. Mesothelioma is a rare cancer that can take years to manifest symptoms after asbestos exposure, is a rare disease.
Inhaling or eating asbestos fibers move into the stomach lining, known as the peritoneum. When they reach the peritoneum, the sharp asbestos fibers irritate the mesothelium. This irritation leads to 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 earliest stages. The stage of mesothelioma will determine the treatment options.
A mesothelioma doctor can conduct a paracentesis or percutaneous needle biopsy to take a sample of mesothelioma tumors to be tested in the lab. These tests can determine if the cancerous cells are epithelioid (epithelioid) or the sarcomatoid (sarcomatoid) or biphasic within the tumor. This information helps doctors develop an appropriate treatment plan.
Specialists in mesothelioma also determine the stage of a patient. The stage determines the most effective treatment and helps mesothelioma lawyers (original site) know which asbestos-related companies are responsible in mesothelioma lawsuits.
When a mesothelioma doctor analyzes the results of a biopsy they create an analysis report that contains specifics about the kind of mesothelioma attorneys. The report may also include a staging system that describes how the cancer has spread within the body. The more advanced the stage of cancer the less likely a patient is to respond to treatment. A lawyer can explain what this means for the client's case.
Treatment
Inhalation or swallowing asbestos fibers are embedded in the tissues that line 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 affects more 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 disease and irritable colon disease which makes it difficult for doctors to recognize. As a result, early symptoms can be mistaken for normal ailments and can persist for months or years before a patient is diagnosed with a mesothelioma diagnosis.
In addition to a thorough medical history, a doctor will conduct bloodwork and imaging tests to rule out other illnesses and conditions that could cause the same symptoms as mesothelioma. These tests will help to determine the best treatment options.
A biopsy is performed by a doctor to confirm the diagnosis. This is because peritoneal msothelioma occurs in the abdominal lining. A biopsy is the process of removing small portions of the affected area to be examined by pathologists. Biopsies are able to reveal cancerous cells and determine the type of Mesothelioma.
Once a peritoneal mesothelioma diagnosis has been established, doctors will discuss the options for treatment with the patient. The aim of any treatment plan is typically to reduce the size and quantity of tumors. Surgery is typically the first line of defense, however, patients should also talk about the possibility of chemotherapy and immunotherapy.
Contrary to chest-based treatments for pleural mesothelioma which are administered through the lung, the peritoneal mesothelioma treatment are administered intravenously or orally. Chemotherapy injections like heated intraperitoneal therapy (HIPEC) has helped prolong the survival of many patients. HIPEC is a method that was invented by mesothelioma pioneer Paul Sugarbaker.
Individuals with peritoneal asbestosis could be able to bring a lawsuit against negligent asbestos companies. A mesothelioma lawyer can evaluate the case of a patient and recommend legal options. Contact us today to start. It's completely absolutely free, and confidential, and there is no commitment. We provide nationwide representation.
Prognosis
Mesothelioma cancer is rare. The doctors have limited experience with it, so many patients are wrongly diagnosed as having other diseases. Fortunately, a mesothelioma specialist can assist in the diagnostic process and provide patients with the appropriate treatment.
The only known cause of mesothelioma of the peritoneal region is asbestos exposure. Asbestos fibers can cause irritation of the abdominal tissues and cell mutations when consumed or inhaled. This can lead to tumors that develop mesothelioma within the peritoneum in time.
The exposure to asbestos typically starts with working in manufacturing or construction. These industries could employ products that contain asbestos, like insulation and fireproofing. Asbestos is also found in household items, such as roofing tiles and flooring. Even low levels of exposure to asbestos can put someone at risk of developing mesothelioma. Because the disease has an extended latency period it is possible for patients to be diagnosed with peritoneal cancer decades after their initial exposure.
Peritoneal Mesothelioma can mimic other conditions. It is often mistaken for hernias, digestive problems like Crohn's or colitis, and other types of abdominal cancers. Because of this, many patients do not report their exposure to asbestos and they don't seek medical care. If mesothelioma lawsuit is found doctors may recommend an examination for a more accurate diagnosis. A biopsy involves the removal of only a small amount of affected tissue for testing. This procedure can reveal if the mesothelioma is epithelioid (epidermoid), sarcomatoid (sarcomatoid) or biphasic.
If the mesothelioma is at an early stage doctors can remove all the tumors and offer an effective treatment. The specialist can also determine whether the cancer has spread to the abdomen. They will then recommend palliative treatments for the patient. For example, paracentesis to drain abdominal fluid.
If mesothelioma progresses, the prognosis becomes poorer. This is because the cancer are able to become resistant to certain treatments and can develop a recurrence. The doctor may recommend a combination of surgery and chemotherapy. Surgery options include cytoreduction with hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy. This combination is more likely to improve a patient's prognosis than chemotherapy alone.