Peritoneal Mesothelioma Asbestos Symptoms
The digestive system is commonly affected by the symptoms of mesothelioma peritoneal. This is due to asbestos fibers being consumed and are absorbed into the stomach's lining, called the peritoneum.
As time passes, these fibers cause mutations to healthy peritoneal cells. Tumors that are cancerous develop in the peritoneum as a result.
The diagnosis of mesothelioma can be a bit difficult. Early signs can be confused with other symptoms such as hernias or irritable Bowel syndrome.
Symptoms
Asbestos fibers may travel through the body after inhalation. From there, they may get trapped in the lining of the abdomen or other organs, creating inflammation and irritation that eventually leads to the growth of tumors. The process can take years to develop, and most victims are unaware that they are exposed to asbestos until it is too late.
Asbestos fibers can get trapped in the tissues that line the abdominal cavity or other organs, leading to malignant peritoneal melanoma. It is the second most common form of mesothelioma. However it is often difficult for doctors to recognize because the early symptoms are not specific. They can also be similar to gastrointestinal disorders. Patients suffering from peritoneal cancer typically suffer from stomach pain, fatigue and gastrointestinal issues.
Mesothelioma sufferers are usually diagnosed with peritoneal cancer after conducting a physical examination, a medical history review and an array of tests performed by a laboratory. A X-ray as well as a CT scan can assist doctors to detect any lumps or symptoms of disease. In certain instances, doctors who treat mesothelioma will also require a biopsy to get a more accurate diagnosis.
Peritoneal Mesothelioma symptoms typically begin in the abdomen. They can 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, swelling and fatigue. It is essential for patients to seek medical attention when they experience 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 extend their lives. In most cases, this involves the use of surgery and chemotherapy that is heated.
Contact our mesothelioma attorneys to learn how we can assist you if you or a family member has been diagnosed with peritoneal mesothelioma. We can connect you to a Mesothelioma lawsuit specialist near you who can assist you in bringing a suit against the asbestos-related companies responsible for your exposure. We can also help you receive the financial compensation you deserve. Fill out our online form to begin the process. We partner with the top mesothelioma lawyers to help you secure the best possible outcome.
Diagnosis
The first step in diagnosing mesothelioma peritoneal is to obtain an exact medical history. Doctors will inquire with the patient about their asbestos exposure and when it occurred. A physical examination will be performed. Initial examinations typically include blood tests and X-rays and CT scans.
Peritoneal mesothelioma lawsuit is a difficult cancer to diagnose due to its long period of latency. Patients might experience symptoms such as nausea, abdominal pain and fever that are similar to other illnesses. These symptoms that are not specific could confuse doctors. Mesothelioma is a rare type of cancer and it can take decades before symptoms show up after asbestos exposure.
Asbestos fibers that are inhaled or consumed travel into the stomach lining known as the peritoneum. Once inside the peritoneum the asbestos fibers are sharp and cause irritation to the mesothelium. Over time this irritation can cause inflammation and scar tissue growth. Then, it leads to abnormal cell growth, and tumors can develop.
Researchers are working to develop ways to detect the disease in its earliest stages. The importance of identifying mesothelioma early is that it will determine the treatment options.
A mesothelioma specialist can conduct a paracentesis or percutaneous needle biopsy to collect a sample of mesothelioma tumors for lab testing. These tests will reveal if the cancer cells are epithelioid (epithelioid) or sarcomatoid (sarcomatoid) or biphasic within the tumor. This information can help doctors develop a treatment plan.
Specialists in mesothelioma also determine the stage of a patient. It determines which treatment options will be most effective and helps mesothelioma lawyer attorneys know which asbestos-related companies to sue in mesothelioma lawsuits.
When a mesothelioma specialist analyzes the results of a biopsy they produce a pathology report that includes specifics about the kind of mesothelioma. The report could also include the staging system which outlines how far the cancer has spread in the body. The more advanced the stage is, the less likely it will respond to treatment. A lawyer can explain the significance of this for the client's case.
Treatment
Inhalation or swallowing, asbestos fibers become embedded in the tissues that line the abdomen and other organs. These fibers damage DNA and can cause irritation to cells. In time, this can lead to the development of tumors in the lining. The majority of the time, peritoneal cancer develops in the lining that surrounds the abdomen. Peritoneal mesothelioma is rarer than pleural mesothelioma, and typically affects women more.
Symptoms of peritoneal mesothelioma are similar to those of gastrointestinal diseases such as irritable bowel syndrome and Crohn's disease, making it difficult for doctors to recognize the condition. Early symptoms can be misinterpreted as other conditions and can last for a long time, or even years before a mesothelioma is identified.
In addition to a thorough medical history, a doctor will perform bloodwork and imaging tests to rule out other illnesses and conditions that could cause the same symptoms as mesothelioma. These tests can be used to determine the most suitable treatment options.
Since peritoneal mesothelioma is a cancer that develops the abdominal lining A doctor will conduct an examination to confirm the diagnosis. A biopsy is the process of removing small portions of the affected area to be examined by pathologists. Biopsies can detect cancerous cells and determine the mesothelioma type.
After a peritoneal msothelioma is confirmed, doctors will discuss the treatment options with patients. Generally speaking, the aim of a treatment plan is to reduce the size and amount of tumors. Surgery is usually the first option, but patients can also consider chemotherapy and immunotherapy.
Unlike the chest-based treatments for pleural mesothelioma which are administered via the lungs, peritoneal mesothelioma treatments are administered either intravenously or orally. Injections of chemotherapy like heated intraperitoneal therapy (HIPEC) have helped prolong survival for many patients. HIPEC is a technique that was developed by mesothelioma pioneer Paul Sugarbaker.
Patients diagnosed with peritoneal mesothelioma could be able to file a lawsuit against negligent asbestos companies. A mesothelioma attorney can review the case of a patient and recommend legal options. Contact us now to get started. It is free, confidential and there is no commitment. We offer nationwide representation.
Prognosis
Mesothelioma cancer is a rare form of cancer. Doctors aren't familiar with it, so many patients are mistakenly diagnosed with other illnesses. A mesothelioma expert can help patients identify the cause and ensure they receive the appropriate treatment.
Asbestos exposure is only the one known cause of peritoneal mesothelioma. When asbestos fibers are breathed in or ingested, they could irritate the abdominal tissues and cause cells to change. This can cause tumors to develop into mesothelioma in the peritoneum over time.
The exposure to asbestos typically starts with working in manufacturing or construction. These industries could use products that contain asbestos, for example, insulation and fireproofing. Asbestos may also be found in household products like flooring and roof tiles. Even small amounts of exposure to asbestos can put a person in danger of developing mesothelioma. Because the disease has an extended latency period, victims can sometimes be diagnosed with peritoneal mesothelioma years after their initial exposure.
Peritoneal mesothelioma symptoms could be similar to those of other conditions and can be mistaken for hernias, gastrointestinal issues like Crohn's disease or colitis, or other forms of abdominal cancer. Because of this, many patients do not disclose their exposure to asbestos, and they do not seek medical treatment. Specialists may recommend a biopsy to confirm the diagnosis of mesothelioma. A biopsy is the removal of tiny pieces of tissue to be examined. This test will reveal whether the mesothelioma has epithelioid (epidermoid) or Sarcomatoid (sarcomatoid) or biphasic.
If mesothelioma isn't spreading and the doctors are able to remove the tumors. They will also offer a curative treatment. The doctor will also be able to determine if the cancer has spread to the abdomen. They can then prescribe palliative treatments for the patient. For example paracentesis to remove fluid from the abdomen.
The outlook for patients is worse when a mesothelioma has progressed. The reason for this is that the tumors may become resistant to certain treatments and may recur. The specialist may suggest a combination of chemotherapy and surgery. Surgery options include cytoreduction along with hyperthermic intraperitoneal therapy. This combination is more likely than chemotherapy alone to improve the outlook of a patient.