Peritoneal Mesothelioma Asbestos Symptoms
Peritoneal mesothelioma asbestos symptoms typically affect the digestive system. This is due to asbestos fibers being consumed and then absorbed in the lining of the stomach called the peritoneum.
As time passes, these fibers trigger mutations in healthy peritoneal cells. As a result, cancerous tumors form in the peritoneum.
Mesothelioma is a difficult condition to diagnose. The early signs can be similar to symptoms of other conditions like hernia, or IBS.
Symptoms
Asbestos fibers can move through the body after inhalation. They can then become trapped in the lining of the abdomen or other organs, causing inflammation and irritation that eventually leads to tumor growth. This process can take years to develop and many patients are unaware of their asbestos exposure until too late.
Asbestos fibers may get caught in the tissue lining the abdominal cavity or other organs, causing malignant peritoneal melanoma. It is the second-most common mesothelioma. However it is often difficult for doctors to recognize since the first symptoms aren't specific. They may also be similar to digestive disorders. Patients with peritoneal mesothelioma often suffer from stomach pain, fatigue and digestive issues.
Mesothelioma patients are usually diagnosed with peritoneal mesothelioma following having a physical exam and a medical history review and a series of tests in the laboratory. A X-ray and a CT scan can help doctors find any lumps or signs of disease. In certain cases mesothelioma patients, doctors will also require a biopsy to obtain a more precise diagnosis.
Peritoneal mesothelioma symptoms generally begin in the abdominal area and can cause severe abdominal pain and weight loss, bloating, fluid buildup in the belly, nausea, vomiting and other digestive problems. Other symptoms include fatigue, chest pain and swelling. It is important for victims to seek medical advice when they have these symptoms because they could be caused by something other than mesothelioma.
Despite the difficulty in diagnosing peritoneal mesothelioma, victims typically receive the appropriate treatment to prolong their lives. In most cases, treatment is surgery and chemo treatment that is heated.
If you or someone you love have been diagnosed with peritoneal mesothelioma, contact our mesothelioma lawyers to learn more about what we can do to help. We can connect you to mesothelioma specialists near you and assist you in filing a lawsuit against the asbestos companies that are responsible for your exposure. We can also assist you in ensuring that you get the financial compensation you deserve. You can begin this process by filling out our free online form. We can assist you in obtaining the best possible outcome by working with the best mesothelioma lawyers.
Diagnosis
To determine if you have peritoneal msothelioma it is essential to take a an exhaustive medical history. Doctors will inquire about the person's exposure asbestos and when it happened. A physical examination will be performed. Blood tests, X-rays and CT scans are commonly employed in the initial examination.
Due to the long latency period, peritoneal mesothelioma is often difficult to identify. Patients may experience symptoms like abdominal pain, fever and nausea that resemble other conditions. These nonspecific symptoms may confuse doctors. Mesothelioma is a rare cancer that can take a long time before symptoms show up after exposure to asbestos.
Asbestos fibers inhaled, or consumed are transported to the stomach lining called the peritoneum. Once in the peritoneum, the asbestos fibers are sharp and cause irritation to the mesothelium. This irritation leads to scar tissue and inflammation over time. This causes abnormal cell proliferation and tumors.
Researchers are working to develop methods to detect mesothelioma at its earliest stages. The process of identifying mesothelioma's stage is crucial as it determines treatment options.
A mesothelioma specialist may perform paracentesis (percutaneous needle biopsy) to collect samples for lab testing. These tests can reveal the kind of cancer cells (epithelioid or sarcomatoid) within the tumor, and assist doctors to come up with an appropriate treatment strategy.
Specialists in mesothelioma can also determine the stage of the patient. The stage determines the most effective treatment and helps mesothelioma lawyers know which asbestos-related companies are responsible in mesothelioma lawsuits.
When a mesothelioma doctor analyzes the results of a biopsy they prepare an a pathology report which contains details on the type of mesothelioma. The report could also include a staging scale that indicates how far the cancer has spread throughout the body. The more advanced the stage the more likely it is that it will respond to treatment. A lawyer can explain the implications of this for the particular case of a client.
Treatment
Asbestos fibers are inhaled or ingested and become embedded in the tissue that lines the abdomen and other organs. These fibers can cause irritation to cells and damage DNA. In time, this can lead to the formation of tumors in the lining. Typically, peritoneal cancer is found in the lining that covers the abdomen. Peritoneal Mesothelioma is more prevalent in women than pleural mesothelioma however, it is less prevalent.
The symptoms of peritoneal mesothelioma are similar to those of gastrointestinal disorders like irritable bowel disorder and Crohn's disease, making it difficult for doctors to identify the condition. Initial symptoms may be mistaken for other ailments and can last for a long time, or even years before a mesothelioma is identified.
In addition to a thorough medical history, a physician will run bloodwork and imaging tests to rule out other diseases and conditions that may cause the same symptoms as mesothelioma. These tests can also be used to determine the most effective treatment options.
Since peritoneal mesothelioma is a cancer that develops the abdominal lining The doctor will conduct an examination to confirm the diagnosis. A biopsy is the process of removing small samples of the affected area for examination 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 a treatment plan is to decrease the size and amount of tumors. Surgery is usually the first line of defense, but patients should also discuss the possibility of immunotherapy and chemotherapy.
Contrary to chest-based treatments for pleural mesothelioma which are administered via the lung, peritoneal mesothelioma treatments are administered either intravenously or orally. Injections of chemotherapies, like heated intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) have helped to prolong the lives of many patients. HIPEC is a technique that was developed by mesothelioma pioneer Paul Sugarbaker.
Patients diagnosed with peritoneal mesothelioma may qualify to file a lawsuit against negligent asbestos companies. An experienced mesothelioma lawyer will evaluate a patient's situation and recommend legal options. Contact us now to get started. Contact us now. It's free, private, and there's no obligation. We provide nationwide representation.
Prognosis
Mesothelioma cancer is a rare form of cancer. Doctors have limited experience with it, so many patients are misdiagnosed as having other illnesses. Fortunately mesothelioma specialists can aid in the diagnosis process and provide patients with the appropriate treatment.
Asbestos exposure is the sole known cause of peritoneal cancer. Asbestos fibers can cause irritation to abdominal tissues and cell mutations when inhaled or consumed. This can lead to tumors that form mesothelioma in the peritoneum in time.
Exposure to asbestos often begins with jobs in manufacturing or construction. These industries could employ asbestos-containing products, such as fireproofing and insulation. Asbestos can also be found in household products such as roof tiles and flooring. Even low levels of exposure can put someone at risk for mesothelioma. Because mesothelioma is a chronic disease with a long latency period patients may be diagnosed with peritoneal mesothelioma years after their initial exposure.
Peritoneal Mesothelioma can mimic other conditions. It is often mistaken for hernias, gastrointestinal issues such as colitis or Crohn's and other forms of abdominal cancers. This is why many patients do not report their exposure to asbestos and they do not seek medical treatment. A biopsy may be recommended by a specialist to confirm the diagnosis of mesothelioma. A biopsy involves the removal of the smallest piece of tissue to be examined. This test can determine whether the mesothelioma is epithelioid (epidermoid), Sarcomatoid (sarcomatoid) or biphasic.
If mesothelioma does not have spread it is possible to remove the tumors. They can also provide an option for curative treatment. The specialist can also determine if the cancer has spread within the abdomen. They may then recommend palliative care for the patient, including paracentesis to drain the fluid from the abdomen.
If a mesothelioma has advanced the chances of survival are less. This is because the cancer may become resistant to certain treatments and can be recurred. The specialist may recommend a combination of surgery and chemotherapy. Surgical options include cytoreduction surgery along with hyperthermic intraperitoneal therapy. This combination is more likely than chemotherapy on its own to improve the prognosis of a patient.