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 called the peritoneum.
In time, these fibers result in mutations to the healthy peritoneal cell. As a result cancerous tumors develop in the peritoneum.
The diagnosis of mesothelioma may be difficult. The early signs can be similar to symptoms of other conditions such as hernia or IBS.
Symptoms
Asbestos fibers can travel through the body when breathed. The fibers then become trapped in the linings of the abdomen and other organs. This causes inflammation and irritation that leads to tumor development. This process can take decades to develop, and many 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, which can cause malignant peritoneal melanomas. It is the second most common mesothelioma. However it can be difficult for doctors to diagnose as early symptoms are nonspecific. It is also possible that they are similar to gastrointestinal conditions. Patients with peritoneal cancer frequently experience fatigue, stomach pain and gastrointestinal issues.
After a physical exam, an examination of 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 identify any lumps or other symptoms of disease. In certain cases mesothelioma specialists may also order a biopsy to obtain an precise diagnosis.
Peritoneal mesothelioma symptoms generally begin in the abdomen and can lead to extreme abdominal pain as well as weight loss, bloating, swelling of the belly, nausea, vomiting and other digestive issues. Other symptoms include chest pain, swelling, and fatigue. If these symptoms are present it is crucial that victims seek medical attention as they could be triggered by other conditions.
Despite the difficulties in diagnosing peritoneal msothelioma patients can often be treated to prolong their lives. In the majority of cases, treatment is surgery and heated chemo.
If you or someone you love have been diagnosed with peritoneal mesothelioma, contact our mesothelioma attorneys to learn more about how we can help. We can help you find an expert in mesothelioma near you who can assist you in filing an asbestos lawsuit against the companies responsible for your exposure. We can also ensure you receive the financial settlement you're entitled to. Fill out our online form to begin the process. We can assist you to get the best possible outcome by working with top mesothelioma attorneys.
Diagnosis
The first step in diagnosing mesothelioma peritoneal is to obtain an exact medical history. Doctors will ask the patient about their asbestos exposure and the date it happened. A physical examination will be performed. Initial tests typically include blood tests and Xrays and CT scans.
Because of the long period of latency, peritoneal mesothelioma can be difficult to diagnose. Patients may experience symptoms like abdominal nausea, fever and pain that resemble other conditions. These symptoms aren't specific and can cause confusion for doctors. Mesothelioma is a rare cancer that can take years for symptoms to manifest after exposure to asbestos.
Asbestos fibers inhaled, or consumed travel to the stomach lining called the peritoneum. When they reach the peritoneum, the sharp asbestos fibers cause irritation to the mesothelium. As time passes, this irritation causes inflammation and scar tissue formation. This leads to abnormal cell growth and tumors.
Researchers are working to develop methods to detect mesothelioma early. The stage of mesothelioma is the basis for the treatment options.
A mesothelioma expert can perform a paracentesis procedure or percutaneous needle biopsy to collect a sample of mesothelioma tumors to be tested in the lab. These tests will reveal if the cancerous cells are epithelioid (epithelioid) or the sarcomatoid (sarcomatoid) or biphasic within the tumor. This information can help doctors create a treatment plan.
Mesothelioma specialists can also assess the stage of mesothelioma a patient is. It determines which treatment options will be most effective and helps mesothelioma lawyers know which asbestos-related companies to sue in mesothelioma lawsuits.
When a mesothelioma expert reviews the results from an examination and creates a pathology record that includes information about the type mesothelioma. The report may also include the staging scale, which indicates how the cancer has spread throughout the body. The more advanced the stage of cancer is, the less likely the patient is to respond to treatment. Lawyers can explain the significance of this for the client's case.
Treatment
When swallowed or inhaled asbestos fibers are embedded in the tissue that lines the abdomen and other organs. The fibers cause irritation to cells and damage DNA. This causes the formation of tumors. Typically, peritoneal mesothelioma develops in the lining of the abdomen known as the peritoneum. Peritoneal mesothelioma occurs less frequently than pleural mesothelioma, and typically affects women more.
The symptoms of peritoneal cancer are similar to those associated with gastrointestinal disorders such as Crohn's disease and irritable bowel syndrome and makes it difficult for doctors to identify. Early symptoms can be mistaken for other ailments, and may persist for months or even years before mesothelioma diagnosis is made.
In addition to a thorough medical history, a physician will perform imaging and blood tests to rule out other illnesses and conditions that could cause the same symptoms as mesothelioma lawyer. These tests will aid in determining the best treatment options.
A biopsy is conducted by a doctor to confirm the diagnosis. This is due to the fact that peritoneal msothelioma can in the abdominal liner. A biopsy involves the removal of small samples from the affected area to be examined by pathologists. Biopsies can reveal cancerous cells and determine the mesothelioma type.
When a peritoneal Msothelioma diagnosis is confirmed, doctors will discuss the treatment options with patients. Generally, the goal of the treatment plan is to decrease the size and amount of tumors. Surgery is usually the first option, however patients may also consider chemotherapy and immunotherapy.
Unlike the chest-based treatments for pleural mesothelioma, which are administered via the lung, peritoneal mesothelioma treatments are injected orally or intravenously. The injections of chemotherapy like heated intraperitoneal therapy (HIPEC) has helped prolong the life expectancy of many patients. HIPEC was developed by mesothelioma expert Paul Sugarbaker.
Individuals suffering from peritoneal cancer could be able to sue negligent asbestos companies. A knowledgeable mesothelioma attorney will evaluate a patient's situation and suggest legal options. Contact us now to begin. It's free, confidential and there is no obligation. We offer nationwide representation.
Prognosis
Mesothelioma is a rare cancer. Because doctors have limited experience with the disease, many patients are misdiagnosed with other illnesses. A mesothelioma expert can help patients to diagnose the disease and ensure they receive the appropriate treatment.
The only known cause of mesothelioma of the peritoneal region is asbestos exposure. When asbestos fibers are breathed in or ingested, they could irritate the tissues of the abdomen and cause cells to alter. This can lead to tumors that form mesothelioma in the peritoneum over time.
The exposure to asbestos typically begins with working in manufacturing or construction. These industries can employ products that contain asbestos, such as insulation and fireproofing. Asbestos is also found in household items, such as roofing tiles and flooring. Even small amounts of exposure to asbestos can cause a person to be at risk of mesothelioma. Because mesothelioma attorney has an extended latency period, victims can sometimes be diagnosed with peritoneal mesothelioma years after their initial exposure.
Peritoneal Mesothelioma can mimic other diseases. It is often mistaken for hernias, digestive issues like colitis or Crohn's and other types of abdominal cancers. Many patients do not disclose their asbestos exposure, and don't seek medical care. A biopsy may be recommended by a specialist to confirm the diagnosis of mesothelioma. A biopsy involves removing just a small portion of affected tissue to test. This procedure can reveal if the mesothelioma is epithelioid (epidermoid) or sarcomatoid (sarcomatoid) or biphasic.
If mesothelioma lawsuit has not spread, doctors can remove the tumors. They can also provide an effective treatment. The specialist can also determine whether the cancer has spread to the abdomen. They may then recommend palliative treatments for the patient, for example paracentesis that drains abdominal fluid.
If a mesothelioma has advanced the chances of survival are less. This is because the tumors are able to become resistant to certain treatments, and they may recur. The doctor might suggest a combination of chemotherapy and surgery. Options for surgery include cytoreduction and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy. This combination is more likely than chemotherapy by itself to improve the prognosis for a patient.