Peritoneal Mesothelioma Asbestos Symptoms
Peritoneal mesothelioma asbestos symptoms typically affect the digestive system. This is because asbestos fibers are ingested, and become embedded in a lining of the stomach known as the peritoneum.
Over time, these fibers cause mutations in healthy peritoneal cells. As a result, cancerous tumors form in the peritoneum.
Mesothelioma is a difficult condition to identify. The early signs can resemble symptoms of other conditions like hernia, or IBS.
Symptoms
Asbestos fibers can move through the body when inhaled. The fibers can then get trapped in the linings of the abdomen and other organs. This causes inflammation and irritation, which leads to tumor development. This process can take a long time to develop, and many victims are unaware of their asbestos exposure until too late.
Asbestos fibers can get trapped in the tissue that lines the abdominal cavity, or other organs, leading to malignant peritoneal melanomas. It is the second most frequent form of mesothelioma. However, it can be difficult for doctors to recognize since the first symptoms aren't specific. They can also be similar to gastrointestinal disorders. Patients suffering from peritoneal cancer typically experience fatigue, stomach pain and gastrointestinal issues.
Mesothelioma sufferers are usually diagnosed with peritoneal cancer after having a physical exam as well as a medical history check and an array of tests in the laboratory. A CT scan and X-ray can help doctors detect lumps or any other signs of disease. In certain cases mesothelioma specialists may also require a biopsy to get a more accurate diagnosis.
Peritoneal Mesothelioma symptoms usually start in the abdomen and can cause extreme abdominal discomfort, bloating and weight loss. They may also cause nausea, vomiting, and other digestive issues. Other symptoms include chest pain, swelling and fatigue. It is important for victims to seek a medical diagnosis in the event of these symptoms as they may be caused by something other than mesothelioma attorney.
Despite the difficulty in diagnosing peritoneal mesothelioma, victims typically receive the appropriate treatment to extend their lives. In most cases, treatment is surgery and chemo treatment that is heated.
Contact our mesothelioma lawyers to find out how we can help you if a loved one has been diagnosed with peritoneal mesothelioma. We can connect you with mesothelioma specialists near you who can assist you in bringing a lawsuit against the asbestos companies that are responsible for your exposure. We can also assist you in ensuring that you receive the financial compensation that you are entitled to. Start the process by filling out our free online form. We work with top mesothelioma attorneys lawyers to assist you in obtaining the best possible outcome.
Diagnosis
The first step in diagnosing mesothelioma of the peritoneal region is to collect an complete medical history. Doctors will inquire with the patient about their exposure to asbestos and when it happened. A physical exam will be conducted. X-rays, blood tests and CT scans are typically employed in the initial examination.
Peritoneal mesothelioma is a difficult cancer to diagnose due to its long time of latency. Patients might experience symptoms such as abdominal pain, nausea and fever that are similar to those of other conditions. These nonspecific symptoms may confuse doctors. Mesothelioma is a rare cancer that can take years to show symptoms following exposure to asbestos is a rare condition.
Inhaling or ingestion of asbestos fibers travel to the stomach lining known as the peritoneum. Asbestos fibers that are sharp irritate mesothelium once they reach the peritoneum. This irritation causes inflammation and scar tissue over time. In the end, this causes abnormal cell growth, and tumors can develop.
There are no FDA-approved screening tests for peritoneal mesothelioma however, researchers are developing ways to identify the disease in its early stages. The process of identifying mesothelioma's stage is crucial as it determines the treatment options.
A mesothelioma specialist may perform paracentesis (percutaneous needle biopsy) to collect a sample for laboratory testing. These tests can help identify the type of cancer cells (epithelioid biphasic, sarcomatoid, or epithelioid) within the tumor and help doctors develop the best treatment plan.
Mesothelioma specialists also evaluate the mesothelioma stage of a patient. The staging process determines which treatments will be most effective and also helps mesothelioma lawyers know which asbestos-related companies to sue in mesothelioma lawsuits.
When a Mesothelioma Lawsuit specialist analyzes the results of a biopsy, they prepare an a pathology report which contains details about the type of mesothelioma. The report may also include an assessment scale that reveals how far the cancer has spread throughout the body. The more advanced the stage is, the less likely it is to respond to treatment. A lawyer can explain what this means for the client's case.
Treatment
When swallowed or inhaled asbestos fibers get encased in the tissues that line the abdomen and other organs. These fibers damage DNA and can cause irritation to cells. This causes the formation of tumors. Typically, peritoneal cancer develops in the lining of the abdomen. Peritoneal Mesothelioma has a greater impact on women than pleural Mesothelioma but is less common.
The symptoms of peritoneal cancer are similar to those of gastrointestinal conditions like irritable bowel disorder and Crohn's disease, making it difficult for doctors to recognize the condition. In the beginning, symptoms can be mistaken as normal ailments and may last for months or even years before a patient is given the mesothelioma diagnosis.
In addition to an extensive medical history, a doctor will conduct imaging and blood 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, a doctor will perform an examination to confirm the diagnosis. A biopsy involves the removal of small amounts of tissue from the affected area to be examined by pathologists. Biopsies can reveal cancerous cells and identify 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 reduce the size and quantity of tumors. Surgery is often the first option, however patients can also consider chemotherapy and immunotherapy.
Contrary to the chest-based treatment for pleural Mesothelioma which is administered through the lungs, the treatment for peritoneal Mesothelioma is administered either intravenously or orally. Chemotherapy injections, such as heated intraperitoneal therapy (HIPEC) has helped prolong survival for many patients. HIPEC was invented by mesothelioma expert Paul Sugarbaker.
Patients diagnosed with peritoneal mesothelioma may be eligible to bring an asbestos lawsuit against negligent companies. An attorney for mesothelioma can analyze the case of a patient and suggest legal options. Contact us today to begin. It's free, confidential and there is no obligation. We provide nationwide representation.
Prognosis
mesothelioma attorney cancer is rare. Because doctors have limited experience, many patients are misdiagnosed as having other illnesses. A mesothelioma specialist can assist patients identify the cause and ensure that 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 can cause irritation to the abdominal tissues and cause cells to mutate. Over time, this can lead to tumors that form mesothelioma of peritoneum.
Construction or manufacturing work is usually the first area where asbestos exposure begins. These industries may utilize materials that contain asbestos, like insulation and fireproofing. Asbestos can also be present in household products like flooring and roof tiles. Even very low levels of exposure put a person at risk of developing mesothelioma. Due to the long period of latency the victims could be diagnosed with peritoneal mesothelioma several decades after their initial exposure.
Peritoneal Mesothelioma can mimic other conditions. It is often mistaken for hernias or gastrointestinal issues such as colitis or Crohn's and other types of abdominal cancer. Because of this, many patients don't report their exposure to asbestos, and they do not seek medical treatment. If mesothelioma has been identified experts may suggest an examination 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, and whether it is epithelioid biphasic, or sarcomatoid.
If the mesothelioma is in an early stage doctors can remove all the tumors and provide curative treatment. The doctor can also determine if the cancer has spread inside the abdomen. They may then recommend palliative care for the patient, such as paracentesis to drain the abdominal fluid.
When a mesothelioma is advanced the chances of survival are less. The cancers can become resistant to certain treatment and then recur. The specialist may suggest a combination of surgery and chemotherapy. Surgery options include cytoreduction with hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemo. This combination is more likely than chemotherapy on its own to improve the outlook of patients.