Peritoneal Mesothelioma Asbestos Symptoms
The digestive system is commonly affected by the symptoms of mesothelioma of the peritoneal region. This is due to asbestos fibers being taken in and are then embedded in a lining of the stomach, known as the peritoneum.
Over time, these fibres cause mutations to healthy peritoneal cells. Tumors that are cancerous develop in the peritoneum as a result.
Mesothelioma is a difficult disease to recognize. The early signs may be confused with other symptoms like hernias or irritable Bowel Syndrome.
Symptoms
Asbestos fibers can travel through the body when inhaled. The fibers can then get stuck in the linings of the abdomen and other organs. This can cause inflammation and irritation that results in the development of tumors. This process can take a long time to develop, and a lot of sufferers are unaware the fact that they've been exposed to asbestos until it is too late.
Malignant peritoneal mesothelioma is a condition that occurs asbestos fibers are trapped in the tissues that line the abdominal cavity and other organs. It is the second most frequent mesothelioma. However, it is difficult to diagnose because early symptoms are not specific and similar to symptoms of gastrointestinal disorders. Patients with peritoneal cancer frequently have stomach pain, fatigue and gastrointestinal problems.
After a physical exam, reviewing medical history, and a series of tests in the laboratory, mesothelioma patients are diagnosed with peritoneal cancer. A CT scan or X-ray may help doctors identify lumps or any other signs of disease. In certain cases mesothelioma specialists may also request a biopsy for an precise diagnosis.
Peritoneal Mesothelioma Symptoms usually begin in the abdomen. They can cause extreme abdominal discomfort, bloating and weight loss. They may also cause nausea and vomiting, as well as other digestive issues. Other symptoms include fatigue, chest pain and swelling. It is essential for patients to seek a medical diagnosis when they experience these symptoms, as they could be caused by something other than mesothelioma.
Despite the difficulties of diagnosing peritoneal cancer, patients can often receive the proper treatment to extend their lives. In most cases, the treatment involves surgery and chemo that is heated.
If you or a loved one have been diagnosed with peritoneal cancer, contact our mesothelioma attorneys to learn more about how we can help. We can connect you to mesothelioma specialists in your area and assist you in filing a lawsuit against the asbestos companies responsible for your exposure. We can also help ensure that you receive the financial settlement you are entitled to. Start the process by filling out our no-cost online form. We can assist you to get the best possible outcome working with top mesothelioma attorney attorneys.
Diagnosis
The first step in diagnosing mesothelioma peritoneal is to obtain an complete medical history. Doctors will ask patients about their exposure to asbestos and when it happened. They may also conduct a physical exam. Initial tests typically include blood tests and X-rays, as well as CT scans.
Because of the long period of latency, peritoneal mesothelioma can be difficult to recognize. Patients may experience symptoms such as abdominal pain, nausea and fever that are similar to other illnesses. These non-specific symptoms can confuse doctors. Mesothelioma is a rare type of cancer that can take a long time before symptoms show up after exposure to asbestos.
Inhaling or eating asbestos fibers move to the stomach lining known as the peritoneum. Once in the peritoneum, the sharp asbestos fibers irritate the mesothelium. This irritation can cause scar tissue and inflammation over time. This leads to abnormal cell growth and tumors.
There are no FDA-approved screening tests for peritoneal mesothelioma but researchers are working on finding ways to detect the disease in its earliest stages. The process of identifying mesothelioma's stage is crucial as it will determine the treatment options.
A mesothelioma specialist may perform paracentesis (percutaneous needle biopsy) to take the specimen for lab testing. These tests can reveal the type of cancer cells (epithelioid biphasic, sarcomatoid, or epithelioid) within the tumor, and assist doctors to come up with the best treatment plan.
Mesothelioma specialists can also assess a patient's stage of mesothelioma. The stage determines the most effective treatment and also helps mesothelioma lawyers understand which asbestos companies are liable in mesothelioma cases.
When a mesothelioma doctor analyzes the results of a biopsy they produce an a pathology report which contains details on the type of mesothelioma. The report could also include the staging scale, which indicates how the cancer has spread across the body. The more advanced the stage, the less likely it is that it will respond to treatment. A lawyer can explain what this means for a client's case.
Treatment
Asbestos fibers can be inhaled or eaten and then absorbed in the tissues lining the abdomen and other organs. These fibers can cause irritation to cells and cause DNA damage. This can lead to the development of tumors. Typically, peritoneal cancer is found in the lining that surrounds the abdomen. Peritoneal Mesothelioma is more prevalent in women than pleural Mesothelioma however, it is less prevalent.
The symptoms of peritoneal cancer are similar to symptoms of gastrointestinal diseases like irritable bowel disorder and Crohn's disease. This makes it difficult for doctors to identify the condition. Early symptoms can be mistaken for other ailments, and may persist for months or even years before a mesothelioma diagnosis is made.
A doctor may also perform tests on blood and imaging to rule out any other conditions or diseases that may cause the same symptoms as mesothelioma. These tests can aid in determining the most effective treatment options.
A biopsy is performed by a physician to confirm the diagnosis. This is because peritoneal msothelioma occurs in the abdominal liner. A biopsy is the process of removing small amounts of tissue from the affected area to be examined by pathologists. Biopsies are able to reveal cancerous cells, and identify the type of Mesothelioma.
If a diagnosis of peritoneal cancer has been confirmed, doctors will discuss treatment options with the patient. The goal of any treatment plan is typically to reduce the size and quantity of tumors. Surgery is typically the first line of defense but patients should also discuss the possibility of immunotherapy and chemotherapy.
Contrary to chest-based treatment for pleural Mesothelioma which is administered through the lungs, peritoneal Mesothelioma treatment is injected either intravenously or orally. Chemotherapy injections, such as heated intraperitoneal therapy (HIPEC) has helped prolong the life expectancy of many patients. HIPEC was invented by mesothelioma lawsuit expert Paul Sugarbaker.
Individuals diagnosed with peritoneal mesothelioma may qualify to file a lawsuit against negligent asbestos companies. A knowledgeable mesothelioma attorney will review the case of a patient and suggest legal options. Contact us today to start. Contact us today. It's completely free, confidential and there's absolutely no obligation. We provide nationwide representation.
Prognosis
Mesothelioma cancer is extremely rare. Doctors aren't familiar with it, so many patients are wrongly diagnosed as having other diseases. Fortunately mesothelioma specialists can aid in the diagnosis process and get patients the right treatment.
The only cause that is known for peritoneal mesothelioma is asbestos exposure. Asbestos fibers can cause irritation to the abdominal tissues and cell mutations when inhaled or consumed. In time, this may result in tumors that develop into mesothelioma attorney of peritoneum.
The exposure to asbestos typically starts with work in construction or manufacturing. These industries can use materials that contain asbestos, like insulation and fireproofing. Asbestos is also found in household products like roofing tiles and flooring. Even low levels of asbestos exposure could cause a person to be at risk of developing mesothelioma. Because of the lengthy time of latency patients may be diagnosed with peritoneal mesothelioma many decades after their initial exposure.
Peritoneal Mesothelioma may mimic other conditions. It is often mistaken for hernias, digestive problems like Crohn's or colitis and other forms of abdominal cancers. A lot of patients do not declare their asbestos exposure and do not seek medical care. If mesothelioma is found experts may suggest the procedure of a biopsy to make an accurate diagnosis. A biopsy involves the removal of tiny pieces of tissue that is examined. This procedure can reveal the stage of mesothelioma, and whether it is epithelioid biphasic, or sarcomatoid.
If mesothelioma isn't spreading and the doctors are able to remove the tumors. They will also offer an option for curative treatment. The specialist can also determine if the cancer has expanded to the abdomen. They may then recommend palliative treatment for the patient. For example paracentesis, which is a procedure to drain fluid from the abdomen.
If mesothelioma progresses and the prognosis is less favorable, it becomes more difficult to treat. This is because the cancer can become resistant to certain treatments, and they may recur. The specialist may suggest a combination of surgery and chemotherapy. The surgical options include cytoreduction surgery with hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy. This combination is more likely to improve the prognosis of a patient than chemotherapy alone.