Peritoneal Mesothelioma Asbestos Symptoms
The digestive system is frequently affected by the symptoms of mesothelioma peritoneal. This is due to asbestos fibers being inhaled and then become a part of the stomach's lining known as the peritoneum.
In time, these fibers cause changes to healthy peritoneal cells. Tumors that are cancerous develop in the peritoneum due to.
The diagnosis of mesothelioma can be a challenge. Early signs may be confused with symptoms of other conditions like hernias, or irritable Bowel Syndrome.
Signs and symptoms
Asbestos fibers can travel through the body when breathed. From there, they can be trapped in the abdominal lining or other organs, causing inflammation and irritation that can lead to tumor growth. This process can take a long time to develop and many patients 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, causing malignant peritoneal melanomas. It is the second most prevalent type of mesothelioma, but it is difficult to diagnose because early symptoms are nonspecific and similar to those of digestive conditions. Patients suffering from peritoneal mesothelioma typically suffer from stomach pain, fatigue, and gastrointestinal issues.
After a physical examination, reviewing medical history, and a series of tests in the laboratory, mesothelioma patients are diagnosed with peritoneal cancer. A CT scan and X-ray can help doctors detect lumps or any other signs of disease. In some instances, mesothelioma doctors will also request a biopsy for a more accurate diagnosis.
Peritoneal mesothelioma symptoms generally start in the abdominal region and can result in extreme abdominal discomfort, weight loss, bloating, stomach fluid accumulation, nausea, vomiting and other digestive problems. Other symptoms include chest pain, fatigue and swelling. When these symptoms occur, it is important to seek medical attention because they could be caused by other ailments.
Despite the difficulty of diagnosing peritoneal msothelioma patients, they can often be treated to prolong their lives. In most cases, the treatment involves surgery and chemo treatment that is heated.
If you or someone you love have been diagnosed with peritoneal cancer, contact one of our mesothelioma lawyers today to learn how we can assist. We can help you locate an expert in your area who can assist you in filing an asbestos lawsuit against the companies responsible for your exposure. We can also assist you in ensuring that you receive the financial compensation that you deserve. Fill out our online form to begin the process. We partner with the top
mesothelioma lawyers to assist you in obtaining the best possible outcome.
Diagnosis
To diagnose peritoneal Msothelioma it is crucial to have a an extensive medical history. Doctors will inquire about the person's exposure to asbestos and when it occurred. They also conduct a physical exam. Blood tests, X-rays and CT scans are typically utilized in the initial check-up.
Peritoneal mesothelioma is difficult to identify due to its long period of latency. Patients might experience symptoms such as nausea, abdominal pain and fever that are similar to those of other conditions. These nonspecific symptoms can cause confusion for doctors. Mesothelioma is a rare cancer that can take decades before symptoms show up after asbestos exposure.
Inhaling or eating asbestos fibers travel to the stomach lining, known as the peritoneum. Once inside the peritoneum the asbestos fibers' sharp edges cause irritation to the mesothelium. In time, this irritation causes inflammation and scar tissue. This causes abnormal cell proliferation and tumors.
There are no FDA-approved screening tests for mesothelioma of the peritoneum, however, researchers are finding ways to detect the disease in its earliest stages. The stage of
mesothelioma lawsuits will determine the treatment options.
A
mesothelioma attorney specialist can perform paracentesis (percutaneous needle biopsy) to take the specimen for laboratory testing. These tests can help identify the type of cancer cells (epithelioid biphasic, sarcomatoid, or epithelioid) within the tumor, and assist doctors to come up with an appropriate treatment strategy.
Mesothelioma specialists can also determine the stage of mesothelioma a patient is. Staging determines which treatments might be most effective and also helps
mesothelioma lawsuit lawyers know which asbestos-related companies to sue in
mesothelioma lawsuits.
When a mesothelioma expert reviews the results of the biopsy and creates a pathology record that includes information about the type mesothelioma. The report could also include a staging scale that indicates how far the cancer has spread within the body. The higher the stage of cancer, the less likely the patient will respond to treatment. A lawyer can explain the implications of this for specific clients.
Treatment
Asbestos fibers can be breathed in or ingested and become embedded in the tissues lining the abdomen and other organs. They damage DNA and irritate cells. As time passes, this leads to the development of tumors within the lining. Typically, peritoneal cancer is found in the lining that surrounds the abdomen. Peritoneal Mesothelioma affects more women than pleural mesothelioma but it is less common.
The symptoms of peritoneal cancer are similar to those associated with gastrointestinal disorders such as Crohn's disease and irritable bowel syndrome which makes it difficult for doctors to identify. Initial symptoms may be misinterpreted as other conditions and can last for months or even years before mesothelioma diagnosis is made.
A physician will also conduct tests on blood and imaging to rule out other diseases or conditions that may cause the same symptoms of mesothelioma. These tests will aid in determining the best 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 is the process of removing small amounts of the affected area for examination by pathologists. Biopsies can reveal cancerous cells and determine the type of mesothelioma.
If a diagnosis of peritoneal cancer is confirmed, doctors will discuss treatment options with the patient. The aim of any treatment plan is usually to reduce the size and the number of tumors. Surgery is often the first option, however patients can also look into chemotherapy and immunotherapy.
Contrary to the chest-based treatment for pleural mesothelioma that is administered via the lungs, peritoneal Mesothelioma treatment is injected via intravenously or orally. Chemotherapy injections like heated intraperitoneal therapy (HIPEC) have helped prolong the life expectancy of many patients. HIPEC is a method that was invented by mesothelioma pioneer Paul Sugarbaker.
Individuals with peritoneal asbestosis may be able to bring a lawsuit against negligent asbestos companies. An experienced mesothelioma lawyer will review the case of a patient and recommend legal options. Contact us today to start. It's no cost, it's confidential and there is no commitment. We provide nationwide representation.
Prognosis
Mesothelioma is a rare type of cancer. Doctors aren't familiar dealing with it, which means that many patients are wrongly diagnosed as having other diseases. A mesothelioma expert can help patients with the diagnosis and ensure they receive proper treatment.
The only known cause of mesothelioma of the peritoneal region is asbestos exposure. Asbestos fibers can cause irritation to abdominal tissues as well as cell mutations when inhaled or consumed. Over time, this can result in tumors that develop into mesothelioma in the peritoneum.
The exposure to asbestos typically is a result of work in construction or manufacturing. These industries may utilize products that contain asbestos, for example, insulation and fireproofing. Asbestos may also be found in household products, such as flooring and roof tiles. Even low levels of exposure put a person at risk of developing mesothelioma. Because mesothelioma has a long latency period patients may be diagnosed with peritoneal mesothelioma decades after the initial exposure.
Peritoneal Mesothelioma may mimic other conditions. It is often mistaken for hernias, digestive issues like colitis or Crohn's, and other types of abdominal cancer. Because of this, many patients do not report their exposure to asbestos and they do not seek medical attention. A biopsy may be recommended by a specialist to confirm a diagnosis of mesothelioma. A biopsy is the removal of a small piece of tissue to be examined. This procedure will reveal the stage of mesothelioma, and whether it is epithelioid biphasic, or sarcomatoid.
If the mesothelioma is at an early stage, doctors can remove all of the tumors and provide the best treatment. The doctor will also be able to determine if the cancer has spread to the abdomen. They can then prescribe palliative treatment for the patient, including paracentesis that drains fluid from the abdomen.
The odds of survival are worse when a mesothelioma has progressed. The cancers can become resistant to certain treatments and then recur. The doctor might recommend an amalgamation of surgery and chemotherapy. Surgical options include cytoreduction surgery combined with hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy. This combination is more likely than chemotherapy by itself to improve the outlook of a patient.