Peritoneal Mesothelioma Asbestos Symptoms
The digestive system is frequently affected by the symptoms of peritoneal mesothelioma. This is because asbestos fibers are ingested, and become embedded within the lining of your stomach known as the peritoneum.
Over time the fibers cause changes in healthy peritoneal cells. As a result, cancerous tumors form in the peritoneum.
The diagnosis of mesothelioma can be a challenge. The initial signs may resemble symptoms of other conditions like hernia, or irritable bowel syndrome.
Signs and symptoms
When asbestos fibers are inhaled they can be absorbed into the lungs and circulate throughout the body. They can then get trapped in the lining of the abdomen or other organs, causing irritation and inflammation that leads to tumor growth. The process can take years to develop, and many victims are unaware of their asbestos exposure until too late.
Asbestos fibers can become trapped in the tissues that line 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 diagnose as early symptoms are nonspecific. They may also be similar to gastrointestinal conditions. Patients with peritoneal cancer frequently experience fatigue, stomach pain and gastrointestinal problems.
After a physical examination, an examination of 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 other signs of illness. In certain cases doctors who treat mesothelioma will also order a biopsied to obtain a more precise diagnosis.
Peritoneal Mesothelioma Symptoms usually begin in the abdomen and may cause extreme abdominal discomfort, bloating, and weight loss. They may also cause nausea, vomiting, and other digestive issues. Symptoms may also include chest pain, swelling, and fatigue. When these symptoms occur it is essential to seek medical attention since they could be caused by other ailments.
Despite the difficulty of diagnosing peritoneal msothelioma patients can often receive the right treatment to prolong their lives. In the majority of cases, this involves surgery and heated chemotherapy.
If you or a loved one have been diagnosed with peritoneal cancer, contact our
mesothelioma lawyers to find out what we can do to help. We can assist you in finding an expert in your area who can help you file an asbestos lawsuit against the companies responsible for your exposure. We can also help ensure that you get the financial compensation you deserve. Fill out our online form to begin the process. We work with top mesothelioma lawyers to assist you in obtaining the most favorable possible outcome.
Diagnosis
The first step in identifying mesothelioma peritoneal is to obtain an accurate medical history. Doctors will ask about the person's exposure asbestos and the time it occurred. They will also conduct a physical exam. Initial tests typically include X-rays and blood tests and CT scans.
Because of the long period of latency, peritoneal mesothelioma can be difficult to diagnose. Patients may experience symptoms such as abdominal pain, nausea and fever that are similar to other illnesses. These symptoms that are not specific could confuse doctors. Mesothelioma is a rare cancer and it can take decades for symptoms to appear after exposure to asbestos.
Asbestos fibers inhaled or consumed move to the stomach lining, known as the peritoneum. When they reach the peritoneum, the asbestos fibers are sharp and irritate the mesothelium. In time this irritation can cause inflammation and scar tissue growth. In the end, this causes abnormal cell growth and tumors develop.
There are no FDA-approved screening tests for
mesothelioma lawyer of the peritoneum, however, researchers are developing ways to identify the disease in its earliest stages. The importance of identifying mesothelioma early is that it determines treatment options.
A mesothelioma specialist may perform paracentesis (percutaneous needle biopsy) to take samples for tests in the laboratory. These tests can identify the kind of cancer cells (epithelioid or sarcomatoid) within the tumor, and assist doctors to develop the best treatment strategy.
Specialists in mesothelioma can also determine the stage of a patient. The staging process determines which treatments will be most effective and helps
mesothelioma lawyers know which asbestos-related companies to sue in
mesothelioma lawsuits.
When a mesothelioma expert analyzes the results of a biopsy and creates a pathology document which contains details about the type of mesothelioma. The report may also include a staging system that describes how the cancer has spread in the body. The more advanced the stage of cancer the less likely a 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 get encased in the tissues that line the abdomen and other organs. The fibers harm DNA and irritate cells. Over time, this leads to the formation of tumors in the lining. Typically, peritoneal mesothelioma develops in the abdomen's lining called the peritoneum. Peritoneal mesothelioma is less common than pleural mesothelioma. It usually affects women more.
The symptoms of peritoneal cancer are similar to those seen with gastrointestinal disorders, such as Crohn's and irritable bowel disease which makes it difficult for doctors to diagnose. Because of this, early symptoms can be mistaken as normal ailments and may last for months or even years before a patient receives a mesothelioma diagnosis.
A physician will also conduct imaging and blood tests to rule out any other diseases or conditions that could cause mesothelioma-like symptoms. These tests can also be used to determine the most effective treatment options.
A biopsy is conducted 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 samples from the affected area to be examined by pathologists. Biopsies may reveal cancerous cells and determine the type of mesothelioma.
If a diagnosis of peritoneal mesothelioma has been confirmed, doctors will discuss the options for treatment with the patient. The aim of any treatment plan is typically to reduce the size and quantity of tumors. Surgery is often the first option, however patients can also consider chemotherapy and immunotherapy.
Unlike the chest-based treatments for pleural mesothelioma that are administered through the lungs, peritoneal mesothelioma treatments are injected orally or intravenously. Injections of chemotherapy such as heated intraperitoneal therapy (HIPEC), helped extend survival for many patients. HIPEC was invented by mesothelioma expert Paul Sugarbaker.
Individuals suffering from peritoneal cancer could be able to sue negligent asbestos companies. An experienced
mesothelioma lawyer will evaluate a patient's situation and recommend legal options. Contact us today to start. It's completely free, confidential and there is no commitment. We offer nationwide representation.
Prognosis
Mesothelioma cancer is rare. Because doctors lack experience in diagnosing patients, many are mistakenly diagnosed with other diseases. Fortunately mesothelioma specialists can aid in the diagnosis process and provide patients with the appropriate treatment.
The only known cause of peritoneal mesothelioma is asbestos exposure. Asbestos fibers can cause irritation to abdominal tissues as well as cell mutations when consumed or inhaled. This can cause tumors to form mesothelioma in the peritoneum over time.
The exposure to asbestos typically is a result of jobs in manufacturing or construction. These industries may employ products that contain asbestos, for example, insulation and fireproofing. Asbestos is also present in household products such as flooring and roof tiles. Even the smallest amount of asbestos exposure could cause a person to be at risk of developing mesothelioma. Because the disease has a long time to develop, victims can sometimes be diagnosed with peritoneal mesothelioma years after their initial exposure.
Peritoneal mesothelioma symptoms may resemble those of other conditions and can be mistaken for a hernia digestive issues such as colitis or Crohn's disease or other types of abdominal cancer. Many patients don't declare their asbestos exposure and don't seek medical attention. If
mesothelioma lawsuit is found, the specialists may recommend an examination for a more precise diagnosis. A biopsy involves removing a small portion of the affected tissue to test. This test will reveal if the mesothelioma is epithelioid (epidermoid), the sarcomatoid (sarcomatoid) or biphasic.
If the mesothelioma is at an early stage doctors can remove all the tumors and offer the best treatment. The specialist can also determine if the cancer has expanded to the abdomen. They may then recommend palliative treatment for the patient. For instance paracentesis to remove the abdomen of fluid.
The prognosis is worsened when a mesothelioma has advanced. This is because the tumors can become resistant to certain treatments and may recur. The doctor may suggest a combination of surgery and chemotherapy. Options for surgery include cytoreduction and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemo. This combination is more likely than chemotherapy by itself to improve the outlook of a patient.