Peritoneal Mesothelioma Asbestos Symptoms
Peritoneal mesothelioma asbestos symptoms often affect the digestive system. This is because asbestos fibers are taken in and are then embedded in the lining of the stomach, known as the peritoneum.
Over time, these fibers cause changes in healthy peritoneal cells. In the end cancerous tumors develop in the peritoneum.
Mesothelioma is a difficult condition to diagnose. Early signs may be confused with other symptoms such as hernias or irritable Bowel syndrome.
Symptoms
Asbestos fibers can travel through the body when inhaled. The fibers can then get trapped in the linings the abdomen and other organs. This can cause inflammation and irritation, which leads to tumor development. The process can take years to develop and many victims are unaware of their asbestos exposure until too late.
Malignant peritoneal melanoma develops when asbestos fibers become trapped in the tissue that lines the abdominal cavity as well as other organs. It is the second-most common form of mesothelioma. However it can be difficult for doctors to recognize since the first symptoms aren't specific. It is also possible that they are similar to gastrointestinal conditions. Patients suffering from peritoneal mesothelioma typically have stomach pain, fatigue and gastrointestinal issues.
Mesothelioma victims are typically diagnosed with peritoneal cancer after undergoing a physical examination, a medical history review and an array of tests performed by a laboratory. A X-ray as well as a CT scan can help doctors identify any lumps or other symptoms of illness. In some cases mesothelioma specialists may also request a biopsy for a more precise diagnosis.
Peritoneal mesothelioma symptoms usually start in the abdominal region and can lead to severe abdominal pain, weight loss, bloating swelling of the belly, nausea, vomiting and other digestive issues. Other symptoms include chest pain, swelling and fatigue. It is essential for patients to seek medical advice when they have these symptoms, as they could be caused by something other than mesothelioma.
Despite the difficulty of diagnosing peritoneal mesothelioma, victims are often able to receive the right treatment to prolong their lives. In the majority of cases, this involves surgery and heated chemotherapy.
Contact our mesothelioma lawyers to learn more about how we can help you if someone in your family has been diagnosed with peritoneal mesothelioma. We can connect you to mesothelioma specialists in your area and assist you in bringing a suit against the asbestos companies responsible for your exposure. We can also help you get the financial compensation you deserve. Fill out our online form to begin the process. We work with top mesothelioma lawyers and can help you secure the best possible outcome.
Diagnosis
The first step to diagnose mesothelioma peritoneal is to obtain an complete medical history. Doctors will ask the patient about their asbestos exposure and when it happened. They may also conduct a physical exam. X-rays, blood tests and CT scans are typically used in the initial work-up.
Due to the long latency period, peritoneal mesothelioma is often difficult to identify. Patients may experience symptoms like abdominal pain, fever and nausea that are similar to other conditions. These symptoms that are not specific can cause confusion for doctors. Mesothelioma is a rare type of cancer and it can take decades before symptoms show up after exposure to asbestos.
Asbestos fibers that are inhaled or consumed travel into the stomach lining known as the peritoneum. Asbestos fibers that are sharp can irritate mesothelium after they reach the peritoneum. This irritation can cause scar tissue and inflammation over time. Eventually, this leads to abnormal cell growth and tumors develop.
Researchers are working on methods to detect mesothelioma at its earliest stages. The importance of identifying mesothelioma early is that it determines the treatment options.
A mesothelioma expert can perform paracentesis (percutaneous needle biopsy) to collect a sample for tests in the laboratory. These tests will reveal if the cancerous cells are epithelioid (epithelioid) or Sarcomatoid (sarcomatoid) or biphasic within the tumor. This information helps doctors to develop a treatment plan.
Mesothelioma specialists also evaluate the stage of mesothelioma a patient is. The staging process determines which treatments will be most effective and helps mesothelioma lawyers know which asbestos-related companies to sue in mesothelioma lawsuits.
If a mesothelioma specialist analyzes the results of the biopsy and creates a pathology record that contains information on the type mesothelioma. The report may also include the staging scale, which indicates how far the cancer has spread throughout the body. The more advanced the stage is, the less likely it will respond to treatment. A lawyer can explain the significance of this in a client's situation.
Treatment
When swallowed or inhaled asbestos fibers get encased in the tissue that lines the abdomen and other organs. The fibers cause irritation to cells and destroy DNA. This leads to the development of tumors. Typically, peritoneal cancer is found in the lining of the abdomen. Peritoneal mesothelioma occurs less frequently than pleural mesothelioma, and typically affects women more.
The symptoms of peritoneal mesothelioma are similar to symptoms of gastrointestinal disorders like irritable bowel syndrome and Crohn's disease, making it difficult for doctors to diagnose the condition. In the beginning, symptoms can be mistaken for normal ailments, and can last for months or years before a patient receives the mesothelioma diagnosis.
A physician will also conduct imaging and blood tests to rule out other conditions or diseases that could trigger the same symptoms as mesothelioma. These tests will also help to determine the best treatment options.
Since peritoneal mesothelioma is a cancer that develops the abdominal lining A doctor will conduct biopsy to confirm a diagnosis. A biopsy is the removal of small amounts of tissue from the affected area to be examined by pathologists. Biopsies can identify cancerous cells, and can determine the type of Mesothelioma.
When a peritoneal Msothelioma diagnosis is confirmed doctors will discuss treatment options with patients. The purpose of any treatment plan is generally to decrease the size and the number of tumors. Surgery is usually the first option, but patients may also consider chemotherapy and immunotherapy.
Contrary to chest-based treatment for pleural Mesothelioma that is administered via the lungs, the treatment for peritoneal Mesothelioma is administered either intravenously or orally. Injections of chemotherapy like heated intraperitoneal therapy (HIPEC) have helped prolong survival for many patients. HIPEC was developed by mesothelioma expert Paul Sugarbaker.
Individuals with peritoneal asbestosis may be able to bring a lawsuit against negligent asbestos companies. An experienced mesothelioma lawyer can review a patient's case and recommend legal options. Contact us today to begin. It's free, 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 mistakenly diagnosed with other illnesses. A mesothelioma expert can help patients to diagnose the disease and ensure they receive the proper 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. In time, this may result in tumors that develop into mesothelioma in the peritoneum.
Exposure to asbestos often begins with jobs in manufacturing or construction. These industries could utilize asbestos-containing materials like fireproofing and insulation. Asbestos may also be found in household items like roofing tiles and flooring. Even the smallest amounts of exposure put a person at risk for mesothelioma. Because mesothelioma is a chronic disease with an extended latency period it is possible for patients to be diagnosed with peritoneal mesothelioma years after the initial exposure.
asbestos cancer lawyer mesothelioma settlement may mimic other conditions. It is often mistaken for hernias, gastrointestinal issues like colitis or Crohn's and other forms of abdominal cancers. Due to this, a lot of patients do not report their exposure to asbestos and they don't seek medical attention. Doctors may suggest a biopsy to confirm a diagnosis of mesothelioma. A biopsy involves removing just a small portion of affected tissue for testing. This procedure can help determine the stage of mesothelioma, and if it is epithelioid, biphasic, or sarcomatoid.
If mesothelioma isn't spreading it is possible to remove the tumors. They will also offer a curative treatment. The doctor will also be able to determine if the cancer has spread to the abdomen. They may then recommend palliative treatment for the patient, including paracentesis that drains abdominal fluid.
The outlook for patients is worse when a mesothelioma has advanced. This is because the cancer can become resistant to certain treatments, and they may develop a recurrence. The doctor might suggest a combination of chemotherapy and surgery. The surgical options include cytoreduction surgery with hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy. This combination is more likely than chemotherapy alone to improve the outlook of a patient.