Peritoneal Mesothelioma Asbestos Symptoms
The digestive system is frequently affected by the symptoms of peritoneal mesothelioma. This is because asbestos fibers are taken in and are then embedded in a lining of the stomach called the peritoneum.
As time passes the fibers trigger mutations in healthy peritoneal cells. As a result, cancerous tumors form in the peritoneum.
The diagnosis of mesothelioma can be a bit difficult. Early signs can be confused with symptoms of other conditions like hernias or irritable Bowel syndrome.
Symptoms
Asbestos fibers can travel through the body when breathed. From there, they can become stuck in the lining of the abdomen or other organs, creating inflammation and irritation that can lead to tumor growth. The process can take years to develop, and most victims are unaware that they are 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 as well as other organs. It is the second most frequent type of mesothelioma, but it can be difficult to identify because the initial symptoms are nonspecific and similar to those of gastrointestinal disorders. Patients with peritoneal cancer frequently suffer from stomach pain, fatigue and gastrointestinal issues.
After a physical exam and an examination of medical history, and a series of laboratory tests, mesothelioma sufferers are diagnosed with peritoneal cancer. A CT scan and X-ray can aid in identifying lumps or other signs of illness. In some instances mesothelioma physicians may order a biopsy to obtain a more precise diagnosis.
Peritoneal mesothelioma attorneys 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. If these symptoms are present it is essential to seek medical attention since they may be caused by other ailments.
Despite the difficulty in diagnosing peritoneal mesothelioma, patients can often receive the proper treatment to extend their lives. In most cases, treatment involves surgery and chemo treatment that is heated.
If you or someone you love have been diagnosed with peritoneal mesothelioma, contact our mesothelioma lawyers to learn how we can assist. We can help you connect with mesothelioma specialists near you, who can assist you in bringing a lawsuit against the asbestos companies responsible for your exposure. We can also assist you to receive the financial compensation that you are entitled to. You can start this process by filling out our no-cost online form. We can help you get the best possible outcome by working with the top mesothelioma lawyers.
Diagnosis
To determine if you have peritoneal msothelioma it is crucial to have a an extensive medical history. Doctors will ask patients about their asbestos exposure and the date it happened. A physical examination will be performed. Initial examinations typically include blood tests and Xrays, as well as CT scans.
Peritoneal mesothelioma can be difficult to diagnose due to its lengthy time of latency. Patients might experience symptoms such as nausea, abdominal pain and fever that are similar to those of other conditions. These nonspecific symptoms may confuse doctors. Mesothelioma is a rare cancer that can take a long time for symptoms to appear after asbestos exposure.
Asbestos fibers inhaled, or consumed travel to the stomach lining, known as the peritoneum. Asbestos fibers that are sharp irritate mesothelium after they reach the peritoneum. This irritation leads to scar tissue and inflammation over time. This leads to abnormal cell proliferation and tumors.
Researchers are working to develop methods to detect mesothelioma in its earliest stages. The stage of mesothelioma determines the treatment options.
A mesothelioma specialist can perform paracentesis (percutaneous needle biopsy) to collect samples for lab testing. These tests can reveal the type of cancer cells (epithelioid, sarcomatoid or biphasic) within the tumor and aid doctors come up with the best treatment plan.
Mesothelioma specialists can also assess the mesothelioma stage of a patient. The staging process determines which treatments will be most effective and also helps mesothelioma lawyers determine which asbestos-related companies to sue in mesothelioma lawsuits.
When a mesothelioma expert reviews the results from a biopsy the doctor creates a pathology record that includes information about the type mesothelioma. The report may also contain an assessment scale that reveals how far the cancer has spread within the body. The higher the stage of cancer the less likely a patient is to respond to treatment. Lawyers can explain the implications of this to specific clients.
Treatment
When swallowed or inhaled, asbestos fibers become embedded in the tissues that line the abdomen and other organs. These fibers irritate the cells and destroy DNA. This can lead to the development of tumors. The majority of the time, peritoneal cancer develops in the lining that covers the abdomen. Peritoneal mesothelioma is rarer than pleural mesothelioma, and typically affects women more.
The symptoms of peritoneal cancer are similar to those seen with gastrointestinal disorders, such as Crohn’s and irritable bowel disease, making it hard for doctors to diagnose. In the beginning, symptoms can be mistaken as normal ailments, and can last for months or years before a patient is diagnosed with the mesothelioma diagnosis.
In addition to a thorough medical history, a doctor will perform bloodwork and imaging tests to rule out other diseases and conditions that may cause the same symptoms as mesothelioma. These tests can be used to determine the most effective treatment options.
A biopsy is conducted by a physician to confirm the diagnosis. This is due to the fact that peritoneal msothelioma can in the abdominal liner. A biopsy involves the removal of small amounts of the affected area to be examined by pathologists. Biopsies can reveal cancerous cells as well as identify the type of mesothelioma.
If a peritoneal msothelioma has been confirmed doctors will discuss treatment options with patients. The aim of any treatment plan is generally to reduce the size and quantity of tumors. Surgery is typically the first line of defense, however, patients must also consider the possibility of immunotherapy and chemotherapy.
Contrary to the 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 such as heated intraperitoneal therapy (HIPEC) has helped prolong the survival of many patients. HIPEC was developed by mesothelioma expert Paul Sugarbaker.
Patients suffering from peritoneal asbestosis could be able to sue negligent asbestos companies. A mesothelioma lawyer with experience will evaluate a patient’s situation and suggest legal options. Contact us today to begin. Contact us today. It’s free, confidential and there’s no commitment. We offer nationwide representation.
Prognosis
Mesothelioma is a rare type of cancer. Because doctors have limited experience in diagnosing patients, many are mistakenly diagnosed with other diseases. Fortunately mesothelioma specialists can help with the diagnostic process and help patients receive the right treatment.
Asbestos exposure is the only known cause of peritoneal cancer. When asbestos fibers are inhaled or ingested, they can cause irritation to the tissues of the abdomen and cause cells to change. This can lead to tumors that form mesothelioma in the peritoneum in time.
Exposure to asbestos often is a result of jobs in manufacturing or construction. These industries may employ materials that contain asbestos, like insulation and fireproofing. Asbestos may also be found in household products like roofing tiles and flooring. Even very low levels of exposure can put someone at risk for mesothelioma. Because of the long latency period of the disease the victims could be diagnosed with peritoneal msothelioma for a long time after their initial exposure.
Peritoneal mesothelioma symptoms could be similar to those of other diseases and could be mistaken for hernias, digestive issues such as colitis or Crohn’s disease, or other forms of abdominal cancer. Many patients do not disclose their asbestos exposure, and don’t seek medical attention. When mesothelioma is detected experts may suggest an examination for a more precise diagnosis. A biopsy involves the removal of just a small portion of affected tissue to test. This procedure can help determine the stage of mesothelioma as well as whether it is epithelioid sarcomatoid or biphasic.
If mesothelioma does not have spread, doctors can remove the tumors. They will also provide an effective treatment. The specialist can also determine whether the cancer has expanded to the abdomen. They can then prescribe palliative treatment for the patient. For instance paracentesis, which is a procedure to drain fluid from the abdomen.
If a mesothelioma has advanced the chances of survival are less. The tumors could become resistant to certain treatments and recur. The specialist may suggest a combination of surgery and chemotherapy. Surgery options include cytoreduction, which is hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemo. This combination is more likely to improve a patient’s outlook than chemotherapy alone.