Peritoneal Mesothelioma Asbestos Symptoms
The digestive system is often affected by the symptoms of peritoneal mesothelioma. This is because asbestos fibers get consumed and are absorbed into the lining of the stomach and peritoneum.
In time, these fibers trigger mutations in healthy peritoneal cells. As a result tumors that are cancerous develop in the peritoneum.
The diagnosis of mesothelioma can be a challenge. Early signs may be confused with other symptoms like hernias, or irritable Bowel syndrome.
Symptoms
When asbestos fibers are inhaled they can be absorbed into the lungs and circulate throughout the body. The fibers may then become trapped in the linings of the abdomen and other organs. This causes irritation and inflammation, which can lead to the development of tumors. The process can take years to develop, and many victims are unaware of their asbestos exposure until too late.
Malignant peritoneal
mesothelioma attorney occurs when asbestos fibers get trapped in the tissue that lines the abdominal cavity as well as other organs. It is the second most frequent form of mesothelioma. However it is often difficult for doctors to identify since the first symptoms aren't specific. They may also be similar to digestive disorders. Patients with peritoneal mesothelioma frequently have stomach pain, fatigue and digestive problems.
After a physical exam, an examination of medical history and a series laboratory tests, mesothelioma patients are diagnosed with peritoneal cancer. A CT scan and an X-ray can aid in identifying lumps or any other signs of disease. In some instances, mesothelioma doctors will also request a biopsy for an precise diagnosis.
Peritoneal mesothelioma symptoms typically begin in the abdominal area and can cause extreme abdominal discomfort, weight loss, bloating fluid buildup in the belly, nausea, vomiting and other digestive problems. Symptoms may also include chest pain, swelling, and fatigue. It is crucial for patients to seek medical attention in the event of these symptoms as they may be caused by something other than mesothelioma.
Despite the difficulty of diagnosing patients with peritoneal msothelioma, they can often receive the right treatment to prolong their lives. In the majority of cases, this is done through the use of surgery and chemotherapy that is heated.
If you or someone you love have been diagnosed with peritoneal mesothelioma, contact one of our mesothelioma lawyers today to learn how we can assist. We can help you find an expert in mesothelioma near you who can assist you in filing an asbestos lawsuit against the companies that are responsible for your exposure. We can also ensure you receive the financial compensation you deserve. Complete our online form to start the process. We partner with the top mesothelioma lawyers to help you secure the best possible outcome.
Diagnosis
The first step to diagnose mesothelioma of the peritoneal region is to collect an complete medical history. Doctors will ask about the person's exposure to asbestos and the time it occurred. They also conduct a physical examination. Initial tests typically include X-rays and blood tests, as well as CT scans.
Peritoneal mesothelioma is a difficult cancer to recognize because of its long period of latency. Patients may experience symptoms such as nausea, abdominal pain and fever that are similar to other illnesses. These nonspecific symptoms can cause confusion for doctors. Mesothelioma is a rare cancer and it can take years before symptoms show up after exposure to asbestos.
Inhaling or eating asbestos fibers move to the stomach lining called the peritoneum. Once inside the peritoneum the asbestos fibers' sharp edges can cause irritation to the mesothelium. This irritation leads to scar tissue and inflammation over time. Eventually, this leads to abnormal cell growth and tumors forming.
Researchers are working to develop ways to detect the disease early. The process of identifying
mesothelioma attorneys's stage is crucial as it determines the treatment options.
A mesothelioma doctor can perform a paracentesis procedure or percutaneous needle biopsy to collect a sample of mesothelioma tumors to be tested in the lab. These tests can determine if the cancerous cells are epithelioid (epithelioid), sarcomatoid (sarcomatoid) or biphasic within the tumor. This information can help doctors to develop a treatment plan.
Mesothelioma specialists can also determine a patient's stage of mesothelioma. Staging determines which treatments might be most effective and also helps
mesothelioma lawyers determine which asbestos companies to hold liable in
mesothelioma lawsuits (
see more).
When a mesothelioma expert reviews the results from a biopsy the doctor creates a pathology document that includes information about the mesothelioma type. The report may also include the staging scale, which indicates how far 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 the client's case.
Treatment
When inhaled or swallowed asbestos fibers get encased in the tissue that lines the abdomen and other organs. The fibers harm DNA and cause irritation to cells. This can lead to the development of tumors. The majority of the time, peritoneal mesothelioma is found in the lining of the abdomen known as the peritoneum. Peritoneal Mesothelioma has a greater impact on women than pleural Mesothelioma, but is less common.
The symptoms of peritoneal cancer are similar to symptoms of gastrointestinal disorders like irritable bowel disorder and Crohn's disease, which makes it difficult for doctors to recognize the condition. Because of this, early symptoms can be mistaken for normal ailments and may last for months or even years before a patient receives the mesothelioma diagnosis.
A physician will also conduct tests on blood and imaging to rule out any other conditions or diseases that may cause the same symptoms as mesothelioma. These tests can also be used to determine the most suitable treatment options.
A biopsy is carried out by a doctor to confirm the diagnosis. This is because peritoneal Msothelioma can be found in the abdominal liner. A biopsy involves the removal of small samples of the affected area to be examined by pathologists. Biopsies can reveal cancerous cells and identify the type of Mesothelioma.
If a diagnosis of peritoneal mesothelioma is confirmed doctors will discuss treatment options with the patient. The purpose of any treatment plan is usually to decrease the size and number of tumors. Surgery is usually the first option, but patients may also consider chemotherapy and immunotherapy.
Unlike the chest-based treatments for pleural mesothelioma, which are administered through the lung, peritoneal mesothelioma treatments are injected orally or intravenously. Chemotherapies that are injected, such as heated intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) have been able to extend survival for many patients. HIPEC is a technique that was developed by mesothelioma pioneer Paul Sugarbaker.
Patients who have been diagnosed with peritoneal cancer could be able to bring an asbestos lawsuit against negligent companies. An experienced mesothelioma lawyer can review a patient's case and suggest legal options. Contact us now to get started. It's completely no cost, it's confidential and there is no obligation. We offer nationwide representation.
Prognosis
Mesothelioma is a rare cancer. Doctors aren't familiar with it, and many patients are wrongly diagnosed as having other diseases. Fortunately, a mesothelioma specialist can assist in the diagnostic process and help patients receive the right treatment.
Asbestos exposure is the only known cause of peritoneal mesthelioma. Asbestos fibers can cause irritation of the abdominal tissues and cell changes when inhaled or consumed. In time, this may result in tumors that develop into a mesothelioma of the peritoneum.
Manufacturing or construction work is usually the first area where asbestos exposure can begin. These industries can employ materials that contain asbestos, like insulation and fireproofing. Asbestos may also be found in household products, such as roofing tiles and flooring. Even low levels of exposure to asbestos can put a person in danger of mesothelioma. Due to the long period of latency patients may be diagnosed with peritoneal msothelioma for a long time after their initial exposure.
Peritoneal mesothelioma symptoms can resemble those of other diseases and could be mistaken for a hernia digestive problems such as colitis or Crohn's disease or other types of abdominal cancer. Due to this, a lot of patients do not report their exposure to asbestos, and they don't seek medical care. If mesothelioma is found experts may suggest a biopsy for a more accurate diagnosis. A biopsy involves the removal of a small portion of the affected tissue to test. This procedure will reveal the stage of mesothelioma and if it is epithelioid, biphasic, or sarcomatoid.
If the mesothelioma is at an early stage, doctors can remove all of the tumors and offer curative treatment. The specialist can also determine if the cancer has spread within the abdomen. They can then prescribe palliative care for the patient. For instance paracentesis, which is a procedure to drain abdominal fluid.
If mesothelioma progresses and the prognosis is less favorable, it becomes more difficult to treat. The tumors could become resistant to certain treatments and recur. The doctor may suggest the combination of surgery and chemotherapy. Surgery options include cytoreduction combined with hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy. This combination is more likely to improve a patient's prognosis than merely chemotherapy alone.