Peritoneal Mesothelioma Asbestos Symptoms
The digestive system is commonly affected by the symptoms of mesothelioma of the peritoneal region. This is due to asbestos fibers being ingested, and become embedded within the lining of your stomach called the peritoneum.
Over time the fibers cause mutations in healthy peritoneal cells. Cancerous tumors grow in the peritoneum as a result.
Mesothelioma is a challenging condition to identify. Early signs may be confused with other symptoms like hernias or irritable Bowel Syndrome.
Symptoms
Asbestos fibers can move through the body after inhalation. The fibers may then become stuck in the linings of the abdomen and other organs. This can cause irritation and inflammation, which results in the development of tumors. The process can take years to develop and many patients are unaware of their asbestos exposure until it's too late.
Malignant peritoneal mesothelioma is a condition that occurs asbestos fibers become trapped in the tissues that line the abdominal cavity as well as other organs. It is the second most common mesothelioma. However, it can be difficult for doctors to recognize as early symptoms are nonspecific. They may also be similar to gastrointestinal disorders. Patients suffering from peritoneal mesothelioma typically suffer from stomach pain, fatigue and digestive issues.
Mesothelioma sufferers are usually diagnosed with peritoneal cancer after having a physical exam and a medical history review and several tests performed by a laboratory. A CT scan and X-ray can aid in identifying lumps or any other signs of illness. In some cases doctors who treat mesothelioma will also order a biopsied to make a more precise diagnosis.
Peritoneal Mesothelioma Symptoms usually begin in the abdomen and can cause extreme abdominal discomfort, bloating and weight loss. They can also trigger nausea and vomiting, as well as other digestive issues. Other symptoms include chest pain, fatigue and swelling. If these symptoms are present it is essential that victims seek medical attention because they could be caused by other ailments.
Despite the difficulty of diagnosing peritoneal cancer, patients are often able to receive the right treatment to extend their lives. In most cases, treatment involves surgery and chemo treatment that is heated.
If you or a loved one have been diagnosed with peritoneal mesothelioma, call our mesothelioma lawyers to learn what we can do to help. We can help you locate a
mesothelioma attorneys expert near you who can assist you in filing an asbestos lawsuit against asbestos-related companies responsible for your exposure. We can also assist you to receive the financial compensation that you deserve. Fill out our online form to start the process. We can assist you to get the best possible outcome by working with the best mesothelioma lawyers.
Diagnosis
The first step in diagnosing peritoneal mesothelioma is to get an complete medical history. Doctors will inquire about the person's exposure asbestos and when it happened. They may also conduct a physical exam. Blood tests, X-rays and CT scans are often used in the initial work-up.
Because of the long latency period, peritoneal
mesothelioma lawyer is often difficult to identify. Patients may be afflicted by symptoms like abdominal pain, nausea and fever that are similar to other conditions. These symptoms aren't specific and can cause confusion for doctors. Mesothelioma is a rare type of cancer and it can take years for symptoms to manifest after exposure to asbestos.
Asbestos fibers that are inhaled or consumed are transported to the stomach lining, known as the peritoneum. Once inside the peritoneum the sharp asbestos fibers can cause irritation to the mesothelium. This irritation can cause scar tissue and inflammation over time. Then, it leads to abnormal cell growth, and tumors can develop.
There are no FDA-approved screening tests for peritoneal mesothelioma but researchers are working on finding ways to detect the disease in its earliest stages. The stage of mesothelioma determines the treatment options.
A mesothelioma expert can perform paracentesis (percutaneous needle biopsy) to take the specimen for lab testing. These tests can help identify the kind of cancer cells (epithelioid biphasic, sarcomatoid, or epithelioid) within the tumor and aid doctors develop an appropriate treatment plan.
Specialists in mesothelioma can also determine the stage of the patient. The stage determines the most effective treatment and helps mesothelioma lawyers know which asbestos companies are accountable in mesothelioma lawsuits.
When a mesothelioma expert analyzes the results of a biopsy, he or she creates a pathology report which contains details about the mesothelioma type. The report may also contain a staging scale that indicates how far the cancer has spread across the body. The higher the stage the more likely it is that it will respond to treatment. Lawyers can explain what this means for a client's case.
Treatment
Asbestos fibers can be breathed in or ingested and become embedded in the tissue lining the abdomen and other organs. They damage DNA and irritate cells. In time, this can lead to the development of tumors within the lining. Typically, peritoneal mesothelioma forms in the lining of the abdomen called the peritoneum. Peritoneal Mesothelioma affects more women than pleural Mesothelioma, but is less common.
The symptoms of peritoneal cancer are similar to those seen with digestive disorders like Crohn's and irritable bowel disease and makes it difficult for doctors to recognize. Early symptoms can be misinterpreted as other conditions, and may persist for a long time, or even years before mesothelioma is diagnosed.
A doctor will also conduct tests of blood and imaging to rule out other conditions or diseases that could cause the same symptoms of mesothelioma. These tests will also help to determine the best treatment options.
A biopsy is carried out by a physician to confirm the diagnosis. This is because peritoneal msothelioma occurs in the abdominal lining. A biopsy is the process of removing small portions of the affected area for examination by pathologists. Biopsies can reveal cancerous cells and identify the type of mesothelioma.
When a peritoneal Msothelioma diagnosis is confirmed, doctors will discuss the treatment options with patients. The goal of any treatment plan is usually to decrease the size and the number of tumors. Surgery is often the first option, however patients may also consider chemotherapy and immunotherapy.
Contrary to chest-based treatment for pleural Mesothelioma which is administered through the lungs, the treatment for peritoneal Mesothelioma is administered either intravenously or orally. The injections of chemotherapy, such as heated intraperitoneal therapy (HIPEC), helped extend the survival of many patients. HIPEC is a method that was invented by mesothelioma pioneer Paul Sugarbaker.
Individuals with peritoneal asbestosis could be able to bring a lawsuit against negligent asbestos companies. An experienced
mesothelioma lawyer will evaluate a patient's situation and recommend legal options. Contact us today to start. It's free, confidential and there is no obligation. We provide nationwide representation.
Prognosis
mesothelioma lawyer cancer is a rare form of cancer. Doctors aren't familiar with it, and many patients are wrongly diagnosed as having other diseases. A mesothelioma specialist can assist patients to diagnose the disease and ensure they receive proper treatment.
The only cause that is known for peritoneal mesothelioma is asbestos exposure. When asbestos fibers are inhaled or ingested, they can cause irritation to the abdominal tissues and cause cells to alter. This can cause tumors to develop into mesothelioma in the peritoneum in time.
Manufacturing or construction work is often the first place where asbestos exposure begins. These industries may use asbestos-containing materials like fireproofing and insulation. Asbestos can also be found in household products such as flooring and roof tiles. Even very low levels of exposure can put someone at risk for mesothelioma. Because mesothelioma has a long time to develop patients may be diagnosed with peritoneal
mesothelioma attorneys decades after their initial exposure.
Peritoneal Mesothelioma may mimic other diseases. It is often mistaken for hernias, digestive issues like colitis or Crohn's, and other types of abdominal cancer. Many patients do not disclose their asbestos exposure, and don't seek medical attention. Doctors may suggest a biopsy to confirm a diagnosis of mesothelioma. A biopsy is the process of removing a small portion of the affected tissue for testing. This procedure can help determine 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 offer the best treatment. The doctor will also be able to determine whether the cancer has been able to spread to the abdomen. They may then recommend palliative care for the patient, for example paracentesis that drains fluid from the abdomen.
If a mesothelioma has advanced 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 recommend a combination of surgery and chemotherapy. Surgery options include cytoreduction with hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemo. This combination is more likely than chemotherapy by itself to improve the prognosis for a patient.