Peritoneal Mesothelioma Asbestos Symptoms
The digestive system is frequently affected by the symptoms of peritoneal mesothelioma. This is because asbestos fibers get consumed and are absorbed into the stomach's lining, called the peritoneum.
As time passes, these fibers result in mutations to the healthy peritoneal cell. As a result, cancerous tumors form in the peritoneum.
The diagnosis of mesothelioma may be a challenge. The early signs can resemble symptoms of other diseases, such as hernia or irritable bowel syndrome.
Signs and symptoms
When asbestos fibers are inhaled they can pass into the lungs and travel throughout the body. The fibers may then become trapped in the linings of the abdomen and other organs. This causes inflammation and irritation, which leads to tumor development. This process can take years to develop, and many victims are unaware of their asbestos exposure until it's too late.
Malignant peritoneal mesothelioma occurs when asbestos fibers become trapped in the tissue that lines the abdominal cavity as well as other organs. It is the second most common mesothelioma type, however it is difficult to diagnose because early symptoms aren't specific and are similar to symptoms of gastrointestinal diseases. Patients with peritoneal mesothelioma often suffer from stomach pain, fatigue, and digestive issues.
After a physical examination and an examination of medical history and a series tests in the laboratory, mesothelioma patients are diagnosed with peritoneal cancer. A X-ray and a CT scan can help doctors identify any lumps or other indications of illness. In some cases mesothelioma specialists may also require a biopsy to get an precise diagnosis.
Peritoneal mesothelioma symptoms typically begin in the abdominal area and can lead to extreme abdominal discomfort as well as bloating, weight loss, swelling of the belly, nausea, vomiting and other digestive issues. The symptoms can also include chest pain, swelling, and fatigue. If symptoms like these occur, it is important that victims seek medical attention as they could be triggered by other conditions.
Despite the difficulty of diagnosing peritoneal cancer, patients are often able to receive the right treatment to extend their lives. In the majority of cases, treatment is surgery and chemo that is heated.
If you or a loved one have been diagnosed with peritoneal mesothelioma, contact our mesothelioma lawyers to learn what we can do to help. We can help you connect with mesothelioma specialists near you, who can assist you in bringing a suit against the asbestos companies that are responsible for your exposure. We can also help you get the financial compensation you are entitled to. Fill out our online form to begin the process. We can help you get the best possible outcome by working with the best mesothelioma lawyers.
Diagnosis
To diagnose peritoneal Msothelioma it is important to have a complete medical history. Doctors will ask patients about their exposure to asbestos and when it happened. They also conduct a physical examination. Blood tests, X-rays and CT scans are commonly used in the initial work-up.
Peritoneal mesothelioma is difficult to diagnose due to its lengthy latency period. Patients may be afflicted by symptoms like nausea, abdominal pain and fever that are similar to those of other conditions. These symptoms that are not specific can cause confusion for doctors. Mesothelioma is a rare type of cancer that can take a long time for symptoms to manifest after asbestos exposure.
Asbestos fibers inhaled, or consumed move to the stomach lining called the peritoneum. Asbestos fibers are sharp and irritate mesothelium after they reach the peritoneum. As time passes this irritation can cause inflammation and scar tissue growth. In the end, this causes abnormal cell growth, and tumors can develop.
There are no FDA-approved screening tests for mesothelioma of the peritoneum, but researchers are working on finding ways to detect the disease's early stages. The stage of mesothelioma is the basis for the treatment options.
A mesothelioma doctor can conduct a paracentesis or percutaneous needle biopsy to take a sample of mesothelioma tumors for lab testing. These tests can help identify the kind of cancer cells (epithelioid, sarcomatoid or biphasic) within the tumor and help doctors determine 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 attorneys know which asbestos companies to hold liable in mesothelioma lawsuits.
If a mesothelioma specialist analyzes the results from the biopsy, he or she creates a pathology record that contains information on the type of mesothelioma. The report may also include a staging scale that indicates how the cancer has spread within the body. The higher the stage the more likely it is that it will respond to treatment. A lawyer can explain the implications of this for a particular client's case.
Treatment
Asbestos fibers can be breathed in or consumed and are absorbed in the tissue lining the abdomen and other organs. These fibers can cause irritation to cells and cause DNA damage. In time, this can lead to the development of tumors within the lining. Typically, peritoneal cancer develops in the lining that covers the abdomen. Peritoneal Mesothelioma affects more women than pleural mesothelioma however, it is less prevalent.
The symptoms of peritoneal cancer are similar to symptoms of gastrointestinal diseases like irritable bowel syndrome and Crohn's disease, which makes it difficult for doctors to identify the condition. As a result, early symptoms can be mistaken for normal ailments and can persist for months or even years before a patient is given a mesothelioma diagnosis.
A doctor will also conduct tests of blood and imaging to rule out other diseases or conditions that could trigger the same symptoms as mesothelioma. These tests can be used to determine the most effective treatment options.
Because peritoneal mesothelioma develops in the abdominal lining A doctor will conduct an examination to confirm the diagnosis. passaic asbestos attorneys is the removal of small portions of the affected area to be examined by pathologists. Biopsies are able to reveal cancerous cells, and identify the type of Mesothelioma.
After a peritoneal msothelioma is confirmed doctors will discuss treatment options with patients. The goal of any treatment plan is generally to reduce the size and quantity of tumors. Surgery is often the first option, however patients can also consider chemotherapy and immunotherapy.
Contrary to the chest-based treatment for pleural mesothelioma which is administered via the lungs, peritoneal Mesothelioma treatment is injected either intravenously or orally. The injections of chemotherapy, such as heated intraperitoneal therapy (HIPEC) has helped prolong the life expectancy of many patients. HIPEC is a technique that was developed by mesothelioma pioneer Paul Sugarbaker.
Patients diagnosed with peritoneal mesothelioma may be eligible to bring an asbestos lawsuit against negligent companies. An experienced mesothelioma lawyer will evaluate a patient's situation and suggest legal options. Contact us now to get started. Contact us today. It's free, confidential and there's absolutely no obligation. We provide nationwide representation.
Prognosis
Mesothelioma is a rare type of cancer. Because doctors lack experience, many patients are misdiagnosed with other illnesses. A mesothelioma specialist can assist patients identify the cause and ensure that they receive the appropriate treatment.
The only known cause of mesothelioma of the peritoneal region is asbestos exposure. Asbestos fibers can cause irritation of abdominal tissues and cell mutations when inhaled or consumed. This can lead to tumors that develop into mesothelioma in the peritoneum over time.
The exposure to asbestos typically starts with jobs in manufacturing or construction. These industries can use materials that contain asbestos, for example, insulation and fireproofing. Asbestos is also present in household items such as roof tiles and flooring. Even the smallest amount of asbestos exposure can cause a person to be at risk of mesothelioma. Because the disease has a long latency period, victims can sometimes be diagnosed with peritoneal cancer decades after the initial exposure.
Peritoneal mesothelioma symptoms can appear similar to other conditions and be mistaken for a hernia, digestive issues such as colitis or Crohn's disease or other forms of abdominal cancer. A lot of patients do not disclose their asbestos exposure, and don't seek medical care. 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 will reveal the stage of mesothelioma, and if it is epithelioid, sarcomatoid or biphasic.
If mesothelioma isn't spreading and the doctors are able to remove the tumors. They will also provide an option for curative treatment. The doctor will also be able to determine whether the cancer has spread to the abdomen. They may then recommend palliative care for the patient, for example paracentesis, which drains the abdominal fluid.
If mesothelioma progresses the chances of survival are less. The reason for this is that the tumors can become resistant to certain treatments and can develop a recurrence. The doctor might suggest a combination of chemotherapy and surgery. Surgical options include cytoreduction surgery along with hyperthermic intraperitoneal therapy. This combination is more likely than chemotherapy on its own to improve the prognosis of the patient.