Peritoneal Mesothelioma Asbestos Symptoms
The digestive system is commonly affected by the symptoms of peritoneal mesothelioma. This is because asbestos fibers are inhaled and then become a part of the lining of the stomach known as the peritoneum.
In time, these fibers cause mutations in healthy peritoneal cells. As a result, cancerous tumors form in the peritoneum.
Mesothelioma is a challenging condition to recognize. The initial signs may resemble symptoms of other conditions, like hernia, or irritable bowel syndrome.
Signs and symptoms
Asbestos fibers can travel through the body when breathed. The fibers then become trapped in the linings the abdomen and other organs. This causes inflammation and irritation that leads to tumor development. The process can take years to develop and many patients are unaware of their asbestos exposure until it is too late.
Malignant peritoneal melanoma develops when asbestos fibers become trapped in the tissues that line the abdominal cavity and other organs. It is the second most common mesothelioma type, however it is difficult to identify because the initial symptoms are nonspecific and similar to symptoms of gastrointestinal diseases. Patients suffering from peritoneal cancer typically suffer from stomach pain, fatigue and gastrointestinal issues.
After a physical examination followed by a review 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 illness. In some cases, mesothelioma doctors will also request a biopsy for an accurate diagnosis.
Peritoneal Mesothelioma symptoms usually start 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. It is essential for patients to seek a medical diagnosis in the event of these symptoms because they could be caused by something other than mesothelioma.
Despite the difficulty of diagnosing peritoneal mesothelioma, patients typically receive the appropriate treatment to extend their lives. In most cases, this involves surgical treatment and heated chemotherapy.
Contact our mesothelioma attorneys to learn more about how we can help you if a loved one has been diagnosed with peritoneal msothelioma. We can help you connect with mesothelioma specialists in your area and assist you in filing a lawsuit against the
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Diagnosis
To diagnose peritoneal Msothelioma it is important to have an extensive medical history. Doctors will inquire with the patient about their asbestos exposure and when it happened. They may also conduct a physical exam. Initial tests typically include X-rays and blood tests and 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 other illnesses. These nonspecific symptoms can cause confusion for doctors. Mesothelioma is a rare cancer, and it can take a long time for symptoms to appear after asbestos exposure.
Asbestos fibers inhaled or consumed travel into the stomach lining known as the peritoneum. When they reach the peritoneum, the asbestos fibers are sharp and irritate the mesothelium. As time passes the irritation causes inflammation and scar tissue. This causes abnormal cell proliferation and tumors.
There are no FDA-approved screening tests for mesothelioma of the peritoneum, however, researchers are developing ways to identify the disease's early stages. The importance of identifying mesothelioma early is that it will determine the treatment options.
A mesothelioma expert can perform a paracentesis or percutaneous needle biopsy to collect a sample of mesothelioma tumors for lab testing. These tests can identify the type of cancer cells (epithelioid, sarcomatoid or biphasic) within the tumor, and assist doctors to develop an appropriate treatment plan.
Specialists in mesothelioma can also determine the stage of the patient. The staging process determines which treatments will be the most effective and help mesothelioma attorneys know which asbestos-related companies to sue in mesothelioma lawsuits (
from compravivienda.com).
When a mesothelioma expert reviews the results from the biopsy, he or she creates a pathology report that includes information about the type of mesothelioma. The report could also include a staging scale that indicates how far the cancer has spread within the body. The higher the stage of cancer is, the less likely the patient will be able to respond to treatment. Lawyers can explain the implications of this to the particular case of a client.
Treatment
Asbestos fibers can be breathed in or consumed and are absorbed in the tissue that lines the abdomen and other organs. These fibers damage DNA and cause irritation to cells. Over time, this leads to the development of tumors within the lining. The majority of the time, peritoneal mesothelioma is found in the abdomen's lining called the peritoneum. Peritoneal mesothelioma occurs less frequently than pleural mesothelioma. It usually affects women more.
The symptoms of peritoneal cancer are similar to those seen with gastrointestinal disorders such as Crohn's and irritable bowel disease and makes it difficult for doctors to identify. Early symptoms can be misinterpreted as other conditions and can last for months or even years before a mesothelioma diagnosis is made.
A doctor may also perform tests of blood and imaging to rule out other diseases or conditions that could 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 lining. A biopsy is the process of removing small portions of the affected area for examination by pathologists. Biopsies can reveal cancerous cells as well as identify the type of mesothelioma.
If a diagnosis of peritoneal mesothelioma has been established doctors will discuss the options for treatment with the patient. The goal of the treatment plan is to decrease the size and amount of tumors. Surgery is typically the first line of defense but patients should also discuss the possibility of chemotherapy and immunotherapy.
Unlike the chest-based treatments for pleural mesothelioma that are administered through the lung, peritoneal mesothelioma treatments are administered either intravenously or orally. Chemotherapy injections, such as heated intraperitoneal therapy (HIPEC) have helped prolong the life expectancy of many patients. HIPEC is a method that was invented by mesothelioma pioneer Paul Sugarbaker.
Patients diagnosed with peritoneal mesothelioma may be eligible to file an asbestos lawsuit against negligent companies. An attorney for mesothelioma can analyze the case of a patient and suggest legal options. Contact us today to begin. Contact us now. It's free, private and there's absolutely no obligation. We offer nationwide representation.
Prognosis
Mesothelioma cancer is a rare form of cancer. Doctors have limited experience with it, and many patients are wrongly diagnosed as having other diseases. A mesothelioma specialist can assist patients identify the cause and ensure that they receive the proper treatment.
The only cause that is known for mesothelioma of the peritoneal region is asbestos exposure. When asbestos fibers are inhaled or ingested, they could irritate the tissues of the abdomen and cause cells to mutate. Over time, this can result in tumors that develop into a mesothelioma of the peritoneum.
Exposure to asbestos often begins with jobs in manufacturing or construction. These industries can utilize
asbestos lawsuits-containing materials, such as fireproofing and insulation. Asbestos is also present in household items such as flooring and roofing tiles. Even small amounts of asbestos exposure can put a person in danger of mesothelioma. Because the disease has an extended latency period, victims can sometimes be diagnosed with peritoneal mesothelioma years after the initial exposure.
Peritoneal Mesothelioma may mimic other conditions. It is often mistaken for hernias or gastrointestinal issues like colitis or Crohn's and other types of abdominal cancers. Many patients do not disclose their asbestos exposure, and do not seek medical attention. Doctors may suggest a biopsy to confirm the diagnosis of mesothelioma. A biopsy involves removing just a small portion of affected tissue to test. This test can determine if the mesothelioma is epithelioid (epidermoid), sarcomatoid (sarcomatoid) or biphasic.
If the mesothelioma is at an early stage doctors can remove all of the tumors and offer the best treatment. The specialist can also determine whether the cancer has been able to spread to the abdomen. They may then recommend palliative treatments for the patient, for example paracentesis, which drains the fluid from the abdomen.
When a mesothelioma is advanced the chances of survival are less. This is because the tumors are able to become resistant to certain treatments and can be recurred. The specialist may recommend the combination of surgery and chemotherapy. The surgical options include cytoreduction surgery with hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy. This combination is more likely to improve a patient's prognosis than chemotherapy on its own.
