Peritoneal Mesothelioma Asbestos Symptoms
Peritoneal mesothelioma asbestos symptoms typically affect the digestive system. This is because asbestos fibers are ingested, and become embedded in the lining of the stomach called the peritoneum.
In time, these fibers result in mutations to the healthy peritoneal cells. In the end cancerous tumors develop in the peritoneum.
Mesothelioma is a difficult condition to diagnose. The early signs can resemble symptoms of other conditions, like hernia or IBS.
Symptoms
Asbestos fibers may travel through the body when inhaled. The fibers then become trapped in the linings of the abdomen and other organs. This can cause inflammation and irritation, which leads to tumor development. The process can take years to develop, and many victims are unaware of their asbestos exposure until it's too late.
Asbestos fibers can get trapped in the tissue lining the abdominal cavity, or other organs, leading to malignant peritoneal melanoma. It is the second most prevalent type of mesothelioma, but it is difficult to identify because the initial symptoms are nonspecific and similar to those of gastrointestinal diseases. Patients with peritoneal cancer often have stomach pain, fatigue and gastrointestinal issues.
Mesothelioma victims are typically diagnosed with peritoneal mesothelioma after undergoing a physical examination and a medical history review and an array of tests performed by a laboratory. A X-ray as well as a CT scan can help doctors identify any lumps or other symptoms of disease. In certain instances, doctors who treat mesothelioma will also order a biopsied to get a more accurate diagnosis.
Peritoneal Mesothelioma Symptoms usually begin in the abdomen. They can cause severe abdominal discomfort, bloating, and weight loss. They may also cause nausea and vomiting, as well as other digestive issues. The symptoms can also include chest pain, swelling, and fatigue. If these symptoms are present it is essential to seek medical attention because they may be caused by other conditions.
Despite the difficulty in diagnosing peritoneal msothelioma patients, they can often receive the right treatment to prolong their lives. In the majority of cases, treatment involves surgery and chemo that is heated.
If you or a loved one have been diagnosed with peritoneal
mesothelioma lawsuit, call our mesothelioma lawyers to find out how we can assist. We can help you locate an expert in mesothelioma near you who can help you file an asbestos lawsuit,
on front page, against the companies responsible for your exposure. We can also help you receive the financial settlement you're entitled to. You can start this process by filling out our no-cost online form. We can assist you in obtaining the best outcome possible by working with top mesothelioma attorneys.
Diagnosis
The first step to diagnose peritoneal mesothelioma is to get an exact medical history. Doctors will inquire with the patient about their
asbestos lawyers exposure and the date it happened. A physical examination will be performed. Blood tests, X-rays, and CT scans are commonly employed in the initial examination.
Due to the lengthy time of latency, peritoneal cancer can be difficult to diagnose. Patients may experience symptoms such as abdominal discomfort, nausea, and fever that resemble other conditions. These symptoms that are not specific can cause confusion for doctors. Mesothelioma is a rare type of cancer, and it can take decades for symptoms to manifest after exposure to asbestos.
Asbestos fibers that are inhaled or consumed move into the stomach lining known as the peritoneum. Asbestos fibers that are sharp irritate mesothelium when they reach the peritoneum. Over time this irritation can cause inflammation and scar tissue formation. This leads to abnormal cell growth and tumors.
There are no FDA-approved screenings for peritoneal mesothelioma, however, researchers are developing methods to detect the disease in its early stages. The stage of mesothelioma is the basis for the treatment options.
A mesothelioma expert can perform a paracentesis procedure or percutaneous needle biopsy to take a sample of mesothelioma tumors for lab testing. These tests can reveal the kind of cancer cells (epithelioid biphasic, sarcomatoid, or epithelioid) within the tumor and aid doctors determine a treatment plan.
Mesothelioma specialists can also determine the stage of mesothelioma a patient is. The staging process determines which treatments will be most effective and also helps mesothelioma attorneys know which
asbestos attorney-related companies to sue in mesothelioma lawsuits.
If a mesothelioma specialist analyzes the results of an examination, he or she creates a pathology document which contains details about the type mesothelioma. The report may also include an assessment scale that reveals how far the cancer has spread within the body. The higher the stage of cancer is, the less likely the patient will respond to treatment. Lawyers can explain the implications of this for specific clients.
Treatment
asbestos attorney fibers can be inhaled or eaten and then absorbed in the tissues lining the abdomen and other organs. The fibers harm DNA and irritate cells. As time passes, this leads to the formation of tumors within the lining. Typically, peritoneal cancer develops in the lining of the abdomen. Peritoneal mesothelioma is less common than pleural mesothelioma, and typically affects women more.
The symptoms of peritoneal mesothelioma are similar to those of gastrointestinal diseases like irritable bowel disorder and Crohn's disease, which makes it difficult for doctors to diagnose the condition. Because of this, early symptoms can be mistaken as normal ailments and may last for months or even years before a patient is given the mesothelioma diagnosis.
In addition to a thorough medical history, a physician will conduct tests for imaging and bloodwork to rule out other illnesses and conditions that may cause the same symptoms as mesothelioma. These tests can aid in determining the best treatment options.
A biopsy is performed by a doctor to confirm the diagnosis. This is due to the fact that peritoneal msothelioma can in the abdominal liner. A biopsy is the process of removing small portions of the affected area to be examined by pathologists. Biopsies are able to reveal cancerous cells, and can determine the type of Mesothelioma.
If a diagnosis of peritoneal cancer has been confirmed doctors will discuss the options for treatment with the patient. The goal of any treatment plan is typically to reduce the size and quantity of tumors. Surgery is usually the first line of defense, however, patients should also talk about the possibility of chemotherapy and immunotherapy.
Contrary to the chest-based treatment for pleural mesothelioma which is administered through the lungs peritoneal Mesothelioma treatment is injected intravenously or orally. Injections of chemotherapies, like heated intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC), have helped to prolong the life of many patients. HIPEC was developed by mesothelioma expert Paul Sugarbaker.
Patients diagnosed with peritoneal
mesothelioma lawsuit may qualify to file an asbestos lawsuit against negligent companies. An experienced mesothelioma lawyer will evaluate a patient's situation and suggest legal options. Contact us today to start. It's completely free, confidential and there is no commitment. We offer nationwide representation.
Prognosis
Mesothelioma cancer is extremely rare. 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 get patients the appropriate treatment.
Asbestos exposure is the only known cause of peritoneal mesothelioma. When asbestos fibers are breathed in or ingested, they could irritate the tissues of the abdomen and cause cells to change. This may cause tumors to form mesothelioma in the peritoneum in time.
Manufacturing or construction is often the first place where asbestos exposure starts. These industries can use materials that contain asbestos, for example, insulation and fireproofing. Asbestos is also found in household products like roofing tiles and flooring. Even very low levels of exposure can put someone at risk for mesothelioma. Because the disease has a long latency period it is possible for patients to be diagnosed with peritoneal mesothelioma years after their initial exposure.
Peritoneal mesothelioma symptoms can appear similar to other conditions and can be mistaken for a hernia gastrointestinal issues like colitis or Crohn's disease or other types of abdominal cancer. This is why many patients do not report their exposure to asbestos and they don't seek medical attention. If mesothelioma has been identified, the specialists may recommend a biopsy for a more accurate diagnosis. A biopsy involves removing only a small amount of affected tissue for testing. This test will reveal whether the mesothelioma is epithelioid (epidermoid) or sarcomatoid (sarcomatoid) or biphasic.
If mesothelioma has reached an early stage doctors can remove all of the tumors and offer an effective treatment. The doctor will also be able to determine if 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 the abdomen of fluid.
If mesothelioma progresses and the prognosis is less favorable, it becomes more difficult to treat. This is because the tumors can become resistant to certain treatments, and they may develop a recurrence. The doctor might suggest a combination of surgery and chemotherapy. Surgery options include cytoreduction with hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemo. This combination is more likely than chemotherapy alone to improve the prognosis of the patient.
