Peritoneal Mesothelioma Asbestos Symptoms
The digestive system is commonly affected by the symptoms of peritoneal mesothelioma. This is due to asbestos fibers being ingested, and become embedded in the lining of the stomach called the peritoneum.
As time passes, these fibers cause mutations in healthy peritoneal cells. As a result cancerous tumors develop in the peritoneum.
The diagnosis of mesothelioma may be a bit difficult. Early signs can be confused with symptoms of other conditions such as hernias or irritable Bowel Syndrome.
Symptoms
Asbestos fibers can move through the body after inhalation. The fibers can then get stuck in the linings of the abdomen and other organs. This causes irritation and inflammation, which leads to tumor development. The process can take years to develop, and most sufferers are unaware that they are exposed to asbestos until it is too late.
Malignant peritoneal mesothelioma occurs when asbestos fibers get trapped in the tissue that lines the abdominal cavity as well as other organs. It is the second most common type of mesothelioma, but it is difficult to recognize because the early symptoms are not specific and similar to those of digestive diseases. Patients suffering from peritoneal mesothelioma typically experience stomach pain, fatigue, and digestive issues.
After a physical exam followed by an examination of medical history and a series of laboratory tests, mesothelioma patients are diagnosed with peritoneal cancer. A CT scan or X-ray may help doctors identify lumps or any other signs of illness. In certain instances, doctors who treat mesothelioma will also require a biopsy to make a more precise diagnosis.
Peritoneal mesothelioma symptoms typically begin in the abdomen and can result in severe abdominal pain as well as bloating, weight loss, stomach fluid accumulation, nausea, vomiting and other digestive problems. Other symptoms include fatigue, chest pain and swelling. It is crucial for patients to seek a medical diagnosis in the event of these symptoms as they may be caused by something other than mesothelioma.
Despite the difficulties of diagnosing peritoneal mesothelioma, patients typically receive the appropriate treatment to extend their lives. In most cases, the treatment involves surgery and chemo that is heated.
Contact our mesothelioma lawyers today to learn how we can assist you if someone in your family has been diagnosed with peritoneal msothelioma. We can connect you to mesothelioma specialists near you who can assist you in bringing a lawsuit against the asbestos companies that are responsible for your exposure. We can also ensure you receive the financial compensation you're entitled to. You can start this process by filling in our free online form. We have a strong relationship with mesothelioma lawyers to assist you in obtaining the best possible outcome.
Diagnosis
To determine if you have peritoneal msothelioma it is important to have an exhaustive medical history. Doctors will ask about the person's exposure to asbestos and when it happened. They will also conduct a physical examination. X-rays, blood tests and CT scans are typically utilized in the initial check-up.
Because of the long latency period, peritoneal mesothelioma is often difficult to identify. Patients might experience symptoms such as nausea, abdominal pain, and fever that are similar to those of other conditions. These symptoms that are not specific can confuse doctors. Mesothelioma is a rare cancer, and it can take years before symptoms show up after asbestos exposure.
Asbestos fibers inhaled or consumed are transported to the stomach lining called the peritoneum. When they reach the peritoneum, the asbestos fibers' sharp edges can cause irritation to the mesothelium. As time passes this irritation can cause inflammation and scar tissue. Then, it leads to abnormal cell growth and tumors develop.
There are no FDA-approved screening tests for mesothelioma of the peritoneum, but researchers are working on developing methods to detect the disease in its earliest stages. The stage of mesothelioma will determine the treatment options.
A mesothelioma specialist may perform paracentesis (percutaneous needle biopsy) to take a sample for lab testing. These tests can help identify the type of cancer cells (epithelioid, sarcomatoid or biphasic) within the tumor and help doctors come up with a treatment plan.
Mesothelioma specialists also evaluate a patient's stage of mesothelioma. The stage determines the most effective treatments and helps mesothelioma lawyers know which asbestos-related companies are responsible in mesothelioma suits.
A mesothelioma specialist examines the results of a biopsy, they prepare an analysis report that contains details about the type of mesothelioma. The report could also include an assessment scale that reveals how far the cancer has spread within the body. The more advanced the stage of cancer the less likely a patient is to respond to treatment. A lawyer can explain the implications of this to the particular case of a client.
Treatment
When inhaled or swallowed asbestos fibers are embedded in the tissues that line the abdomen and other organs. These fibers can cause irritation to cells and damage DNA. This can lead to the development of tumors. The majority of the time, peritoneal mesothelioma is found in the abdomen's lining called the peritoneum. Peritoneal Mesothelioma is more prevalent in women than pleural Mesothelioma, however, it is less prevalent.
The symptoms of peritoneal cancer are similar to those that are associated with gastrointestinal disorders such as Crohn's disease and irritable colon disease which makes it difficult for doctors to recognize. Early symptoms can be mistaken for other ailments 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 any other diseases or conditions that may cause the same symptoms as mesothelioma. These tests will help to determine the best treatment options.
A biopsy is carried out by a doctor to confirm the diagnosis. This is because peritoneal msothelioma occurs in the abdominal lining. A biopsy involves the removal of small amounts of tissue from the affected area to be examined by pathologists. Biopsies can detect cancerous cells as well as identify the mesothelioma type.
If a diagnosis of peritoneal mesothelioma is confirmed, doctors will discuss options for treatment with the patient. The purpose of any treatment plan is usually to reduce the size and the number of tumors. Surgery is usually the first option, however patients can also look into chemotherapy and immunotherapy.
Contrary to chest-based treatment for pleural Mesothelioma which is administered via the lungs, the treatment for peritoneal Mesothelioma is administered either intravenously or orally. Chemotherapy injections like heated intraperitoneal therapy (HIPEC), helped extend the life expectancy of many patients. HIPEC was developed by mesothelioma expert Paul Sugarbaker.
Patients diagnosed with peritoneal mesothelioma may be eligible to file an asbestos lawsuit against negligent companies. An experienced mesothelioma lawyer will review the case of a patient and suggest legal options. Contact us today to begin. It is no cost, it's confidential and there is no obligation. We provide nationwide representation.
Prognosis
Mesothelioma is a rare cancer. Because doctors aren't experienced in diagnosing patients, many are mistakenly diagnosed with other diseases. A mesothelioma expert can help patients with the diagnosis and ensure they receive appropriate treatment.
The only known cause of mesothelioma of the peritoneal region is asbestos exposure. When asbestos fibers are breathed in or ingested, they can cause irritation to the tissues of the abdomen and cause cells to alter. In time, this may cause tumors to form mesothelioma in the peritoneum.
Construction or manufacturing work is often the first location where asbestos exposure starts. These industries could use asbestos-containing materials, such as fireproofing and insulation. Asbestos can also be found in household products such as roof tiles and flooring. Even the smallest amount of exposure to asbestos can cause a person to be at risk of mesothelioma. Because of the lengthy time of latency, victims may be diagnosed with peritoneal msothelioma for a long time after their first exposure.
Peritoneal mesothelioma symptoms can be similar to those of other conditions and can be mistaken for hernias, gastrointestinal issues like colitis or Crohn's disease or other types of abdominal cancer. Many patients do not report their asbestos exposure and don't seek medical care. When mesothelioma is detected, the specialists may recommend the procedure of a biopsy to make an precise diagnosis. A biopsy is the removal a small piece of tissue to be tested. This procedure can reveal if the mesothelioma is epithelioid (epidermoid), Sarcomatoid (sarcomatoid) or biphasic.
If mesothelioma has reached an early stage, doctors can remove all the tumors and offer the best treatment. The doctor 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 to drain fluid from the abdomen.
When a mesothelioma is advanced the chances of survival are less. thousand oaks asbestos lawyer can become resistant to certain treatments and recur. The doctor may suggest the 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.