Peritoneal Mesothelioma Asbestos Symptoms
Peritoneal mesothelioma asbestos symptoms often affect the digestive system. This is due to asbestos fibers being ingested, and become embedded in the lining of the stomach known as the peritoneum.
Over time, these fibres cause changes to healthy peritoneal cells. As a result cancerous tumors develop in the peritoneum.
The diagnosis of mesothelioma may be a challenge. Early signs may be confused with other symptoms like hernias, or irritable Bowel Syndrome.
Signs and symptoms
When asbestos fibers are inhaled, they can pass into the lungs and circulate throughout the body. From there, they can be stuck in the lining of the abdomen or other organs, creating irritation and inflammation that leads to tumor growth. This process can take a long time to develop, and a lot of victims are unaware that they are exposed to asbestos until it is too late.
Asbestos fibers can become trapped in the tissues that line the abdominal cavity, or other organs, causing malignant peritoneal melanomas. It is the second most prevalent mesothelioma type, however it can be difficult to identify because the initial symptoms aren't specific and are similar to symptoms of gastrointestinal disorders. Patients suffering from peritoneal cancer typically experience fatigue, stomach pain and gastrointestinal issues.
After a physical examination followed by an examination of medical history, and a series of laboratory tests, mesothelioma patients are diagnosed with peritoneal cancer. An X-ray or CT scan can help doctors identify any lumps or other symptoms of illness. In some instances mesothelioma specialists may also request a biopsy for an precise diagnosis.
Peritoneal Mesothelioma symptoms usually start in the abdomen. They can cause severe 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 crucial for patients to seek medical attention when they have these symptoms, as they could be caused by something other than mesothelioma.
Despite the difficulty in diagnosing peritoneal cancer, patients are often able to receive the right treatment to extend their lives. In the majority of cases, the treatment involves surgery and chemo that is heated.
If you or a loved one have been diagnosed with peritoneal cancer, contact our mesothelioma lawyers to learn how we can help. We can help you locate a
mesothelioma attorney expert near you who can assist you in filing an asbestos lawsuit against the companies that are responsible for your exposure. We can also help you receive the financial compensation that you are entitled to. Fill out our online form to start the process. We can help you get the best outcome possible by working with the best mesothelioma lawyers.
Diagnosis
The first step to diagnose peritoneal mesothelioma is to get an complete medical history. Doctors will inquire about the patient's exposure to asbestos and the time it occurred. They may also conduct a physical examination. X-rays, blood tests and CT scans are commonly utilized in the initial check-up.
Because of the long time of latency, peritoneal cancer is often difficult to identify. Patients may experience symptoms such as abdominal discomfort, nausea, and fever that resemble other conditions. These nonspecific symptoms could confuse doctors. Mesothelioma is a rare form of cancer that can take years to show symptoms following exposure to asbestos is a rare condition.
Inhaling or eating asbestos fibers travel into the stomach lining, known as the peritoneum. Asbestos fibers that are sharp irritate mesothelium when they reach the peritoneum. This irritation leads to inflammation and scar tissue over time. Eventually, this leads to abnormal cell growth and tumors develop.
There are no FDA-approved screenings for peritoneal mesothelioma, but researchers are working on developing ways to identify the disease in its early stages. The stage of mesothelioma determines the treatment options.
A mesothelioma expert can perform paracentesis (percutaneous needle biopsy) to take a sample for tests in the laboratory. These tests can identify the type of cancer cells (epithelioid biphasic, sarcomatoid, or epithelioid) within the tumor and aid doctors determine an appropriate treatment plan.
Specialists in mesothelioma also determine the stage of the patient. The stage determines the most effective treatments and helps
mesothelioma lawyers know which asbestos companies are liable in mesothelioma suits.
When a mesothelioma specialist analyzes the results of a biopsy, they create an analysis report that contains specifics about the kind of mesothelioma. The report may also include a staging system that describes how the cancer has spread within the body. The higher the stage the more likely it will respond to treatment. Lawyers can explain the significance of this in a client's situation.
Treatment
Asbestos fibers are inhaled or consumed and are absorbed in the tissues lining the abdomen and other organs. The fibers cause irritation to cells and damage DNA. In time, this can lead to the formation of tumors in the lining. The majority of the time, peritoneal cancer develops in the lining of the abdomen. Peritoneal mesothelioma is less common than pleural mesothelioma. It usually affects women more.
The symptoms of peritoneal cancer are similar to symptoms of gastrointestinal disorders like irritable bowel disorder and Crohn's disease, making it difficult for doctors to recognize the condition. Because of this, early symptoms can be mistaken as normal ailments, and can last for months or years before a patient is given an mesothelioma-related diagnosis.
In addition to a thorough medical history, a doctor will perform bloodwork and imaging tests to rule out other illnesses and conditions that could cause the same symptoms as mesothelioma. These tests can also be used to determine the most suitable treatment options.
Since peritoneal mesothelioma can develop in the abdominal lining The doctor will conduct a biopsy to confirm a diagnosis. A biopsy involves removing small portions of the affected area for examination by pathologists. Biopsies can reveal cancerous cells and determine the type of mesothelioma.
Once a peritoneal mesothelioma diagnosis has been established, doctors will discuss options for treatment with the patient. The aim of any treatment plan is typically to reduce the size and number of tumors. Surgery is often the first option, however patients can 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 intravenously or orally. Injections of chemotherapy, such as heated intraperitoneal therapy (HIPEC) have helped prolong survival for many patients. HIPEC was invented by mesothelioma expert Paul Sugarbaker.
Patients diagnosed with peritoneal mesothelioma could be able to file an asbestos lawsuit against negligent companies. A
mesothelioma lawyer can evaluate the case of a patient and recommend legal options. Contact us today to start. It's completely free, confidential and there is no commitment. We provide nationwide representation.
Prognosis
Mesothelioma is a rare cancer. The doctors have limited experience with it, so many patients are misdiagnosed as having other illnesses. Fortunately, a mesothelioma specialist can help with the diagnostic process and get patients the appropriate treatment.
Asbestos exposure is the only known cause of peritoneal cancer. When asbestos fibers are breathed in or ingested, they can irritate the tissues of the abdomen and cause cells to mutate. This may cause tumors to develop into mesothelioma in the peritoneum over time.
The exposure to asbestos usually starts with work in construction or manufacturing. These industries can utilize asbestos-containing materials, such as fireproofing and insulation. Asbestos can also be found in household products such as flooring and roof tiles. Even the smallest amounts of exposure put a person at risk for
mesothelioma lawsuits. Because mesothelioma is a chronic disease with a long time to develop patients may be diagnosed with peritoneal mesothelioma years after the initial exposure.
Peritoneal Mesothelioma can mimic other diseases. It is often mistaken for hernias, digestive issues such as colitis or Crohn's and other forms of abdominal cancer. This is why many patients don't report their exposure to asbestos and they do not seek medical care. Specialists may recommend a biopsy to confirm the diagnosis of mesothelioma. A biopsy involves the removal of a small piece of tissue to be tested. This procedure will reveal the stage of mesothelioma and if it is epithelioid, sarcomatoid or biphasic.
If the mesothelioma is at an early stage, doctors can remove all the tumors and offer an effective treatment. The doctor will also be able to determine whether the cancer has been able to spread to the abdomen. They can then prescribe palliative treatments for the patient, such as paracentesis to drain the abdominal fluid.
The outlook for patients is worse when a mesothelioma has advanced. The cancers can become resistant to certain treatments and may recur. The doctor may recommend a combination of surgery and chemotherapy. 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.