Peritoneal Mesothelioma Asbestos Symptoms

The digestive system is commonly affected by the symptoms of peritoneal mesothelioma. This is because asbestos fibers are taken in and are then embedded within the lining of your stomach, known as the peritoneum.

Over time the fibers cause changes in healthy peritoneal cells. As a result, cancerous tumors form in the peritoneum.

Mesothelioma is a difficult condition to identify. The early signs may be confused with other symptoms like hernias, or irritable Bowel Syndrome.

Symptoms

When asbestos fibers are inhaled they can pass into the lungs and circulate throughout the body. From there, they may get stuck in the lining of the abdomen or other organs, causing inflammation and irritation that eventually leads to tumor growth. This process can take a long time to develop, and most victims are unaware that they have asbestos exposure until it is too late.

Asbestos fibers can become trapped in the tissues that line the abdominal cavity or other organs, causing 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 disorders. Patients with peritoneal mesothelioma frequently suffer from stomach pain, fatigue and digestive issues.

After a physical examination and reviewing 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 other indications of disease. In some cases mesothelioma specialists may also request a biopsy for an precise diagnosis.

Peritoneal mesothelioma symptoms usually begin in the abdomen and can cause severe abdominal pain, bloating, weight loss, fluid buildup in 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 crucial to seek medical attention since they could be caused by other conditions.

Despite the difficulty in diagnosing peritoneal mesothelioma, victims can often receive the proper treatment to extend their lives. In the majority of cases, this requires the use of surgery and chemotherapy that is heated.

If you or a loved one have been diagnosed with peritoneal cancer, contact our mesothelioma lawyers to learn more about how we can assist. We can help you find an expert in your area who can assist you in filing an asbestos lawsuit against asbestos-related companies responsible for your exposure. We can also help ensure that you get the financial compensation you're entitled to. You can start this process by filling out our no-cost online form. We can assist you to get the best outcome possible by working with the best mesothelioma lawyers.

Diagnosis

To diagnose peritoneal msothelioma, it is essential to take a an extensive medical history. Doctors will inquire with the patient about their asbestos exposure and the date it occurred. A physical exam will be conducted. Blood tests, X-rays and CT scans are commonly used in the initial work-up.

Due to the long period of latency, peritoneal mesothelioma is often difficult to identify. Patients may be afflicted by symptoms like nausea, abdominal pain and fever that are similar to other illnesses. These nonspecific symptoms may cause confusion for doctors. Mesothelioma is a rare form of cancer that can take years to manifest symptoms following exposure to asbestos, is a rare illness.

Asbestos fibers inhaled, or consumed move to the stomach lining called the peritoneum. Once inside the peritoneum the asbestos fibers' sharp edges irritate the mesothelium. In time the irritation causes inflammation and scar tissue growth. Eventually, this leads to abnormal cell growth and tumors develop.

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 help identify the kind of cancer cells (epithelioid biphasic, sarcomatoid, or epithelioid) within the tumor and help doctors determine an appropriate treatment plan.

Mesothelioma specialists also evaluate the mesothelioma stage of a patient. The stage determines the most effective treatment and helps mesothelioma lawyers know which asbestos companies are accountable in mesothelioma lawsuit suits.

When a mesothelioma expert reviews the results of an examination and creates a pathology document which contains details about the mesothelioma type. The report may also include a staging system that describes how the cancer has spread in the body. The more advanced 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 a particular client's case.

Treatment

Asbestos fibers can be breathed in or eaten and then absorbed in the tissue that lines the abdomen and other organs. The fibers harm DNA and cause irritation to cells. This causes the formation of tumors. Typically, peritoneal mesothelioma attorney develops in the lining of the abdomen called the peritoneum. Peritoneal mesothelioma occurs less frequently than pleural mesothelioma, and typically affects women more.

The symptoms of peritoneal cancer are similar to those seen with digestive disorders like Crohn's disease and irritable bowel syndrome and makes it difficult for doctors to diagnose. Initial symptoms may be mistaken for other ailments and can last for months or even years before a mesothelioma is identified.

A physician will also conduct tests on blood and imaging to rule out any other diseases or conditions that could cause the same symptoms as mesothelioma. These tests will aid in determining the most effective treatment options.

A biopsy is conducted by a physician to confirm the diagnosis. This is because peritoneal msothelioma occurs in the abdominal liner. A biopsy involves the removal of small samples of the affected area to be examined by pathologists. Biopsies are able to reveal cancerous cells, and determine the type of Mesothelioma.

If a diagnosis of peritoneal cancer has been confirmed doctors will discuss treatment options with the patient. Generally, the goal of a treatment plan is to minimize the size and quantity of tumors. Surgery is usually the first line of defense, but patients should also discuss the possibility of immunotherapy and chemotherapy.

Contrary to chest-based treatments for pleural mesothelioma lawyers which are administered via the lung, the peritoneal mesothelioma treatment are injected orally or intravenously. Chemotherapies like injections, such as heated intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) have been able to prolong the life of many patients. HIPEC is a procedure innovated by mesothelioma pioneer Paul Sugarbaker.

Patients suffering from peritoneal asbestosis may be able to bring a lawsuit against negligent asbestos companies. An experienced mesothelioma lawyer will review the case of a patient and recommend legal options. Contact us now to get started. It is free, confidential and there is no obligation. We offer nationwide representation.

Prognosis

Mesothelioma is a rare type of cancer. Doctors have limited experience with it, and many patients are misdiagnosed as having other illnesses. Fortunately mesothelioma specialists can aid in the diagnosis process and provide patients with the appropriate treatment.

The only cause that is known for mesothelioma of the peritoneal region is asbestos exposure. When asbestos fibers are inhaled or consumed, they may irritate the tissues of the abdomen and cause cells to change. As time passes, this could lead to tumors that form mesothelioma of peritoneum.

Manufacturing or construction is usually the first area where asbestos exposure starts. These industries can employ asbestos-containing products including fireproofing, insulation. Asbestos is also found in household products, such as flooring and roof tiles. Even the smallest amounts of exposure put a person at risk for mesothelioma. Because the disease has a long time to develop, victims can sometimes be diagnosed with peritoneal mesothelioma decades after their initial exposure.

Peritoneal mesothelioma symptoms may be similar to those of other conditions and be mistaken for a hernia gastrointestinal issues like Crohn's disease or colitis, or other types of abdominal cancer. Because of this, many patients do not disclose their exposure to asbestos and they don't seek medical treatment. If mesothelioma is found experts may suggest an examination for a more precise diagnosis. A biopsy involves the removal of a small portion of the affected tissue for testing. This test can determine whether the mesothelioma has epithelioid (epidermoid), Sarcomatoid (sarcomatoid) or biphasic.

If mesothelioma has not spread, doctors can remove the tumors. They will also offer an option for curative treatment. The doctor can also determine if the cancer has been able to spread to the abdomen. They can then prescribe palliative care for the patient, such as paracentesis that drains fluid from the abdomen.

The odds of survival are worse when a mesothelioma has advanced. The tumors could become resistant to treatment and recur. The doctor might recommend an amalgamation of surgery and chemotherapy. Surgery options include cytoreduction with hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemo. This combination is more likely than chemotherapy on its own to improve the outlook of a patient.