Peritoneal Mesothelioma Asbestos Symptoms
Peritoneal mesothelioma asbestos signs typically affect the digestive system. This is due to asbestos fibers being ingested, and become embedded within the lining of your stomach, known as the peritoneum.
As time passes these fibers can cause mutations in healthy peritoneal cells. In the end tumors that are cancerous develop in the peritoneum.
Mesothelioma is a difficult condition to recognize. The early signs can be similar to symptoms of other diseases, such as hernia or irritable bowel syndrome.
Symptoms
When asbestos fibers are inhaled they can enter the lungs and then travel 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 the growth of tumors. This process can take decades to develop, and a lot of victims do not know that they are exposed to asbestos until it is too late.
Malignant peritoneal mesothelioma occurs when asbestos fibers are trapped in the tissues that line the abdominal cavity and other organs. It is the second most prevalent mesothelioma type, however it is difficult to identify because the initial symptoms are not specific and similar to those of digestive disorders. Patients with peritoneal mesothelioma frequently have stomach pain, fatigue, and gastrointestinal issues.
After a physical exam, reviewing medical history and a series of laboratory tests, mesothelioma sufferers are diagnosed with peritoneal cancer. A CT scan and X-ray can help doctors detect lumps, or other indications of disease. In certain cases, mesothelioma doctors will also order a biopsy to obtain a more accurate diagnosis.
Peritoneal Mesothelioma symptoms usually start in the abdomen. They can cause extreme abdominal discomfort, bloating, and weight loss. They can also trigger nausea and vomiting, as well as other digestive issues. Symptoms may also include chest pain, swelling and fatigue. It is crucial for patients to seek a medical diagnosis when they experience these symptoms as they may be caused by something other than mesothelioma.
Despite the difficulties in diagnosing patients with peritoneal msothelioma, they can often be treated to prolong their lives. In most cases, this requires the use of surgery and chemotherapy that is heated.
Contact our mesothelioma lawyers today to learn how we can assist you if you or a family member has been diagnosed with peritoneal mesothelioma. We can assist you in finding an expert in your area who can help you file an asbestos lawsuit against the companies that are responsible for your exposure. We can also assist you in ensuring that you get the financial compensation you deserve. You can start this process by filling out our no-cost online form. We can assist you in obtaining the best possible outcome by working with top mesothelioma attorneys.
Diagnosis
The first step to diagnose peritoneal mesothelioma is to get an exact medical history. Doctors will ask about the person's exposure to asbestos and the time it occurred. They will also conduct a physical exam. Blood tests, X-rays, and CT scans are commonly used in the initial work-up.
Because of the long period of latency, peritoneal
mesothelioma lawsuits can be difficult to recognize. Patients may experience symptoms such as abdominal nausea, fever and pain that are similar to other conditions. These symptoms aren't specific and could confuse doctors. Mesothelioma is a rare type of cancer and it can take years for symptoms to manifest after asbestos exposure.
Inhaled or ingested asbestos fibers travel to the stomach lining, known as the peritoneum. Asbestos fibers that are sharp irritate mesothelium after they reach the peritoneum. As time passes the irritation causes inflammation and scar tissue. Then, it leads to abnormal cell growth and tumors forming.
There are no FDA-approved screening tests for peritoneal mesothelioma however, researchers are developing methods to detect the disease in its early stages. Staging mesothelioma is important as it determines the treatment options.
A mesothelioma specialist can perform paracentesis (percutaneous needle biopsy) to take samples for tests in the laboratory. These tests can determine if the cancerous cells are epithelioid (epithelioid), the sarcomatoid (sarcomatoid) or biphasic within the tumor. This information can help doctors develop the treatment plan.
Specialists in mesothelioma also determine the stage of a patient. It determines which treatment options will be most effective and also helps mesothelioma lawyers know which asbestos companies to hold liable in
mesothelioma lawsuits.
When a mesothelioma doctor analyzes the results of a biopsy they prepare a pathology report that includes specifics about the kind of mesothelioma. The report can also include a staging system that describes how far the cancer has spread throughout the body. The higher the stage the more likely it will respond to treatment. A lawyer can explain the significance of this for a client's case.
Treatment
When swallowed or inhaled asbestos fibers are embedded in the tissue that lines the abdomen and other organs. These fibers damage DNA and cause irritation to cells. As time passes, this leads to the formation of tumors within the lining. Typically, peritoneal cancer is found in the lining that surrounds the abdomen. Peritoneal mesothelioma is less common than pleural mesothelioma. It usually affects women more.
The symptoms of peritoneal cancer are similar to those that are associated with digestive disorders like Crohn's disease and irritable colon disease and makes it difficult for doctors to recognize. Early symptoms can be misinterpreted as other conditions, and may persist for a long time, or even years before a mesothelioma is diagnosed.
In addition to an extensive medical history, a physician will conduct bloodwork and imaging tests to rule out other illnesses and conditions that may cause the same symptoms as mesothelioma. These tests can also be used to determine the most effective treatment options.
A biopsy is performed by a physician to confirm the diagnosis. This is due to the fact that peritoneal msothelioma can in the abdominal liner. A biopsy involves removing small samples 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 options for treatment with the patient. The aim of any treatment plan is usually to decrease the size and quantity of tumors. Surgery is usually the first option, but patients may also consider chemotherapy and immunotherapy.
In contrast to chest-based therapies for pleural mesothelioma which are administered through the lungs, peritoneal mesothelioma treatments are administered either intravenously or orally. Chemotherapy injections like heated intraperitoneal therapy (HIPEC) have helped prolong the survival of many patients. HIPEC was invented by mesothelioma expert Paul Sugarbaker.
Patients suffering from peritoneal asbestosis may be able to bring a lawsuit against negligent asbestos companies. A knowledgeable
mesothelioma attorney will evaluate a patient's situation and suggest legal options. Contact us today to start. It is no cost, it's confidential and there is no obligation. We provide nationwide representation.
Prognosis
Mesothelioma is a rare cancer. Doctors have limited experience with it, so many patients are misdiagnosed as having other illnesses. Fortunately, a mesothelioma specialist can assist in the diagnostic process and help patients receive the right treatment.
The only cause that is known for mesothelioma of the peritoneal region is asbestos exposure. Asbestos fibers can cause irritation to abdominal tissues and cell mutations when inhaled or consumed. This can lead to tumors that develop into
mesothelioma lawsuit in the peritoneum over time.
Manufacturing or construction work is often the first location where asbestos exposure can begin. These industries could employ asbestos-containing products, such as fireproofing and insulation. Asbestos is also found in household products such as flooring and roof tiles. Even low levels of exposure can put someone at risk for mesothelioma. Because of the long time of latency, victims may be diagnosed with peritoneal mesothelioma for a long time after their first exposure.
Peritoneal mesothelioma symptoms could resemble those of other conditions and be mistaken for a hernia gastrointestinal issues like colitis or Crohn's disease or other forms of abdominal cancer. A lot of patients do not declare their asbestos exposure and do not seek medical care. If mesothelioma is found doctors may recommend a biopsy for a more accurate diagnosis. A biopsy is the removal of tiny pieces of tissue that is examined. This test will reveal whether the mesothelioma is epithelioid (epidermoid), the sarcomatoid (sarcomatoid) or biphasic.
If mesothelioma does not have spread it is possible to remove the tumors. They can also provide a curative treatment. The doctor can also determine if the cancer has expanded to the abdomen. They can then prescribe palliative care for the patient. For example, paracentesis to drain abdominal fluid.
The prognosis is worsened when mesothelioma is advanced. The cancers can become resistant to treatment and recur. The doctor might recommend the combination of chemotherapy and surgery. Surgery options include cytoreduction with hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemo. This combination is more likely than chemotherapy alone to improve the prognosis for a patient.