Peritoneal Mesothelioma Asbestos Symptoms
Peritoneal mesothelioma asbestos symptoms typically affect the digestive system. This is due to asbestos fibers being taken in and are then embedded in the lining of the stomach known as the peritoneum.
In time these fibers can trigger mutations in healthy peritoneal cells. In the end, cancerous tumors form in the peritoneum.
Mesothelioma is a difficult disease to diagnose. Early signs may be confused with symptoms of other conditions like hernias, or irritable Bowel Syndrome.
Signs and symptoms
Asbestos fibers can travel through the body after inhalation. They can then become stuck in the abdominal lining or other organs, causing inflammation and irritation that eventually leads to the growth of tumors. The process can take years to develop, and many victims are unaware of their asbestos exposure until too late.
Asbestos fibers can get trapped in the tissue that lines the abdominal cavity or other organs, which can cause malignant peritoneal melanomas. It is the second most common mesothelioma type, however it can be difficult to identify because the initial symptoms are not specific and similar to those of gastrointestinal disorders. Patients with peritoneal cancer often experience fatigue, stomach pain and gastrointestinal issues.
mesothelioma lawsuits victims are typically diagnosed with peritoneal mesothelioma after conducting a physical examination and a medical history review and a series of tests in the laboratory. An X-ray or CT scan can assist doctors to identify any lumps or other signs of disease. In certain cases mesothelioma physicians may order a biopsy to obtain a more precise diagnosis.
Peritoneal Mesothelioma Symptoms usually begin in the abdomen and may cause extreme abdominal discomfort, bloating, and weight loss. They can also trigger nausea, vomiting, and other digestive issues. Symptoms may also include chest pain, swelling, and fatigue. If symptoms like these occur, it is important that patients seek medical attention as they could be caused by other conditions.
Despite the difficulties in diagnosing peritoneal msothelioma patients, they can often be treated to prolong their lives. In most cases, treatment involves surgery and chemo that is heated.
If you or someone you love have been diagnosed with peritoneal cancer, contact our mesothelioma attorneys to find out what we can do to help. We can help you locate an expert in your area who can help you file an asbestos lawsuit against asbestos-related companies responsible for your exposure. We can also help ensure that you receive the financial compensation you’re entitled to. You can begin this process by filling out our no-cost online form. We can assist you to get the best outcome possible by working with top mesothelioma attorneys.
Diagnosis
The first step in diagnosing peritoneal mesothelioma is to get an accurate medical history. Doctors will ask patients about their asbestos exposure and the date it happened. A physical examination will be performed. Initial tests typically include blood tests and Xrays and CT scans.
Peritoneal mesothelioma is a difficult cancer to diagnose because of its long latency period. Patients may experience symptoms like abdominal nausea, fever and pain that are similar to other conditions. These symptoms that are not specific can confuse doctors. Mesothelioma is a rare type of cancer, and it can take a long time before symptoms show up after asbestos exposure.
Inhaling or eating asbestos fibers move into the stomach lining, known as the peritoneum. Once in the peritoneum, the asbestos fibers’ sharp edges irritate the mesothelium. As time passes this irritation can cause inflammation and scar tissue formation. In the end, this causes abnormal cell growth and tumors forming.
Researchers are working to develop methods to detect the disease at its earliest stages. The importance of identifying mesothelioma early is that it determines treatment options.
A mesothelioma specialist can perform a paracentesis procedure or percutaneous needle biopsy to collect mesothelioma tumors to be tested in the lab. These tests can reveal the type of cancer cells (epithelioid biphasic, sarcomatoid, or epithelioid) within the tumor and aid doctors determine the best treatment plan.
Specialists in mesothelioma are able to determine the stage of a patient. The stage determines the most effective treatments and helps mesothelioma lawyers know which asbestos companies are liable in mesothelioma cases.
When a mesothelioma lawsuits expert analyzes the results from a biopsy, he or she creates a pathology record that includes information about the type mesothelioma. The report could also include the staging scale, which indicates how far the cancer has spread across the body. The more advanced the stage the more likely it will respond to treatment. A lawyer can explain what this means in a client’s situation.
Treatment
Asbestos fibers are inhaled or consumed and are absorbed in the tissue lining the abdomen and other organs. The fibers cause irritation to cells and cause DNA damage. This can lead to the development of tumors. Typically, peritoneal mesothelioma forms in the lining of the abdomen known as the peritoneum. Peritoneal mesothelioma is less common than pleural mesothelioma lawsuits. It usually affects women more.
Symptoms of peritoneal mesothelioma are similar to those of gastrointestinal diseases such as irritable bowel syndrome and Crohn’s disease, which makes it difficult for doctors to diagnose the condition. Early symptoms can be misinterpreted as other conditions and can last for a long time, or even years before a mesothelioma is diagnosed.
A physician will also conduct tests of blood and imaging to rule out other diseases or 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 lining. A biopsy is the process of removing small amounts of tissue from the affected area to be examined by pathologists. Biopsies can identify cancerous cells, and can determine the type of Mesothelioma.
If a peritoneal msothelioma has been confirmed doctors will discuss treatment options with patients. The goal of any treatment plan is generally to reduce the size and quantity of tumors. Surgery is typically the first line of defense but patients should also discuss the possibility of chemotherapy and immunotherapy.
Unlike the chest-based treatments for pleural mesothelioma that are administered via the lung, peritoneal mesothelioma treatments are injected orally or intravenously. Chemotherapies like injections, such as heated intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) have helped to prolong the life of many patients. HIPEC is a procedure innovated by mesothelioma pioneer Paul Sugarbaker.
Individuals suffering from peritoneal cancer may be able to sue negligent asbestos companies. A knowledgeable mesothelioma attorney will evaluate a patient’s situation and recommend legal options. Contact us now to begin. Contact us today. It’s free, confidential and there’s absolutely no obligation. We offer nationwide representation.
Prognosis
Mesothelioma cancer is rare. The doctors have limited experience with it, and many patients are misdiagnosed as having other illnesses. Fortunately mesothelioma specialists can assist in the diagnostic process and provide patients with the proper treatment.
The sole known cause of mesothelioma of the peritoneal region is asbestos exposure. Asbestos fibers can cause irritation to the abdominal tissues and cell mutations when inhaled or consumed. In time, this may cause tumors to form mesothelioma of peritoneum.
Exposure to asbestos often begins with jobs in manufacturing or construction. These industries may use products that contain asbestos, like insulation and fireproofing. Asbestos can also be found in household products, such as roof tiles and flooring. Even low levels of exposure can put a person at risk for mesothelioma. Because mesothelioma is a chronic disease with a long latency period, victims can sometimes be diagnosed with peritoneal mesothelioma years after the initial exposure.
Peritoneal Mesothelioma may mimic other diseases. It is often mistaken for hernias or gastrointestinal problems like Crohn’s or colitis, and other types of abdominal cancers. Due to this, a lot of patients don’t report their exposure to asbestos, and they do not seek medical care. If mesothelioma has been identified doctors may recommend an examination for a more accurate diagnosis. A biopsy is the process of removing only a small amount of affected tissue for testing. This test can determine whether the mesothelioma has epithelioid (epidermoid), Sarcomatoid (sarcomatoid) or biphasic.
If mesothelioma has reached an early stage, doctors can remove all the tumors and offer an effective treatment. The doctor can also determine if the cancer has expanded to the abdomen. They may then recommend palliative care for the patient, such as paracentesis, which drains the fluid from the abdomen.
If mesothelioma progresses and the prognosis is less favorable, it becomes more difficult to treat. This is because the cancer can become resistant to certain treatments, and they may be recurred. The specialist may recommend an amalgamation of chemotherapy and surgery. The surgical options include cytoreduction surgery with hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy. This combination is more likely to improve a patient’s prognosis than chemotherapy alone.
