Peritoneal Mesothelioma Asbestos Symptoms
The digestive system is commonly affected by the symptoms of peritoneal mesothelioma. This is because asbestos fibers are consumed and then absorbed in the lining of the stomach known as the peritoneum.
Over time, these fibers cause changes in healthy peritoneal cells. As a result, cancerous tumors form in the peritoneum.
Mesothelioma is a challenging condition to identify. The early signs can resemble symptoms of other conditions, like hernia, or irritable bowel syndrome.
Signs and symptoms
When asbestos fibers are inhaled they can pass into the lungs and travel throughout the body. From there, they can become trapped in the lining of the abdomen or other organs, causing inflammation and irritation that can lead to the growth of tumors. This process can take a long time to develop, and many victims are unaware of their asbestos exposure until too late.
Malignant peritoneal mesothelioma occurs when asbestos fibers become 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 can be difficult to diagnose because early symptoms aren't specific and are similar to those of digestive disorders. Patients suffering from peritoneal cancer typically experience fatigue, stomach pain and gastrointestinal problems.
Mesothelioma patients are usually diagnosed with peritoneal mesothelioma following undergoing a physical examination as well as a medical history check and several tests in the laboratory. A CT scan and X-ray can aid in identifying lumps or other signs of disease. In some cases mesothelioma physicians may request a biopsy for a more precise diagnosis.
Peritoneal mesothelioma symptoms usually begin in the abdomen and can result in extreme abdominal pain, weight loss, bloating, stomach fluid accumulation nausea, vomiting, and other digestive issues. Symptoms may also include chest pain, swelling, and fatigue. When these symptoms occur, it is important that patients seek medical attention because they could be triggered by other conditions.
Despite the difficulties in diagnosing peritoneal msothelioma patients, they can often receive the right treatment to prolong their lives. In the majority of cases, the treatment involves surgery and heated chemo.
If you or someone you love have been diagnosed with peritoneal mesothelioma, call our mesothelioma attorneys to learn what we can do to help. We can assist you in finding a mesothelioma expert near you who can help you file a lawsuit against asbestos companies that are responsible for your exposure. We can also assist you to get the financial compensation you are entitled to. Start the process by filling out our free online form. We partner with the top mesothelioma lawyers to assist you in obtaining the best possible outcome.
Diagnosis
The first step in diagnosing peritoneal mesothelioma is to get an exact medical history. Doctors will inquire with the patient about their asbestos exposure and the date it occurred. A physical examination will be performed. Initial work-ups often include blood tests and X-rays and CT scans.
Due to the long period of latency, peritoneal mesothelioma can be difficult to recognize. 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 cancer that can take years to show symptoms following exposure to asbestos is a rare disease.
Asbestos fibers inhaled or consumed move to the stomach lining, known as the peritoneum. Once inside the peritoneum the asbestos fibers' sharp edges cause irritation to the mesothelium. Over time this irritation can cause inflammation and scar tissue. This leads to abnormal cell growth and tumors.
Researchers are working on methods to detect mesothelioma in its earliest stages. The stage of mesothelioma will determine the treatment options.
A mesothelioma doctor can conduct a paracentesis or percutaneous needle biopsy to collect a sample of mesothelioma tumors for lab testing. These tests can identify the type of cancer cells (epithelioid biphasic, sarcomatoid, or epithelioid) within the tumor and help doctors come up with a treatment plan.
Specialists in mesothelioma can also determine the stage of a patient. Staging determines which treatments might be most effective and also helps mesothelioma attorneys know which asbestos companies to hold liable in mesothelioma lawsuits.
If a mesothelioma specialist analyzes the results from an examination the doctor creates a pathology document that contains information on the type mesothelioma. The report may also include a staging scale that indicates how the cancer has spread across the body. The more advanced the stage of cancer is, the less likely the patient is to respond to treatment. Lawyers can explain the implications of this for specific clients.
Treatment
Asbestos fibers can be inhaled or ingested and become embedded in the tissues lining the abdomen and other organs. These fibers damage DNA and can cause irritation to cells. This can lead to the development of tumors. Typically, peritoneal cancer develops in the lining that surrounds the abdomen. Peritoneal Mesothelioma is more prevalent in women than pleural Mesothelioma, but is less common.
The symptoms of peritoneal cancer are similar to symptoms of gastrointestinal disorders like irritable bowel disorder and Crohn's disease. This makes it difficult for doctors to identify the condition. Initial symptoms may be misinterpreted as other conditions and can last for months or even years before a mesothelioma is diagnosed.
In addition to a thorough medical history, a physician will conduct imaging and blood tests to rule out other diseases and conditions that could cause the same symptoms as mesothelioma. These tests can aid in determining the most effective treatment options.
A biopsy is conducted by a physician to confirm the diagnosis. This is because peritoneal Msothelioma can be found in the abdominal lining. A biopsy is the process of removing small samples of the affected area to be examined by pathologists. Biopsies are able to reveal cancerous cells, and can identify the type of Mesothelioma.
When a peritoneal Msothelioma diagnosis is confirmed doctors will discuss treatment options with patients. The goal of any treatment plan is generally to decrease the size and the number of tumors. Surgery is often the first option, but patients can also consider chemotherapy and immunotherapy.
Contrary to chest-based treatments for pleural mesothelioma which are administered through the lung, the peritoneal mesothelioma treatment are administered intravenously or orally. Injections of chemotherapy, such as heated intraperitoneal therapy (HIPEC) has helped prolong survival for many patients. HIPEC was developed by mesothelioma expert Paul Sugarbaker.
Patients diagnosed with peritoneal mesothelioma may be eligible to bring an asbestos lawsuit against negligent companies. A mesothelioma lawyer can evaluate the case of a patient and recommend legal options. Contact us now to get started. It's absolutely free, and confidential, and there is no commitment. We provide nationwide representation.
Prognosis
Mesothelioma cancer is extremely rare. The doctors have limited experience with it, and many patients are misdiagnosed as having other illnesses. A mesothelioma expert can assist patients identify the cause and ensure they receive proper treatment.
Asbestos exposure is the sole known cause of peritoneal cancer. Asbestos fibers can cause irritation of abdominal tissues and cell changes when inhaled or consumed. In pharr asbestos attorney , this may cause tumors to form mesothelioma in the peritoneum.
Manufacturing or construction is often the first location where asbestos exposure begins. These industries can use materials that contain asbestos, like insulation and fireproofing. Asbestos can also be found in household items such as flooring and roofing tiles. Even small amounts of exposure to asbestos can put a person in danger of developing mesothelioma. Because mesothelioma has a long time to develop it is possible for patients to be diagnosed with peritoneal mesothelioma decades after their initial exposure.
Peritoneal mesothelioma symptoms could resemble those of other diseases and could be mistaken for hernias, digestive problems such as colitis or Crohn's disease, or other types of abdominal cancer. Many patients do not declare their asbestos exposure and do not seek medical care. If mesothelioma has been identified doctors may recommend the procedure of a biopsy to make an precise diagnosis. A biopsy is the removal of tiny pieces of tissue to be tested. This procedure can reveal whether the mesothelioma has epithelioid (epidermoid), sarcomatoid (sarcomatoid) or biphasic.
If mesothelioma has not spread it is possible to remove the tumors. They can also provide an effective treatment. The doctor will also be able to determine whether the cancer has expanded to the abdomen. They can then prescribe palliative treatment for the patient. For example paracentesis, which is a procedure to drain abdominal fluid.
The odds of survival are worse when a mesothelioma has advanced. This is because the cancer may become resistant to certain treatments and may be recurred. The doctor may suggest the combination of chemotherapy and surgery. The surgical options include cytoreduction surgery combined with hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy. This combination is more likely to improve a patient's outlook than merely chemotherapy alone.