Peritoneal Mesothelioma Asbestos Symptoms
Peritoneal mesothelioma asbestos symptoms typically affect the digestive system. This is because asbestos fibers are ingested and become embedded in the lining of the stomach known as the peritoneum.
As time passes, these fibers cause changes to healthy peritoneal cells. As a result cancerous tumors develop in the peritoneum.
The diagnosis of mesothelioma can be a bit difficult. The early signs may be confused with other symptoms like hernias, or irritable Bowel Syndrome.
Symptoms
When asbestos fibers are inhaled, they can be absorbed into the lungs and travel throughout the body. They can then be stuck in the abdominal lining or other organs, creating inflammation and irritation that can lead to tumor growth. The process can take years to develop, and many victims do not know that they have asbestos settlement exposure until it is too late.
Asbestos fibers can become trapped in the tissue that lines the abdominal cavity, or other organs, leading to malignant peritoneal melanoma. It is the second most frequent mesothelioma type. However, it can be difficult for doctors to diagnose since the first symptoms aren't specific. They may also be similar to gastrointestinal conditions. Patients with peritoneal mesothelioma often experience stomach pain, fatigue and digestive problems.
After a physical examination and reviewing medical history and a series of laboratory tests, mesothelioma patients are diagnosed with peritoneal cancer. An X-ray or CT scan can help doctors find any lumps or symptoms of disease. In certain instances, doctors who treat mesothelioma will also order a biopsied to make a more precise diagnosis.
Peritoneal mesothelioma symptoms typically start in the abdominal region and can result in extreme abdominal pain and weight loss, bloating swelling of the belly nausea, vomiting, and other digestive problems. Symptoms may also include chest pain, swelling and fatigue. When these symptoms occur it is crucial to seek medical attention since they may be caused by other ailments.
Despite the difficulties in diagnosing peritoneal msothelioma patients can typically receive the appropriate treatment to prolong their lives. In most cases, this involves surgery and heated chemotherapy.
Contact our mesothelioma lawyers today to learn more about how we can help you if someone in your family has been diagnosed with peritoneal msothelioma. We can help you locate an expert in your area who can assist you in filing an asbestos lawsuit against the companies that are responsible for your exposure. We can also assist you to receive the financial compensation that you deserve. Complete our online form to begin the process. We partner with the top mesothelioma lawyers to assist you in obtaining the most favorable possible outcome.
Diagnosis
To determine if you have peritoneal msothelioma it is important to have an extensive medical history. Doctors will inquire with the patient about their asbestos exposure and when it occurred. They may also conduct a physical examination. Initial examinations typically include X-rays and blood tests and CT scans.
Peritoneal mesothelioma is difficult to diagnose due to its long time of latency. Patients may experience symptoms such as abdominal pain, nausea and fever that are similar to those of other conditions. These nonspecific symptoms could confuse doctors. Mesothelioma is a rare type of cancer and it can take decades before symptoms show up after exposure to asbestos.
Inhaling or ingestion of asbestos fibers travel into the stomach lining, called the peritoneum. Once in the peritoneum, the asbestos fibers are sharp and can cause irritation to the mesothelium. This irritation leads to inflammation and scar tissue over time. This leads to abnormal cell growth and tumors.
Researchers are working on ways to detect the disease at its earliest stages. Staging mesothelioma is important as it determines the treatment options.
A mesothelioma specialist may perform paracentesis (percutaneous needle biopsy) to take a sample for laboratory testing. These tests can identify the kind of cancer cells (epithelioid biphasic, sarcomatoid, or epithelioid) within the tumor and aid doctors come up with an appropriate treatment plan.
Mesothelioma specialists can also determine the mesothelioma stage of a patient. The stage determines the most effective treatments and helps mesothelioma lawyers know which asbestos companies are accountable in mesothelioma cases.
When a mesothelioma expert analyzes the results from the biopsy the doctor creates a pathology record that contains information on the type of mesothelioma. The report could also include the staging system which outlines how the cancer has spread throughout the body. The higher the stage the more likely it is to respond to treatment. A lawyer can explain what this means for the client's case.
Treatment
asbestos law fibers are inhaled or consumed and are absorbed in the tissue that lines the abdomen and other organs. These fibers damage DNA and irritate cells. This leads to the development of tumors. The majority of the time, peritoneal cancer develops in the lining that covers the abdomen. Peritoneal mesothelioma is rarer than pleural mesothelioma. It usually affects women more.
The symptoms of peritoneal cancer are similar to those seen with gastrointestinal disorders such as Crohn's and irritable bowel disease, making it hard for doctors to identify. Early symptoms can be misinterpreted as a sign of other illnesses, and may persist for a long time, or even years before mesothelioma diagnosis is made.
A doctor may also perform tests on blood and imaging to rule out any other conditions or diseases that may cause mesothelioma-like symptoms. These tests will help to determine the best treatment options.
Since peritoneal mesothelioma is a cancer that develops the abdominal lining The doctor will conduct biopsy to confirm a diagnosis. A biopsy is the process of removing small portions of the affected area to be examined by pathologists. Biopsies are able to reveal cancerous cells, and can determine the type of Mesothelioma.
After a peritoneal msothelioma is confirmed, doctors will discuss the treatment options with patients. The aim of any treatment plan is usually to decrease the size and the number of tumors. Surgery is often the first option, but patients may also consider chemotherapy and immunotherapy.
In contrast to the chest-based treatment for pleural mesothelioma which is administered through the lungs, the treatment for peritoneal Mesothelioma is injected either intravenously or orally. Chemotherapies that are injected, such as heated intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) have helped to extend survival for many patients. HIPEC is a procedure innovated by mesothelioma pioneer Paul Sugarbaker.
Patients who have been diagnosed with peritoneal cancer may qualify to bring an asbestos lawsuit against negligent companies. An attorney for mesothelioma can analyze the case of a patient and recommend legal options. Contact us now to get started. It's completely no cost, it's confidential and there is no obligation. We provide nationwide representation.
Prognosis
Mesothelioma is a rare type of cancer. Because doctors have limited experience, many patients are misdiagnosed with other diseases. Fortunately, a mesothelioma specialist can assist in the diagnostic process and get patients the proper treatment.
asbestos law exposure is only the one known cause of peritoneal cancer. When asbestos fibers are breathed in or consumed, they may cause irritation to the tissues of the abdomen and cause cells to alter. This may cause tumors to develop mesothelioma within the peritoneum over time.
Construction or manufacturing work is often the first location where asbestos exposure starts. These industries can employ asbestos-containing products including fireproofing, insulation. asbestos settlement can also be present in household items like flooring and roof tiles. Even the smallest amount of asbestos exposure could put someone at risk of mesothelioma. Because of the long time of latency, victims may be diagnosed with peritoneal msothelioma for a long time after their initial exposure.
Peritoneal Mesothelioma can mimic other conditions. It is often mistaken for hernias, digestive issues like colitis or Crohn's and other forms of abdominal cancers. Because of this, many patients don't report their exposure to asbestos, and they don't seek medical care. Specialists may recommend a biopsy to confirm a diagnosis of mesothelioma. A biopsy involves the removal of a small piece of tissue to be tested. This test can determine if the mesothelioma is epithelioid (epidermoid) or sarcomatoid (sarcomatoid) or biphasic.
If mesothelioma has not spread and the doctors are able to remove the tumors. They will also provide an option for curative treatment. The specialist can also determine if the cancer has spread to the abdomen. They can then prescribe palliative treatments for the patient, such as paracentesis to drain the fluid from the abdomen.
If mesothelioma progresses, the prognosis becomes poorer. This is because the tumors can become resistant to certain treatments and can recur. The specialist may recommend the combination of chemotherapy and surgery. Surgery options include cytoreduction with hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemo. This combination is more likely to improve the prognosis of a patient than chemotherapy alone.