Peritoneal Mesothelioma Asbestos Symptoms
The digestive system is commonly affected by the symptoms of mesothelioma of the peritoneal region. This is because asbestos lawsuit fibers get inhaled and then become a part of the lining of the stomach, called the peritoneum.
external frameOver time, these fibres cause mutations to healthy peritoneal cells. Tumors that are cancerous develop in the peritoneum as a result.
The diagnosis of mesothelioma can be a challenge. Early signs may be confused with other signs like hernias or irritable Bowel Syndrome.
Signs and symptoms
Asbestos fibers can move through the body after inhalation. The fibers then become stuck in the linings of the abdomen and other organs. This can cause inflammation and irritation, which can lead to the development of tumors. This process can take a long time to develop and many patients are unaware of their asbestos exposure until it is too late.
Asbestos fibers can get trapped in the tissue lining the abdominal cavity or other organs, which can cause malignant peritoneal melanoma. It is the second most frequent mesothelioma type, however it can be difficult to recognize because the early symptoms are nonspecific and similar to symptoms of gastrointestinal conditions. Patients with peritoneal mesothelioma lawsuits frequently suffer from stomach pain, fatigue, and gastrointestinal issues.
Mesothelioma patients are usually diagnosed with peritoneal mesothelioma following having a physical exam, a medical history review and a series of tests in the laboratory. A X-ray and a CT scan can assist doctors to identify any lumps or other indications of illness. In some cases, doctors who treat mesothelioma will also require a biopsy to get a more accurate diagnosis.
Peritoneal mesothelioma symptoms generally begin in the abdominal area and can lead to severe abdominal pain as well as weight loss, bloating swelling of the belly, nausea, vomiting and other digestive problems. Symptoms may also include chest pain, swelling and fatigue. It is essential for patients to seek a medical diagnosis when they experience these symptoms as they may be caused by something other than mesothelioma.
Despite the difficulty in diagnosing patients with peritoneal msothelioma, they can often receive the right treatment to prolong their lives. In most cases, this is done through the use of surgery and chemotherapy that is heated.
Contact our mesothelioma lawyers to learn more about how we can help you if someone in your family has been diagnosed with peritoneal mesothelioma. We can help you locate 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 receive the financial compensation that you are entitled to. Complete our online form to begin the process. We can assist you in obtaining the best possible outcome by working with the top mesothelioma lawyers.
Diagnosis
The first step in diagnosing mesothelioma peritoneal is to obtain an exact medical history. Doctors will inquire with the patient about their asbestos exposure and the date it happened. They will also conduct a physical examination. X-rays, blood tests and CT scans are commonly used in the initial work-up.
Due to the lengthy latency period, peritoneal mesothelioma is often difficult to identify. Patients may experience symptoms like abdominal nausea, fever and pain that may resemble other ailments. These non-specific symptoms can cause confusion for doctors. Mesothelioma is a rare type of cancer that can take a long time for symptoms to manifest after exposure to asbestos.
Asbestos fibers inhaled or consumed move into the stomach lining known as the peritoneum. Once in the peritoneum, the sharp asbestos fibers irritate the mesothelium. This irritation can cause scar tissue and inflammation over time. This leads to abnormal cell proliferation and tumors.
There are no FDA-approved screenings for peritoneal mesothelioma, but researchers are working on developing ways to identify the disease's early stages. The process of identifying mesothelioma's stage is crucial as it determines treatment options.
A mesothelioma expert can perform a paracentesis or percutaneous needle biopsy to collect a sample of mesothelioma tumors for lab testing. These tests can help identify the type of cancer cells (epithelioid, sarcomatoid or biphasic) within the tumor and aid doctors determine a treatment plan.
Mesothelioma specialists can also determine a patient's stage of mesothelioma. The stage determines the most effective treatments and also helps mesothelioma lawyers understand which asbestos companies are liable in mesothelioma suits.
When a mesothelioma expert reviews the results of an examination, he or she creates a pathology report which contains details about the mesothelioma type. The report may also contain an assessment scale that reveals how the cancer has spread within the body. The higher the stage the more likely it is to respond to treatment. Lawyers can explain the significance of this in a client's situation.
Treatment
Asbestos fibers can be breathed in or consumed and are absorbed in the tissue that lines the abdomen and other organs. The fibers harm DNA and irritate cells. This can lead to the development of tumors. Typically, peritoneal cancer develops in the lining of the abdomen. Peritoneal Mesothelioma affects more women than pleural Mesothelioma but it is less common.
The symptoms of peritoneal cancer are similar to symptoms of gastrointestinal conditions like irritable bowel disorder and Crohn's disease, which makes it difficult for doctors to identify the condition. In the beginning, symptoms can be mistaken as normal ailments, and can last for months or years before a patient is diagnosed with a mesothelioma diagnosis.
A doctor will also conduct tests of blood and imaging to rule out other diseases or conditions that could cause the same symptoms of mesothelioma. These tests will also aid in determining the most effective treatment options.
A biopsy is carried out by a physician to confirm the diagnosis. This is due to the fact that peritoneal msothelioma can in the abdominal liner. A biopsy involves the removal of small samples from the affected area to be examined by pathologists. Biopsies can identify cancerous cells, and can identify the type of Mesothelioma.
After a peritoneal msothelioma is confirmed doctors will discuss treatment options with patients. Generally, the goal of the treatment plan is to decrease the size and quantity of tumors. Surgery is typically the first line of defense, however, patients must also consider the possibility of immunotherapy and chemotherapy.
Contrary to chest-based treatment for pleural mesothelioma that is administered via the lungs, the treatment for peritoneal Mesothelioma is injected intravenously or orally. Chemotherapies that are injected, such as heated intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC), have helped to extend survival for many patients. HIPEC was invented by mesothelioma expert Paul Sugarbaker.
Patients diagnosed with peritoneal mesothelioma could be able to file an asbestos lawsuit against negligent companies. An attorney for mesothelioma can analyze the case of a patient and suggest legal options. Contact us today to get started. It's completely free, confidential and there is no commitment. We offer nationwide representation.
Prognosis
Mesothelioma cancer is rare. Doctors aren't familiar with it, so many patients are misdiagnosed as having other illnesses. A mesothelioma specialist can assist patients with the diagnosis and ensure they receive the right treatment.
Asbestos exposure is the only known cause of peritoneal mesothelioma. When asbestos fibers are inhaled or ingested, they could cause irritation to the tissues of the abdomen and cause cells to change. This can lead to tumors that form mesothelioma in the peritoneum in time.
Construction or manufacturing work is often the first location where asbestos exposure can begin. These industries could use asbestos-containing materials including fireproofing, insulation. Asbestos is also present in household products such as flooring and roof tiles. Even low levels of exposure can put a person at risk of developing mesothelioma. Because the disease has a long time to develop, victims can sometimes be diagnosed with peritoneal mesothelioma years after their initial exposure.
Peritoneal Mesothelioma can mimic other conditions. It is often mistaken for hernias, gastrointestinal issues like colitis or Crohn's, and other types of abdominal cancer. Many patients don't declare their asbestos exposure and do not seek medical attention. Doctors may suggest a biopsy to confirm the diagnosis of mesothelioma. A biopsy is the removal a small piece of tissue that is examined. This procedure can reveal the stage of mesothelioma and if it is epithelioid, sarcomatoid or biphasic.
If the mesothelioma is in an early stage doctors can remove all the tumors and provide curative treatment. The specialist can also determine whether the cancer has expanded to the abdomen. They can then prescribe palliative treatments for the patient, including paracentesis that drains abdominal fluid.
When a mesothelioma is advanced the chances of survival are less. The cancers can become resistant to treatment and may recur. The doctor might recommend the combination of surgery and chemotherapy. Surgery options include cytoreduction, which is hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy. This combination is more likely to improve a patient's outlook than chemotherapy on its own.