Peritoneal Mesothelioma Asbestos Symptoms
The digestive system is commonly affected by the symptoms of mesothelioma of the peritoneal region. This is due to asbestos fibers being ingested, and become embedded within the lining of your stomach called the peritoneum.
As time passes, these fibers cause changes in healthy peritoneal cells. Cancerous tumors grow in the peritoneum as a result.
Mesothelioma is a challenging condition to diagnose. Early signs can be confused with other signs like hernias or irritable Bowel Syndrome.
Symptoms
When asbestos fibers are inhaled, they can enter the lungs and circulate throughout the body. From there, they can get trapped in the abdominal lining or other organs, causing inflammation and irritation that eventually leads to the growth of tumors. This process can take a long time to develop, and many sufferers are unaware that they are exposed to asbestos until it is too late.
Asbestos fibers can become trapped in the tissues that line 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 identify because the initial symptoms aren't specific and are similar to those of digestive disorders. Patients with peritoneal mesothelioma frequently have stomach pain, fatigue, and gastrointestinal problems.
After a physical exam and a review of medical history and a series laboratory tests, mesothelioma patients are diagnosed with peritoneal cancer. A CT scan and X-ray can aid in identifying lumps, or other indications of illness. In certain instances mesothelioma patients, doctors may also request a biopsy to make a more precise diagnosis.
Peritoneal mesothelioma symptoms typically 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. If symptoms like these occur, it is important to seek medical attention as they could be caused by other ailments.
Despite the difficulty of diagnosing patients with peritoneal msothelioma, they can often be treated to prolong their lives. In the majority of cases, this involves the use of surgery and chemotherapy that is heated.
If you or someone you love have been diagnosed with peritoneal cancer, contact one of our mesothelioma lawyers today to find out how we can assist. We can assist you in finding an expert in mesothelioma near you who can assist you in filing an asbestos lawsuit against the companies that are responsible for your exposure. We can also ensure you get the financial compensation you're entitled to. Complete our online form to start the process. We work with top mesothelioma lawyers and can assist you in obtaining the best possible outcome.
Diagnosis
The first step to diagnose mesothelioma peritoneal is to obtain an complete medical history. Doctors will inquire with the patient about their exposure to asbestos and when it occurred. They will also conduct a physical examination. Initial tests typically include X-rays and blood tests and CT scans.
Peritoneal mesothelioma can be difficult to recognize because of its long period of latency. Patients might experience symptoms such as nausea, abdominal pain, and fever that are similar to other illnesses. These non-specific symptoms can cause confusion for doctors. Mesothelioma is a rare cancer and it can take years for symptoms to appear after exposure to asbestos.
Asbestos fibers inhaled or consumed move into the stomach lining known as the peritoneum. Once inside the peritoneum the asbestos fibers are sharp and irritate the mesothelium. This irritation leads to inflammation and scar tissue over time. Eventually, this leads to abnormal cell growth, and tumors can develop.
There are no FDA-approved screening tests for mesothelioma of the peritoneum, however, researchers are finding ways to detect the disease in its early stages. The stage of mesothelioma is the basis for the treatment options.
A mesothelioma doctor can perform a paracentesis procedure or percutaneous needle biopsy to collect a sample of mesothelioma tumours for laboratory testing. These tests will reveal if the cancer cells are epithelioid (epithelioid) or sarcomatoid (sarcomatoid) or biphasic within the tumor. This information helps doctors develop the treatment plan.
Mesothelioma specialists can also determine the stage of mesothelioma a patient is. Staging determines which treatments might be most effective and also helps mesothelioma lawyers know which asbestos litigation companies to hold liable in mesothelioma lawsuits.
When a mesothelioma expert reviews the results of an examination and creates a pathology report that contains information on the type of mesothelioma. The report could also include an assessment scale that reveals how far the cancer has spread within the body. The more advanced the stage of cancer is, the less likely the patient will respond to treatment. Lawyers can explain the implications of this to a particular client's case.
Treatment
Inhalation or swallowing asbestos fibers are embedded in the tissues that line the abdomen and other organs. These fibers can cause irritation to cells and destroy DNA. This causes the formation of tumors. Typically, peritoneal mesothelioma develops in the lining of the abdomen called the peritoneum. Peritoneal mesothelioma is rarer than pleural mesothelioma and usually affects women more.
The symptoms of peritoneal mesothelioma are similar to symptoms of gastrointestinal conditions like irritable bowel syndrome 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 persist for months or even years before a patient is diagnosed with the mesothelioma diagnosis.
In addition to a thorough medical history, a doctor will conduct tests for imaging and bloodwork to rule out other diseases and conditions that could trigger the same symptoms as mesothelioma. These tests will also help to determine the best treatment options.
Since peritoneal mesothelioma can develop in the abdominal lining, a doctor will perform an examination to confirm the diagnosis. A biopsy involves the removal of small amounts of tissue from the affected area to be examined by pathologists. Biopsies can reveal cancerous cells as well as identify the type of mesothelioma.
If a diagnosis of peritoneal cancer is confirmed, doctors will discuss the options for treatment with the patient. Generally speaking, the aim of the treatment plan is to decrease the size and amount of tumors. Surgery is usually the first line of defense, however, patients must also consider the possibility of immunotherapy and chemotherapy.
Contrary to the chest-based treatment for pleural Mesothelioma which is administered via the lungs, the treatment for peritoneal Mesothelioma is injected intravenously or orally. The injections of chemotherapy such as heated intraperitoneal therapy (HIPEC) have helped prolong survival for many patients. HIPEC was developed by mesothelioma expert Paul Sugarbaker.
Patients diagnosed with peritoneal mesothelioma may qualify to file an asbestos lawsuit against negligent companies. A knowledgeable mesothelioma attorney will evaluate a patient's situation and recommend legal options. Contact us today to start. It's completely free, confidential and there is no obligation. We provide nationwide representation.
Prognosis
Mesothelioma is a rare type of cancer. Because doctors lack experience with the disease, many patients are misdiagnosed as having other illnesses. Fortunately, a mesothelioma specialist can aid in the diagnosis process and get patients the proper treatment.
The sole known cause of mesothelioma peritoneal is exposure to asbestos. asbestos lawyer fibers can cause irritation to abdominal tissues and cell changes when inhaled or consumed. This may cause tumors to develop mesothelioma within the peritoneum in time.
Manufacturing or construction is often the first location where asbestos exposure starts. These industries may use materials that contain asbestos, like insulation and fireproofing. Asbestos is also found in household items such as flooring and roofing tiles. Even small amounts of asbestos exposure can put a person in danger of developing mesothelioma. Because of the lengthy latency period of the disease patients may be diagnosed with peritoneal mesothelioma many decades after their first exposure.
Peritoneal Mesothelioma can mimic other conditions. It is often mistaken for hernias or gastrointestinal problems like Crohn's or colitis and other types of abdominal cancers. Many patients do not report their asbestos Law exposure and do not seek medical attention. Specialists may recommend a biopsy to confirm a diagnosis of mesothelioma. A biopsy involves the removal of tiny pieces of tissue to be tested. This test will reveal whether the mesothelioma has epithelioid (epidermoid) or Sarcomatoid (sarcomatoid) or biphasic.
If mesothelioma has reached an early stage, doctors can remove all the tumors and provide curative treatment. The doctor will also be able to determine whether the cancer has spread to the abdomen. They will then recommend palliative care for the patient. For example, paracentesis to drain the abdomen of fluid.
If a mesothelioma has advanced and the prognosis is less favorable, it becomes more difficult to treat. The tumors could become resistant to certain treatments and then recur. The doctor may suggest the combination of surgery and chemotherapy. Surgery options include cytoreduction along with hyperthermic intraperitoneal therapy. This combination is more likely than chemotherapy by itself to improve the outlook of a patient.