Peritoneal Mesothelioma Asbestos Symptoms
Peritoneal mesothelioma asbestos symptoms often affect the digestive system. This is because asbestos fibers are ingested, and become embedded in a lining of the stomach called the peritoneum.
As time passes, these fibers cause mutations to healthy peritoneal cell. Cancerous tumors develop in the peritoneum as a result.
Mesothelioma is a challenging condition to recognize. Early signs may be confused with other symptoms such as hernias or irritable Bowel syndrome.
Symptoms
Asbestos fibers can travel through the body when inhaled. The fibers may then become trapped in the linings the abdomen and other organs. This can cause inflammation and irritation that results in the development of tumors. The process can take years to develop, and many sufferers are unaware the fact that they've been exposed to asbestos until it is too late.
Malignant peritoneal mesothelioma is a condition that occurs asbestos fibers are trapped in the tissues that line the abdominal cavity as well as other organs. It is the second most prevalent mesothelioma type, however it is difficult to recognize because the early symptoms are not specific and similar to symptoms of gastrointestinal conditions. Patients with peritoneal mesothelioma often suffer from stomach pain, fatigue, and digestive issues.
After a physical examination and a review of medical history and a series laboratory tests, mesothelioma patients are diagnosed with peritoneal cancer. A CT scan and an X-ray can help doctors detect lumps or any other signs of disease. In some instances mesothelioma specialists may also order a biopsy to obtain a more accurate diagnosis.
Peritoneal mesothelioma symptoms generally start in the abdominal region and can cause extreme abdominal pain, bloating, weight loss, swelling of the belly, nausea, vomiting and other digestive issues. Symptoms may also include chest pain, swelling, and fatigue. It is essential for patients to seek medical attention when they have these symptoms because they could be caused by something other than mesothelioma.
Despite the difficulties in diagnosing peritoneal msothelioma patients can often be treated to prolong their lives. In most cases, treatment is surgery and chemo treatment that is heated.
If you or someone you love have been diagnosed with peritoneal cancer, contact our mesothelioma lawyers to learn 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 asbestos-related companies that are responsible for your exposure. We can also help you receive the financial settlement you're entitled to. You can begin this process by filling out our free online form. We partner with the top mesothelioma lawyers to help you secure the best possible outcome.
Diagnosis
To diagnose peritoneal msothelioma, it is important to have an exhaustive medical history. Doctors will inquire about the person's exposure asbestos and when it occurred. A physical examination will be performed. Initial tests typically include blood tests and Xrays and CT scans.
Peritoneal mesothelioma is difficult to recognize due to its lengthy latency period. Patients may experience symptoms such as abdominal discomfort, nausea, and fever that resemble other conditions. These non-specific symptoms can confuse doctors. Mesothelioma is a rare cancer that can take years to show symptoms following exposure to asbestos is a rare condition.
Inhaling or ingestion of asbestos fibers move to the stomach lining called the peritoneum. Asbestos fibers are sharp and irritate mesothelium once they reach the peritoneum. As time passes this irritation can cause inflammation and scar tissue formation. This leads to abnormal cell growth and tumors.
Researchers are working to develop methods to detect mesothelioma in its earliest stages. The stage of mesothelioma will determine the treatment options.
A mesothelioma doctor can perform a paracentesis or percutaneous needle biopsy to take a sample of mesothelioma tumors for lab testing. These tests can reveal the kind of cancer cells (epithelioid or sarcomatoid) within the tumor and aid doctors come up with the best treatment plan.
Mesothelioma specialists can also determine the stage of mesothelioma a patient is. Staging determines which treatments might be the most effective and help mesothelioma lawyers know which asbestos companies to hold liable in mesothelioma lawsuits.
When a mesothelioma doctor analyzes the results of a biopsy, they create an analysis report that contains details about the type of mesothelioma. The report can also include a staging system that describes how the cancer has spread in the body. The higher the stage the more likely it will respond to treatment. Lawyers can explain the implications of this for a particular client's case.
Treatment
Asbestos fibers can be inhaled or ingested and become embedded in the tissue lining the abdomen and other organs. They damage DNA and can cause irritation to cells. This leads to the development of tumors. Typically, peritoneal cancer develops in the lining that covers the abdomen. Peritoneal Mesothelioma affects more women than pleural Mesothelioma but it is less common.
Symptoms of peritoneal mesothelioma are similar to symptoms of gastrointestinal diseases such as irritable bowel syndrome and Crohn's disease, making it difficult for doctors to diagnose the condition. Initial symptoms may be misinterpreted as a sign of other illnesses, and may persist for a long time, or even years before a mesothelioma is identified.
In addition to a thorough medical history, a doctor will perform tests for imaging and bloodwork to rule out other illnesses and conditions that could trigger the same symptoms as mesothelioma. These tests can also be used to determine the most effective treatment options.
Since peritoneal mesothelioma can develop in the abdominal lining The doctor will conduct biopsy to confirm a diagnosis. A biopsy involves the removal of small amounts of the affected area for examination by pathologists. Biopsies are able to reveal cancerous cells, and identify the type of Mesothelioma.
When a peritoneal Msothelioma diagnosis is confirmed, doctors will discuss the treatment options with patients. Generally speaking, the aim of a treatment plan is to reduce the size and quantity of tumors. Surgery is usually the first option, however patients may also consider chemotherapy and immunotherapy.
Contrary to chest-based treatment for pleural mesothelioma which is administered through the lungs, the treatment for peritoneal Mesothelioma is administered either intravenously or orally. Chemotherapies like injections, such as heated intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) have helped to prolong the lives of many patients. HIPEC was invented by mesothelioma expert Paul Sugarbaker.
Individuals diagnosed with peritoneal mesothelioma may be eligible to bring an asbestos lawsuit against negligent companies. An experienced mesothelioma lawyer can review a patient's case and suggest legal options. Contact us today to get started. It is free, confidential and there is no obligation. We provide nationwide representation.
Prognosis
Mesothelioma cancer is rare. Doctors have limited experience dealing with it, which means that many patients are wrongly diagnosed as having other diseases. Fortunately, a mesothelioma specialist can assist in the diagnostic process and get patients the appropriate treatment.
The only cause that is known for mesothelioma peritoneal is exposure to asbestos. When asbestos fibers are breathed in or ingested, they could cause irritation to the tissues of the abdomen and cause cells to change. This can cause tumors to develop into mesothelioma in the peritoneum in time.
Construction or manufacturing work is usually the first area where asbestos exposure begins. These industries can employ products that contain asbestos, for example, insulation and fireproofing. Asbestos can also be present in household items like roofing tiles and flooring. Even very low levels of exposure can put someone at risk for mesothelioma. Because the disease has an extended latency period, victims can sometimes be diagnosed with peritoneal cancer decades after their initial exposure.
Peritoneal Mesothelioma may mimic other conditions. It is often mistaken for hernias, digestive issues such as colitis or Crohn's and other forms of abdominal cancers. This is why many patients do not disclose their exposure to asbestos, and they do not seek medical treatment. If modesto asbestos attorney has been identified experts may suggest an examination for a more precise diagnosis. A biopsy involves the removal of only a small amount of affected tissue for testing. This procedure can reveal whether the mesothelioma is epithelioid (epidermoid), the sarcomatoid (sarcomatoid) or biphasic.
If mesothelioma has reached an early stage doctors can remove all the tumors and offer the best treatment. The specialist can also determine whether the cancer has spread inside the abdomen. They may then recommend palliative care for the patient, including paracentesis to drain the abdominal fluid.
The odds of survival are worse when a mesothelioma has progressed. The tumors may become resistant to certain treatments and then recur. The doctor might recommend the combination of chemotherapy and surgery. Surgery options include cytoreduction, which is hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemo. This combination is more likely to improve the prognosis of a patient than merely chemotherapy alone.