Peritoneal Mesothelioma Asbestos Symptoms
The digestive system is commonly affected by the symptoms of peritoneal mesothelioma. This is due to asbestos fibers being ingested, and become embedded in a lining of the stomach called the peritoneum.
As time passes these fibers can cause mutations in healthy peritoneal cells. Cancerous tumors develop in the peritoneum as a result.
Mesothelioma is a difficult condition to identify. The early signs can resemble symptoms of other diseases, like hernia or IBS.
Symptoms
Asbestos fibers may travel through the body when breathed. From there, they can be stuck in the abdominal lining or other organs, creating irritation and inflammation that 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.
Malignant peritoneal mesothelioma is a condition that occurs asbestos fibers get trapped in the tissue that lines the abdominal cavity and other organs. It is the second most common mesothelioma. However, it can be difficult to identify because the initial symptoms are nonspecific and similar to those of digestive conditions. Patients with peritoneal mesothelioma often have stomach pain, fatigue and digestive issues.
After a physical exam followed by a review of medical history and a series of tests in the laboratory, mesothelioma patients are diagnosed with peritoneal cancer. A X-ray and a CT scan can assist doctors to find any lumps or symptoms of disease. In certain cases mesothelioma specialists may also request a biopsy for a more precise diagnosis.
Peritoneal Mesothelioma Symptoms usually begin in the abdomen and can cause severe abdominal discomfort, bloating and weight loss. They can also trigger nausea, vomiting, and other digestive issues. Other symptoms include chest pain, swelling, and fatigue. It is essential for patients to seek a medical diagnosis in the event of these symptoms, as they could be caused by something other than mesothelioma.
Despite the difficulty of diagnosing peritoneal mesothelioma, patients can often receive the proper treatment to extend their lives. In the majority of cases, treatment involves surgery and chemo treatment that is heated.
If you or someone you love have been diagnosed with peritoneal mesothelioma, call our mesothelioma lawyers to find out what we can do to help. We can help you connect with mesothelioma specialists near you who can assist you in bringing a lawsuit against the asbestos-related companies responsible for your exposure. We can also help you receive the financial settlement you deserve. Fill out our online form to start the process. We work with top mesothelioma attorneys and can assist you in obtaining the most favorable possible outcome.
Diagnosis
To diagnose peritoneal msothelioma, it is essential to take a a complete medical history. Doctors will ask about the patient's exposure to asbestos and when it occurred. A physical examination will be performed. Initial tests typically include X-rays and blood tests and CT scans.
Due to the long time of latency, peritoneal cancer can be difficult to recognize. Patients may experience symptoms such as abdominal discomfort, nausea, and fever that are similar to other conditions. These symptoms aren't specific and can confuse doctors. carmel asbestos attorney is a rare type of cancer and it can take decades for symptoms to appear after asbestos exposure.
Asbestos fibers inhaled or consumed are transported to the stomach lining called the peritoneum. Once in the peritoneum, the asbestos fibers are sharp and irritate the mesothelium. This irritation can cause 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 peritoneal mesothelioma but researchers are working on developing ways to identify the disease's early stages. Staging mesothelioma is important as it determines the treatment options.
A mesothelioma specialist may perform paracentesis (percutaneous needle biopsy) to collect samples for tests in the laboratory. These tests can help identify the type of cancer cells (epithelioid or sarcomatoid) within the tumor and aid doctors develop a treatment plan.
Specialists in mesothelioma are able to determine the stage of a patient. The staging process determines which treatments will be most effective and helps mesothelioma attorneys know which asbestos companies to pursue in mesothelioma lawsuits.
A mesothelioma specialist examines the results of a biopsy, they produce an a pathology report which contains details on the type of mesothelioma. The report may also include the staging system which outlines how the cancer has spread in the body. The more advanced the stage of cancer is, the less likely the patient is to respond to treatment. A lawyer can explain the implications of this for the particular case of a client.
Treatment
Asbestos fibers can be breathed in or consumed and are absorbed in the tissue that lines the abdomen and other organs. The fibers cause irritation to cells and damage DNA. As time passes, this leads to the formation of tumors in the lining. The majority of the time, peritoneal cancer develops in the lining of the abdomen. Peritoneal mesothelioma is rarer than pleural mesothelioma, and typically affects women more.
The symptoms of peritoneal cancer are similar to symptoms of gastrointestinal diseases like irritable bowel syndrome and Crohn's disease, making it difficult for doctors to recognize the condition. Early symptoms can be misinterpreted as other conditions and can last for a long time, or even years before a mesothelioma is identified.
In addition to an extensive medical history, a doctor will conduct imaging and blood tests to rule out other illnesses and conditions that could trigger the same symptoms as mesothelioma. These tests can aid in determining the most effective treatment options.
Since peritoneal mesothelioma can develop in the abdominal lining The doctor will conduct a biopsy to confirm a diagnosis. A biopsy involves the removal of small portions of the affected area to be examined by pathologists. Biopsies can reveal cancerous cells and determine the type of mesothelioma.
If a peritoneal msothelioma has been confirmed doctors will discuss treatment options with patients. Generally, the goal of a treatment plan is to reduce 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, peritoneal Mesothelioma treatment is injected intravenously or orally. Injections of chemotherapies, like heated intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) have helped to prolong the life of many patients. HIPEC is a technique that was developed by mesothelioma pioneer Paul Sugarbaker.
Individuals with peritoneal asbestosis may be able to bring a lawsuit against negligent asbestos companies. An attorney for mesothelioma can analyze the case of a patient and recommend legal options. Contact us now to get started. It is no cost, it's confidential and there is no obligation. We provide nationwide representation.
Prognosis
Mesothelioma cancer is rare. Doctors have limited experience with it, so many patients are mistakenly diagnosed with other illnesses. Fortunately mesothelioma specialists can aid in the diagnosis process and get patients the appropriate treatment.
The only cause that is known for peritoneal mesothelioma is asbestos exposure. Asbestos fibers can cause irritation to the abdominal tissues and cell mutations when consumed or inhaled. As time passes, this could result in tumors that develop into mesothelioma in the peritoneum.
Construction or manufacturing work is usually the first area where asbestos exposure starts. These industries can employ products that contain asbestos, like insulation and fireproofing. Asbestos can also be present in household items, such as flooring and roof tiles. Even small amounts of exposure to asbestos can put a person in danger of developing mesothelioma. Due to the long latency period of the disease the victims could be diagnosed with peritoneal mesothelioma many decades after their first exposure.
Peritoneal mesothelioma symptoms may appear similar to other conditions and be mistaken for a hernia gastrointestinal issues like colitis or Crohn's disease or other forms of abdominal cancer. A lot of patients do not disclose their asbestos exposure, and do not seek medical care. A biopsy may be recommended by a specialist to confirm the diagnosis of mesothelioma. A biopsy is the removal a small piece of tissue that is examined. This procedure can reveal if the mesothelioma is epithelioid (epidermoid), sarcomatoid (sarcomatoid) or biphasic.
If the mesothelioma is at 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 within the abdomen. They can then prescribe palliative treatment for the patient, for example paracentesis, which drains the abdominal fluid.
The prognosis is worsened when a mesothelioma has progressed. The cancers can become resistant to treatment and may recur. The specialist may suggest a combination of surgery and chemotherapy. Surgical options include cytoreduction surgery along with hyperthermic intraperitoneal therapy. This combination is more likely than chemotherapy on its own to improve the prognosis for the patient.