Peritoneal Mesothelioma Asbestos Symptoms
Peritoneal mesothelioma asbestos symptoms often affect the digestive system. This is due to asbestos fibers being ingested, and become embedded in the lining of the stomach, known as the peritoneum.
Over time the fibers trigger mutations in healthy peritoneal cells. As a result cancerous tumors develop in the peritoneum.
The diagnosis of mesothelioma may be a challenge. The initial signs may resemble symptoms of other diseases, like hernia or irritable bowel syndrome.
Symptoms
Asbestos fibers can travel through the body after inhalation. The fibers can then get trapped in the linings of the abdomen and other organs. This causes inflammation and irritation that results in the development of tumors. The process can take years to develop, and a lot of sufferers are unaware that they are exposed to asbestos until it is too late.
Asbestos fibers can become trapped in the tissue lining the abdominal cavity or other organs, which can cause malignant peritoneal melanomas. It is the second most prevalent mesothelioma. However, it is difficult to recognize because the early symptoms are nonspecific and similar to symptoms of gastrointestinal disorders. Patients with peritoneal mesothelioma frequently experience stomach pain, fatigue and gastrointestinal issues.
After a physical examination, reviewing medical history and a series of laboratory tests, mesothelioma patients are diagnosed with peritoneal cancer. A X-ray and a CT scan can assist doctors to find any lumps or symptoms of illness. In some cases, mesothelioma doctors will also request a biopsy for an precise diagnosis.
Peritoneal Mesothelioma Symptoms usually begin in the abdomen and may cause extreme abdominal discomfort, bloating and weight loss. They may also cause nausea, vomiting, and other digestive issues. Other symptoms include fatigue, chest pain and swelling. It is essential for patients to seek a medical diagnosis in the event of these symptoms because they could be caused by something other than mesothelioma.
Despite the difficulty in diagnosing peritoneal msothelioma patients, they can often receive the right treatment to prolong their lives. In the majority of cases, treatment involves surgery and chemo treatment that is heated.
Contact our mesothelioma attorneys to learn more about how we can help you if you or a loved one has been diagnosed with peritoneal msothelioma. We can help you find an expert in mesothelioma near you who can assist you in filing a lawsuit against asbestos companies that are responsible for your exposure. We can also help ensure that you receive the financial compensation you deserve. You can start this process by filling in our free online form. We can assist you to get the best possible outcome working with the top mesothelioma lawyers.
Diagnosis
To determine if you have peritoneal msothelioma it is essential to take a an exhaustive medical history. Doctors will ask the patient about their exposure to asbestos and when it occurred. A physical exam will be conducted. Initial work-ups often include blood tests and Xrays and CT scans.
Peritoneal mesothelioma is a difficult cancer to diagnose due to its lengthy period of latency. Patients might experience symptoms such as abdominal pain, nausea and fever that are similar to those of other conditions. These non-specific symptoms can cause confusion for doctors. Mesothelioma, a rare cancer that can take years to show symptoms following exposure to asbestos is a rare illness.
Asbestos fibers inhaled, or consumed travel to the stomach lining called the peritoneum. Asbestos fibers that are sharp can irritate mesothelium when they reach the peritoneum. This irritation leads to scar tissue and inflammation over time. This causes abnormal cell growth and tumors.
There are no FDA-approved screening tests for peritoneal mesothelioma however, researchers are finding ways to detect the disease in its earliest stages. Staging mesothelioma is important as it will determine the treatment options.
A mesothelioma specialist can perform a paracentesis procedure or percutaneous needle biopsy to collect a sample of mesothelioma tumors to be tested in the lab. These tests can determine if the cancerous cells are epithelioid (epithelioid) or the sarcomatoid (sarcomatoid) or biphasic within the tumor. This information can help doctors develop the treatment plan.
Mesothelioma specialists can also assess a patient’s stage of mesothelioma. The staging process determines which treatments will be most effective and helps mesothelioma attorneys know which asbestos companies to pursue in mesothelioma lawsuits.
If a mesothelioma specialist analyzes the results of a biopsy, he or she creates a pathology record that contains information on the type mesothelioma. The report can also include an assessment system that outlines how far the cancer has spread within the body. The higher the stage the more likely it is that it will respond to treatment. Lawyers can explain the significance of this in a client’s situation.
Treatment
Asbestos fibers can be breathed in or ingested and become embedded in the tissue lining the abdomen and other organs. The fibers harm DNA and cause irritation to cells. In time, this can lead to the development of tumors in the lining. The majority of the time, peritoneal cancer develops in the lining that surrounds the abdomen. Peritoneal Mesothelioma has a greater impact on women than pleural Mesothelioma, but it is less common.
The symptoms of peritoneal cancer are similar to those associated with gastrointestinal disorders such as Crohn’s and irritable bowel disease and makes it difficult for doctors to recognize. As a result, early symptoms can be mistaken for normal ailments, and can last for months or even years before a patient is given the mesothelioma diagnosis.
In addition to an extensive medical history, a physician will conduct bloodwork and imaging tests to rule out other illnesses and conditions that could trigger the same symptoms as mesothelioma. These tests will help to determine the best treatment options.
Since peritoneal mesothelioma can develop in the abdominal lining, a doctor will perform a biopsy to confirm a diagnosis. A biopsy involves the removal of small samples from the affected area to be examined by pathologists. Biopsies may reveal cancerous cells as well as identify the type of mesothelioma.
After a peritoneal msothelioma is confirmed, doctors will discuss the treatment options with patients. Generally speaking, the aim of the treatment plan is to minimize the size and quantity of tumors. Surgery is usually the first line of defense, however, patients must also consider the possibility of immunotherapy and chemotherapy.
Contrary to chest-based treatment for pleural Mesothelioma which is administered through the lungs, peritoneal Mesothelioma treatment is injected via intravenously or orally. Injections of chemotherapy, such as heated intraperitoneal therapy (HIPEC) have helped prolong survival for many patients. HIPEC is a procedure innovated by mesothelioma pioneer Paul Sugarbaker.
Individuals with peritoneal asbestosis may be eligible to bring a lawsuit against negligent asbestos companies. A mesothelioma lawyer can evaluate the case of a patient and recommend legal options. Contact us today to begin. Contact us now. It’s completely free, confidential and there’s absolutely no obligation. We provide nationwide representation.
Prognosis
Mesothelioma is a rare type of cancer. Because doctors have limited experience in diagnosing patients, many are mistakenly diagnosed with other diseases. A mesothelioma specialist can assist patients identify the cause and ensure that they receive the proper treatment.
Asbestos exposure is the sole known cause of peritoneal cancer. When asbestos fibers are inhaled or ingested, they can cause irritation to the abdominal tissues and cause cells to mutate. This can cause tumors to develop mesothelioma within the peritoneum in time.
Construction or manufacturing work is often the first location where asbestos exposure begins. These industries may employ products that contain asbestos lawyer, for example, insulation and fireproofing. Asbestos may also be found in household products like roofing tiles and flooring. Even small amounts of asbestos attorney exposure could put someone at risk of mesothelioma. Because the disease has a long time to develop it is possible for patients to be diagnosed with peritoneal cancer decades after their initial exposure.
Peritoneal mesothelioma symptoms may appear similar to other conditions and can 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 attorney exposure, and do not seek medical care. If mesothelioma is found experts may suggest the procedure of a biopsy to make an accurate diagnosis. A biopsy is the removal a small piece of tissue to be tested. This procedure can help determine the stage of mesothelioma, and if it is epithelioid, sarcomatoid or biphasic.
If mesothelioma has not spread, doctors can remove the tumors. They can also provide an option for curative treatment. The doctor will also be able to determine whether the cancer has spread to the abdomen. They will then recommend palliative treatment for the patient. For example paracentesis to remove fluid from the abdomen.
If a mesothelioma has advanced the chances of survival are less. The reason for this is that the tumors may become resistant to certain treatments, and they may recur. The doctor might suggest a combination of chemotherapy and surgery. Options for surgery include cytoreduction and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy. This combination is more likely than chemotherapy alone to improve the prognosis for the patient.