Peritoneal Mesothelioma Asbestos Symptoms
Peritoneal mesothelioma asbestos symptoms often affect the digestive system. This is because asbestos lawyer fibers are inhaled and then become a part of the lining of the stomach and peritoneum.
In time, these fibers cause changes in healthy peritoneal cells. In the end tumors that are cancerous develop in the peritoneum.
The diagnosis of mesothelioma may be a challenge. Early signs can be confused with other symptoms like hernias or irritable Bowel syndrome.
Symptoms
When asbestos fibers are inhaled, they can pass into the lungs and then travel throughout the body. From there, they can become stuck in the lining of the abdomen or other organs, causing inflammation and irritation that can lead to tumor growth. This process can take a long time to develop, and most sufferers are unaware that they have asbestos exposure 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 melanomas. It is the second most common mesothelioma. However, it can be difficult to identify because the initial symptoms aren’t specific and are similar to those of gastrointestinal diseases. Patients with peritoneal mesothelioma frequently experience stomach pain, fatigue, and gastrointestinal issues.
After a physical examination and an examination of medical history and a series laboratory tests, mesothelioma patients are diagnosed with peritoneal cancer. A X-ray and a CT scan can assist doctors to find any lumps or indications of disease. In some instances, mesothelioma doctors will also order a biopsy to obtain an accurate diagnosis.
Peritoneal Mesothelioma Symptoms usually begin in the abdomen and may cause severe abdominal discomfort, bloating, and weight loss. They can also trigger nausea, vomiting, and other digestive issues. Other symptoms include fatigue, chest pain and swelling. If symptoms like these occur it is crucial to seek medical attention since they could be triggered by other ailments.
Despite the difficulty in diagnosing peritoneal cancer, patients can often receive the proper treatment to prolong their lives. In most cases, treatment is surgery and heated chemo.
If you or someone you love have been diagnosed with peritoneal mesothelioma, contact our mesothelioma lawyers to find out how we can help. We can assist you in finding 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 help you receive the financial compensation that you are entitled to. Start the process by filling out our free online form. We work with top mesothelioma attorneys and can assist you in obtaining the best possible outcome.
Diagnosis
The first step in identifying peritoneal mesothelioma is to get an complete medical history. Doctors will inquire with the patient about their asbestos exposure and when it happened. A physical exam will be conducted. Initial tests typically include blood tests and Xrays and CT scans.
Peritoneal mesothelioma is a difficult cancer to identify because of its long period of latency. Patients may be afflicted by symptoms like nausea, abdominal pain and fever that are similar to other conditions. These nonspecific symptoms may cause confusion for doctors. Mesothelioma is a rare cancer that can take years to show symptoms following exposure to asbestos is a rare disease.
Asbestos fibers inhaled, or consumed are transported to the stomach lining called the peritoneum. When they reach the peritoneum, the sharp asbestos fibers can cause irritation to the mesothelium. This irritation leads to inflammation and scar tissue over time. Eventually, this leads to abnormal cell growth and tumors forming.
Researchers are working on methods to detect the disease in its earliest stages. The stage of mesothelioma determines the treatment options.
A mesothelioma specialist can perform a paracentesis or percutaneous needle biopsy to collect mesothelioma tumors for lab testing. These tests can help identify the kind of cancer cells (epithelioid or sarcomatoid) within the tumor and help doctors determine the best treatment plan.
Mesothelioma specialists can also assess the mesothelioma stage of a patient. The stage determines the most effective treatment and helps mesothelioma lawyers know which asbestos companies are liable in mesothelioma lawsuits.
When a mesothelioma doctor analyzes the results of a biopsy, they create a pathology report that includes details on the type of mesothelioma. The report can also include the staging system which outlines how far the cancer has spread within the body. The higher the stage of cancer, the less likely the patient will be able to respond to treatment. A lawyer can explain the implications of this to specific clients.
Treatment
When swallowed or inhaled asbestos lawyer fibers get encased in the tissues that line the abdomen and other organs. They damage DNA and cause irritation to cells. This causes the formation of tumors. Typically, peritoneal mesothelioma develops in the abdomen’s lining known as the peritoneum. Peritoneal mesothelioma occurs less frequently than pleural mesothelioma. It usually affects women more.
The symptoms of peritoneal cancer are similar to those associated with gastrointestinal disorders such as Crohn’s disease and irritable bowel syndrome which makes it difficult for doctors to recognize. In the beginning, symptoms can be mistaken as normal ailments and can persist for months or even years before a patient is diagnosed with an mesothelioma-related diagnosis.
A physician will also conduct tests on blood and imaging to rule out any other diseases or conditions that could trigger mesothelioma-like symptoms. These tests can also be used to determine the most effective treatment options.
Since peritoneal mesothelioma can develop in the abdominal lining, a doctor will perform biopsy to confirm a diagnosis. A biopsy is the process of removing small samples of 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 treatment options with patients. The goal of the treatment plan is to decrease the size and quantity of tumors. Surgery is often the first option, but patients can also look into chemotherapy and immunotherapy.
Unlike the chest-based treatments for pleural mesothelioma, which are administered via the lungs, peritoneal mesothelioma treatments are administered intravenously or orally. Injections of chemotherapy like heated intraperitoneal therapy (HIPEC) have helped prolong the survival of many patients. HIPEC was developed by mesothelioma expert Paul Sugarbaker.
Patients diagnosed with peritoneal mesothelioma could be able to file an asbestos lawsuit (blog.cameseeing.com) against negligent companies. A mesothelioma lawyer can evaluate the case of a patient and recommend legal options. Contact us now to get started. It is absolutely free, and confidential, and there is no obligation. We offer nationwide representation.
Prognosis
Mesothelioma is a rare cancer. Doctors aren’t familiar 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 help patients receive the right treatment.
The only cause that is known for peritoneal mesothelioma is asbestos exposure. Asbestos fibers can cause irritation of abdominal tissues and cell changes when inhaled or consumed. In time, this may lead to tumors that form a mesothelioma of the peritoneum.
Exposure to asbestos often is a result of work in construction or manufacturing. These industries can utilize products that contain asbestos, like insulation and fireproofing. Asbestos is also present in household products such as roof tiles and flooring. Even low levels of exposure put a person at risk of developing mesothelioma. Because mesothelioma is a chronic disease with a long time to develop patients may be diagnosed with peritoneal cancer decades after the initial exposure.
Peritoneal mesothelioma symptoms may be similar to those of other conditions and can be mistaken for a hernia, digestive problems such as colitis or Crohn’s disease, or other types of abdominal cancer. Many patients don’t report their asbestos law exposure and don’t seek medical care. If mesothelioma is found experts may suggest a biopsy for a more precise diagnosis. A biopsy is the removal a small piece of tissue to be tested. This test can determine if the mesothelioma is epithelioid (epidermoid), sarcomatoid (sarcomatoid) or biphasic.
If mesothelioma isn’t spreading and the doctors are able to remove the tumors. They will also provide an effective treatment. The doctor can also determine whether the cancer has spread to the abdomen. They can then prescribe palliative treatment for the patient, such as paracentesis that drains fluid from the abdomen.
The odds of survival are worse when a mesothelioma has advanced. The cancers can become resistant to treatment and recur. The doctor may recommend a combination of surgery and chemotherapy. Options for surgery include cytoreduction and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy. This combination is more likely to improve the prognosis of a patient than chemotherapy alone.