Peritoneal Mesothelioma Asbestos Symptoms
The digestive system is often affected by the symptoms of mesothelioma of the peritoneal region. This is because asbestos settlement fibers are ingested, and become embedded within the lining of your stomach, known as the peritoneum.
As time passes, these fibers cause mutations to healthy peritoneal cells. As a result, cancerous tumors form in the peritoneum.
Mesothelioma is a challenging condition to identify. The early signs can be similar to symptoms of other diseases, like hernia or irritable bowel syndrome.
Symptoms
Asbestos fibers may travel through the body when breathed. From there, they can get stuck in the lining of the abdomen or other organs, creating inflammation and irritation that can lead to tumor growth. The process can take years to develop, and many victims are unaware of their asbestos exposure until it’s too late.
Asbestos fibers may get caught in the tissues that line the abdominal cavity, or other organs, causing malignant peritoneal melanomas. It is the second-most common mesothelioma. However it is often difficult for doctors to recognize because the early symptoms are not specific. They can also be similar to gastrointestinal disorders. Patients with peritoneal mesothelioma frequently have stomach pain, fatigue, and gastrointestinal issues.
After a physical examination and reviewing 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 any other signs of illness. In some cases mesothelioma specialists may also order a biopsy to obtain a more precise diagnosis.
Peritoneal Mesothelioma symptoms usually start in the abdomen and may cause severe abdominal discomfort, bloating, and weight loss. They can also trigger nausea, vomiting, and other digestive issues. The symptoms can also include chest pain, swelling and fatigue. When these symptoms occur, it is important that patients seek medical attention as they may be caused by other ailments.
Despite the difficulty of diagnosing peritoneal msothelioma patients, they can often receive the right treatment 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 mesothelioma, call our mesothelioma lawyers to learn more about 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 responsible for your exposure. We can also help you receive the financial compensation you are entitled to. You can start this process by filling in our free online form. We work with top mesothelioma lawyers and can assist you in obtaining the best possible outcome.
Diagnosis
To determine if you have peritoneal msothelioma it is important to have an exhaustive medical history. Doctors will inquire with the patient about their asbestos exposure and the date it occurred. A physical exam will be conducted. Blood tests, X-rays and CT scans are typically used in the initial work-up.
Because of the long time of latency, peritoneal cancer can be difficult to recognize. Patients might experience symptoms such as nausea, abdominal pain and fever that are similar to those of other conditions. These nonspecific symptoms can cause confusion for doctors. Mesothelioma, a rare cancer that can take years to show symptoms after asbestos exposure, is a rare disease.
Inhaled or ingested asbestos fibers travel to the stomach lining, known as the peritoneum. Asbestos fibers are sharp and irritate mesothelium once they reach the peritoneum. This irritation causes scar tissue and inflammation over time. This causes abnormal cell proliferation and tumors.
There are no FDA-approved screenings for peritoneal mesothelioma, however, researchers are developing ways to identify the disease in its early stages. Staging mesothelioma is important as it determines the treatment options.
A mesothelioma specialist may perform paracentesis (percutaneous needle biopsy) to collect a sample for laboratory testing. These tests will reveal if the cancerous cells are epithelioid (epithelioid), Sarcomatoid (sarcomatoid) or biphasic within the tumor. This information can help doctors develop the treatment plan.
Mesothelioma specialists can also assess the stage of mesothelioma a patient is. The stage determines the most effective treatments and helps mesothelioma lawyers know which asbestos-related companies are responsible in mesothelioma lawsuits.
When a mesothelioma doctor analyzes the results of a biopsy they create an analysis report that contains specifics about the kind of mesothelioma. The report may also include an assessment system that outlines how far the cancer has spread in the body. The more advanced the stage of cancer, the less likely the patient is to respond to treatment. A lawyer can explain what this means 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. These fibers can cause irritation to cells and cause DNA damage. In time, this can lead to the formation of tumors in the lining. The majority of the time, peritoneal cancer develops in the lining that covers the abdomen. Peritoneal mesothelioma is rarer 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 colon disease which makes it difficult for doctors to identify. In the beginning, symptoms can be mistaken for normal ailments and may last for months or years before a patient is given the mesothelioma diagnosis.
A doctor will also conduct imaging and blood tests to rule out any other diseases or conditions that may cause the same symptoms as mesothelioma. These tests will aid in determining the best treatment options.
A biopsy is carried out by a physician to confirm the diagnosis. This is because peritoneal Msothelioma can be found in the abdominal lining. A biopsy is the removal of small portions of the affected area to be examined by pathologists. Biopsies can identify cancerous cells, and identify the type of Mesothelioma.
Once a peritoneal mesothelioma diagnosis has been established, doctors will discuss treatment options with the patient. The aim of any treatment plan is usually to reduce the size and number of tumors. Surgery is usually the first line of defense, but patients should also discuss the possibility of immunotherapy and chemotherapy.
Contrary to the chest-based treatment for pleural Mesothelioma that is administered via the lungs, peritoneal Mesothelioma treatment is injected either intravenously or orally. Chemotherapy injections such as heated intraperitoneal therapy (HIPEC) has helped prolong the life expectancy of many patients. HIPEC is a method that was invented by mesothelioma pioneer Paul Sugarbaker.
Patients diagnosed with peritoneal mesothelioma could be able to bring an asbestos lawsuit (Read Homepage) against negligent companies. A mesothelioma lawyer with experience can review a patient’s case and recommend legal options. Contact us today to start. It’s no cost, it’s confidential and there is no commitment. We offer nationwide representation.
Prognosis
Mesothelioma is a rare cancer. Because doctors have limited experience with the disease, many patients are misdiagnosed with other illnesses. A mesothelioma expert can help patients to diagnose the disease and ensure they receive right treatment.
The only cause that is known for mesothelioma of the peritoneal region is asbestos exposure. When asbestos fibers are breathed in or consumed, they may irritate abdominal tissues and cause cells to change. This can cause tumors to develop into mesothelioma in the peritoneum in time.
The exposure to asbestos usually is a result of working in manufacturing or construction. These industries can utilize asbestos-containing materials like fireproofing and insulation. Asbestos is also found in household products, such as flooring and roofing tiles. Even the smallest amounts of exposure can put a person at risk for mesothelioma. Because the disease has a long latency period it is possible for patients to be diagnosed with peritoneal cancer decades after their initial exposure.
Peritoneal Mesothelioma may mimic other diseases. It is often mistaken for hernias, digestive problems like Crohn’s or colitis, and other types of abdominal cancer. Many patients don’t declare their asbestos exposure and don’t seek medical attention. If mesothelioma is found experts may suggest the procedure of a biopsy to make an precise diagnosis. A biopsy involves the removal of a small portion of the affected tissue for testing. This test can determine whether the mesothelioma has epithelioid (epidermoid) or the sarcomatoid (sarcomatoid) or biphasic.
If the mesothelioma is at an early stage, doctors can remove all the tumors and provide the best treatment. The doctor will also be able to determine if the cancer has spread within the abdomen. They can then prescribe palliative care for the patient. For instance paracentesis to remove the abdomen of fluid.
The prognosis is worsened when mesothelioma is advanced. The tumors may become resistant to treatment and recur. The specialist may suggest a combination of surgery and chemotherapy. Surgery options include cytoreduction, which is hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemo. This combination is more likely than chemotherapy alone to improve the prognosis of a patient.