Peritoneal Mesothelioma Asbestos Symptoms
The digestive system is commonly affected by the symptoms of mesothelioma peritoneal. This is because asbestos case fibers are consumed and then absorbed in a lining of the stomach, known as the peritoneum.
As time passes these fibers can cause changes in healthy peritoneal cells. As a result tumors that are cancerous develop in the peritoneum.
The diagnosis of mesothelioma can be a bit difficult. The early signs can resemble symptoms of other conditions such as hernia or IBS.
Signs and symptoms
Asbestos fibers can move through the body after inhalation. They can then become stuck in the lining of the abdomen or other organs, causing irritation and inflammation that leads to tumor growth. This process can take a long time to develop and many victims are unaware of their asbestos exposure until too late.
Malignant peritoneal mesothelioma is a condition that occurs asbestos fibers become trapped in the tissue that lines the abdominal cavity and other organs. It is the second most common mesothelioma type, however it can be difficult to identify because the initial symptoms are not specific and similar to those of digestive disorders. Patients suffering from peritoneal cancer typically experience fatigue, stomach pain and gastrointestinal issues.
After a physical exam, reviewing medical history and a series of laboratory tests, mesothelioma sufferers are diagnosed with peritoneal cancer. A X-ray as well as a CT scan can help doctors detect any lumps or indications of illness. In some cases mesothelioma specialists may also order a biopsy to obtain a more precise diagnosis.
Peritoneal mesothelioma symptoms typically begin in the abdomen and can lead to extreme abdominal discomfort, weight loss, bloating, stomach fluid accumulation, nausea, vomiting and other digestive problems. Other symptoms include chest pain, swelling and fatigue. When these symptoms occur it is essential to seek medical attention as they could be caused by other ailments.
Despite the difficulty in diagnosing peritoneal msothelioma patients, they can often receive the right treatment to prolong their lives. In the majority of cases, this requires surgical treatment and heated chemotherapy.
Contact our mesothelioma attorneys to find out how we can help you if a loved one has been diagnosed with peritoneal mesothelioma. We can help you locate a mesothelioma expert near you who can assist you in filing an asbestos lawsuit against the companies that are responsible for your exposure. We can also assist you in ensuring that you get the financial compensation you are entitled to. You can start this process by filling in our free online form. We partner with the top mesothelioma lawyers and can help you secure the best possible outcome.
Diagnosis
The first step in identifying mesothelioma of the peritoneal region is to collect an complete medical history. Doctors will inquire about the person’s exposure to asbestos and the time it occurred. A physical examination will be conducted. Initial work-ups often include X-rays and blood tests and CT scans.
Due to the long time of latency, peritoneal cancer can be difficult to diagnose. Patients may experience symptoms such as abdominal discomfort, nausea, and fever that resemble other conditions. These symptoms aren’t specific and could confuse doctors. Mesothelioma is a rare cancer that can take years to manifest symptoms following exposure to asbestos, is a rare condition.
Inhaling or eating asbestos lawyer fibers travel to the stomach lining known as the peritoneum. When they reach the peritoneum, the asbestos fibers are sharp and cause irritation to the mesothelium. As time passes the irritation causes inflammation and scar tissue. This causes abnormal cell growth and tumors.
Researchers are working to develop methods to detect the disease at its earliest stages. Staging mesothelioma is important as it will determine the treatment options.
A mesothelioma expert can perform paracentesis (percutaneous needle biopsy) to take a sample for tests in the laboratory. These tests can determine if the cancer cells are epithelioid (epithelioid) or Sarcomatoid (sarcomatoid) or biphasic within the tumor. This information can help doctors create the treatment plan.
Mesothelioma specialists also evaluate a patient’s stage of mesothelioma. The staging process determines which treatments will be most effective and also helps mesothelioma lawyers determine which asbestos companies to hold liable in mesothelioma lawsuits.
When a mesothelioma expert reviews the results of a biopsy and creates a pathology report that includes information about the type mesothelioma. The report can also include the staging system which outlines how far the cancer has spread in the body. The higher the stage is, the less likely it is to respond to treatment. A lawyer can explain the implications of this for specific clients.
Treatment
Asbestos fibers are inhaled or eaten and then absorbed in the tissue that lines the abdomen and other organs. These fibers damage DNA and cause irritation to cells. This leads to the development of tumors. Typically, peritoneal cancer is found in the lining that covers the abdomen. Peritoneal mesothelioma occurs less frequently than pleural mesothelioma and usually affects women more.
The symptoms of peritoneal cancer are similar to those of gastrointestinal diseases like irritable bowel disorder and Crohn’s disease, which makes it difficult for doctors to diagnose the condition. Initial symptoms may be mistaken for other ailments, and may persist for months or even years before a mesothelioma diagnosis is made.
A doctor may also perform tests on blood and imaging to rule out other conditions or diseases that may cause mesothelioma-like symptoms. These tests can also be used to determine the most effective treatment options.
Since peritoneal mesothelioma is a cancer that develops the abdominal lining, a doctor will perform a biopsy to confirm a diagnosis. A biopsy involves removing small portions of the affected area to be examined by pathologists. Biopsies can identify cancerous cells and determine the type of Mesothelioma.
After a peritoneal msothelioma is confirmed doctors will discuss treatment options with patients. Generally, the goal of a treatment plan is to reduce the size and number of tumors. Surgery is usually the first line of defense, however, patients should also talk about the possibility of immunotherapy and chemotherapy.
In contrast to the chest-based treatment for pleural mesothelioma which is administered via the lungs, the treatment for peritoneal Mesothelioma is injected intravenously or orally. Chemotherapies like injections, such as heated intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC), have helped to prolong the life of many patients. HIPEC was invented by mesothelioma expert Paul Sugarbaker.
Patients diagnosed with peritoneal mesothelioma may qualify to bring an asbestos lawsuit against negligent companies. A mesothelioma lawyer with experience can review a patient’s case and recommend legal options. Contact us today to get started. Contact us today. It’s free, confidential, and there’s no obligation. We provide nationwide representation.
Prognosis
Mesothelioma cancer is a rare form of cancer. Doctors have limited experience with it, and many patients are mistakenly diagnosed with other illnesses. A mesothelioma specialist can assist patients identify the cause and ensure they receive the appropriate treatment.
The sole known cause of mesothelioma of the peritoneal region is asbestos exposure. Asbestos fibers can cause irritation to the abdominal tissues and cell changes when inhaled or consumed. This may cause tumors to develop into mesothelioma in the peritoneum in time.
Construction or manufacturing work is usually the first area where Asbestos law exposure starts. These industries may utilize asbestos legal-containing materials like fireproofing and insulation. Asbestos is also found in household items such as flooring and roof tiles. Even the smallest amounts of exposure put a person at risk of developing mesothelioma. Because the disease has an extended latency period it is possible for patients to be diagnosed with peritoneal cancer decades after their initial exposure.
Peritoneal Mesothelioma can mimic other diseases. It is often mistaken for hernias or gastrointestinal issues such as colitis or Crohn’s and other forms of abdominal cancer. Due to this, a lot of patients do not disclose their exposure to asbestos case and they don’t seek medical care. Specialists may recommend a biopsy to confirm the diagnosis of mesothelioma. A biopsy involves removing just a small portion of affected tissue to test. This procedure can reveal the stage of mesothelioma, and whether it is epithelioid biphasic, or sarcomatoid.
If mesothelioma has reached an early stage doctors can remove all of the tumors and provide the best treatment. The doctor can also determine if the cancer has spread within the abdomen. They can then prescribe palliative care for the patient, including paracentesis to drain the abdominal fluid.
When a mesothelioma is advanced the chances of survival are less. This is because the tumors can become resistant to certain treatments, and they may be recurred. The doctor might suggest a combination of chemotherapy and surgery. Surgery options include cytoreduction with hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemo. This combination is more likely than chemotherapy alone to improve the outlook of patients.