Peritoneal Mesothelioma asbestos legal Symptoms
The digestive system is often affected by the symptoms of mesothelioma peritoneal. This is due to asbestos fibers being taken in and are then embedded in the lining of the stomach called the peritoneum.
Over time, these fibres result in mutations to the healthy peritoneal cell. In the end cancerous tumors develop in the peritoneum.
Mesothelioma is a difficult condition to identify. The early signs can be similar to symptoms of other conditions, such as hernia or IBS.
Signs and symptoms
Asbestos fibers can move through the body when inhaled. The fibers may then become stuck in the linings of the abdomen and other organs. This causes inflammation and irritation, which leads to tumor development. This process can take years to develop and many victims are unaware of their asbestos exposure until too late.
Malignant peritoneal mesothelioma is a condition that occurs asbestos fibers get trapped in the tissue that lines the abdominal cavity as well as other organs. It is the second-most common form of mesothelioma. However it is often difficult for doctors to diagnose as early symptoms are nonspecific. They can also be similar to gastrointestinal conditions. Patients with peritoneal cancer often experience fatigue, stomach pain and gastrointestinal problems.
After a physical exam followed by a review of medical history and a series of laboratory tests, mesothelioma patients are diagnosed with peritoneal cancer. A CT scan and X-ray can help doctors detect lumps, or other indications of disease. In some instances mesothelioma physicians may request a biopsy for a more accurate diagnosis.
Peritoneal mesothelioma symptoms typically begin in the abdomen and can lead to severe abdominal discomfort, weight loss, bloating swelling of the belly, nausea, vomiting and other digestive problems. Other symptoms include chest pain, fatigue and swelling. If symptoms like these occur it is essential that patients seek medical attention because they may be caused by other conditions.
Despite the difficulties of diagnosing peritoneal mesothelioma, victims can often receive the proper treatment to extend their lives. In most cases, this is done through surgery and heated chemotherapy.
Contact our mesothelioma lawyers today to find out how we can help you if a family member has been diagnosed with peritoneal mesothelioma. We can help you find an expert in mesothelioma near you who can help you file an asbestos lawsuit (Extralifestudios published a blog post) against the companies responsible for your exposure. We can also help ensure that you receive the financial compensation you deserve. Complete our online form to start the process. We work with top mesothelioma lawyers to assist you in obtaining the best possible outcome.
Diagnosis
To diagnose peritoneal msothelioma, it is crucial to have a a complete medical history. Doctors will inquire about the patient’s exposure to asbestos law and when it happened. They also conduct a physical examination. Initial examinations typically include blood tests and X-rays, as well as CT scans.
Peritoneal mesothelioma is a difficult cancer to recognize because of its long time of latency. Patients may experience symptoms like abdominal pain, fever and nausea that may resemble other ailments. These symptoms that are not specific can confuse doctors. Mesothelioma is a rare type of cancer, and it can take years for symptoms to appear after asbestos exposure.
Inhaled or ingested asbestos fibers move to the stomach lining, called the peritoneum. Asbestos fibers are sharp and irritate mesothelium once they reach the peritoneum. In time, this irritation causes inflammation and scar tissue. In the end, this causes abnormal cell growth, and tumors can develop.
Researchers are working on methods to detect mesothelioma in its earliest stages. The stage of mesothelioma will determine the treatment options.
A mesothelioma doctor can perform a paracentesis or percutaneous needle biopsy to collect a sample of mesothelioma tumors for lab testing. These tests will reveal if the cancer cells are epithelioid (epithelioid), Sarcomatoid (sarcomatoid) or biphasic within the tumor. This information aids doctors to develop a treatment plan.
Specialists in mesothelioma can also determine the stage of the patient. The staging process determines which treatments will be the most effective and help mesothelioma lawyers know which asbestos companies to pursue in mesothelioma lawsuits.
When a mesothelioma doctor analyzes the results of a biopsy they prepare an a pathology report which contains details about the type of mesothelioma. The report could also include the staging system which outlines how far the cancer has spread in the body. The higher the stage the more likely it will respond to treatment. A lawyer can explain what this means in a client’s situation.
Treatment
Inhalation or swallowing asbestos fibers get encased in the tissues that line the abdomen and other organs. The fibers harm 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 is less common than pleural mesothelioma, and typically affects women more.
The symptoms of peritoneal cancer are similar to those seen with gastrointestinal disorders, such as Crohn’s and irritable bowel disease and makes it difficult for doctors to diagnose. Early symptoms can be mistaken for other ailments, and may persist for months or even years before a mesothelioma diagnosis is made.
A doctor will also conduct tests on blood and imaging to rule out other conditions or diseases that could trigger the same symptoms of mesothelioma. These tests can aid in determining the most effective treatment options.
A biopsy is carried out by a doctor to confirm the diagnosis. This is due to the fact that peritoneal msothelioma can in the abdominal liner. A biopsy involves the removal of small samples from the affected area to be examined by pathologists. Biopsies are able to reveal cancerous cells, and can determine the type of Mesothelioma.
If a diagnosis of peritoneal mesothelioma has been confirmed, doctors will discuss the options for treatment with the patient. The goal of any treatment plan is generally to reduce the size and number of tumors. Surgery is usually the first option, however patients can also look into chemotherapy and immunotherapy.
Contrary to chest-based treatment for pleural Mesothelioma that is administered via the lungs peritoneal Mesothelioma treatment is administered intravenously or orally. Chemotherapies that are injected, such as heated intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) have helped to prolong the life of many patients. HIPEC was developed by mesothelioma expert Paul Sugarbaker.
Patients who have been diagnosed with peritoneal cancer may be eligible to file an asbestos attorney lawsuit against negligent companies. A mesothelioma lawyer with experience will review the case of a patient and recommend legal options. Contact us now to get started. It’s completely no cost, it’s confidential and there is no obligation. We offer nationwide representation.
Prognosis
Mesothelioma is a rare cancer. Because doctors lack experience, many patients are misdiagnosed with other diseases. Fortunately mesothelioma specialists can help with the diagnostic process and provide patients with the right treatment.
The only known cause of peritoneal mesothelioma is asbestos exposure. When asbestos fibers are breathed in or consumed, they may cause irritation to the abdominal tissues and cause cells to mutate. This can cause tumors to develop mesothelioma within the peritoneum over time.
Manufacturing or construction work is often the first place where asbestos exposure begins. These industries may utilize asbestos-containing materials, such as fireproofing and insulation. Asbestos can also be found in household items such as roof tiles and flooring. Even the smallest amounts of exposure put a person at risk of developing mesothelioma. Due to the long period of latency the victims could be diagnosed with peritoneal mesothelioma for a long time after their first exposure.
Peritoneal mesothelioma symptoms may appear similar to other diseases and could be mistaken for hernias, gastrointestinal issues like Crohn’s disease or colitis, or other types of abdominal cancer. Because of this, many patients don’t report their exposure to asbestos and they do not seek medical attention. Doctors may suggest a biopsy to confirm the diagnosis of mesothelioma. A biopsy involves the removal of just a small portion of affected tissue to test. This test can determine whether the mesothelioma is epithelioid (epidermoid) or Sarcomatoid (sarcomatoid) or biphasic.
If mesothelioma isn’t spreading it is possible to remove the tumors. They can also provide an option for curative treatment. The doctor can also determine whether the cancer has spread inside the abdomen. They can then prescribe palliative care for the patient, such as paracentesis to drain the fluid from the abdomen.
If mesothelioma progresses and the prognosis is less favorable, it becomes more difficult to treat. The tumors could become resistant to treatment and recur. The doctor might suggest a combination of chemotherapy and surgery. Surgery options include cytoreduction with hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy. This combination is more likely than chemotherapy alone to improve the outlook of a patient.