Peritoneal Mesothelioma Asbestos Symptoms
Peritoneal mesothelioma asbestos signs typically affect the digestive system. This is due to asbestos fibers being consumed and are absorbed into the lining of the stomach known as the peritoneum.
As time passes, these fibers result in mutations to the healthy peritoneal cell. In the end tumors that are cancerous develop in the peritoneum.
Mesothelioma is a difficult disease to diagnose. Early signs can be confused with other symptoms like hernias or irritable Bowel syndrome.
Symptoms
When asbestos fibers are inhaled they can enter the lungs and travel throughout the body. The fibers can then get stuck in the linings of the abdomen and other organs. This can cause irritation and inflammation, which leads to tumor development. 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 tissue that lines the abdominal cavity or other organs, which can cause malignant peritoneal melanomas. 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 conditions. Patients suffering from peritoneal mesothelioma typically suffer from stomach pain, fatigue and digestive issues.
After a physical exam, reviewing medical history and a series of tests in the laboratory, mesothelioma patients are diagnosed with peritoneal cancer. An X-ray or CT scan can assist doctors to identify any lumps or other indications of disease. In some cases mesothelioma physicians may require a biopsy to get a more accurate diagnosis.
Peritoneal mesothelioma symptoms generally start in the abdominal region and can cause extreme abdominal discomfort and bloating, weight loss, fluid buildup in the belly nausea, vomiting, and other digestive issues. Other symptoms include chest pain, fatigue and swelling. It is essential for patients to seek medical advice when they have these symptoms as they may be caused by something other than mesothelioma lawyer.
Despite the difficulty in diagnosing peritoneal cancer, patients typically receive the appropriate treatment to extend their lives. In most cases, this requires the use of surgery and chemotherapy that is heated.
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 mesothelioma near you who can assist you in filing an asbestos lawsuit against the companies that are responsible for your exposure. We can also help you get the financial compensation you are entitled to. Complete our online form to start the process. We can assist you in obtaining the best possible outcome by working with the best 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 examinations typically include X-rays and blood tests, as well as CT scans.
Peritoneal mesothelioma is difficult to identify due to its long period of latency. Patients may experience symptoms such as nausea, abdominal pain and fever that are similar to other illnesses. These symptoms aren’t specific and can cause confusion for doctors. Mesothelioma is a rare cancer that can take decades for symptoms to appear after asbestos exposure.
Inhaled or ingested asbestos fibers travel to the stomach lining, known as the peritoneum. Asbestos fibers that are sharp irritate mesothelium when they reach the peritoneum. This irritation causes inflammation and scar tissue over time. This causes abnormal cell growth and tumors.
There are no FDA-approved screening tests for peritoneal mesothelioma but researchers are working on finding ways to detect the disease’s early stages. The process of identifying mesothelioma’s stage is crucial as it determines treatment options.
A mesothelioma expert can perform a paracentesis or percutaneous needle biopsy to take a sample of mesothelioma tumors for lab testing. These tests can reveal whether the cancerous cells are epithelioid (epithelioid), sarcomatoid (sarcomatoid) or biphasic within the tumor. This information can help doctors to develop the treatment plan.
Mesothelioma specialists can also determine a patient’s stage of mesothelioma. The stage determines the most effective treatments and helps mesothelioma lawyers know which asbestos companies are liable in mesothelioma cases.
When a mesothelioma doctor analyzes the results of a biopsy they prepare an a pathology report which contains details on the type of mesothelioma. The report can also include the staging system which outlines how far the cancer has spread throughout the body. The higher the stage of cancer is, the less likely the patient is to respond to treatment. A lawyer can explain what this means for a client’s case.
Treatment
When inhaled or swallowed asbestos fibers get encased in the tissues that line the abdomen and other organs. The fibers harm DNA and can cause irritation to cells. Over time, this leads to the development of tumors within the lining. Typically, peritoneal mesothelioma attorneys develops in the lining of the abdomen known as the peritoneum. Peritoneal Mesothelioma is more prevalent in women than pleural Mesothelioma, however, it is less prevalent.
The symptoms of peritoneal cancer are similar to those associated with gastrointestinal disorders, such as Crohn’s disease and irritable colon disease, making it hard for doctors to identify. As a result, early symptoms can be mistaken as normal ailments and may last 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 other conditions or diseases that may cause the same symptoms of mesothelioma. These tests can help to determine the best treatment options.
Since peritoneal mesothelioma is a cancer that develops the abdominal lining, a doctor will perform biopsy to confirm a diagnosis. A biopsy involves the removal of small amounts of the affected area to be examined by pathologists. Biopsies can identify cancerous cells, and can determine the type of Mesothelioma.
After a peritoneal msothelioma is confirmed, doctors will discuss the treatment options with patients. Generally, the goal of the treatment plan is to minimize the size and number of tumors. Surgery is typically the first line of defense, but patients should also discuss the possibility of chemotherapy and immunotherapy.
Unlike the chest-based treatments for pleural mesothelioma that are administered via the lung, peritoneal mesothelioma treatments are injected orally or intravenously. Chemotherapies like injections, such as heated intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) have helped to prolong the lives of many patients. HIPEC is a procedure innovated by mesothelioma pioneer Paul Sugarbaker.
Individuals diagnosed with peritoneal mesothelioma may be eligible to bring a lawsuit against negligent asbestos companies. A mesothelioma attorney lawyer can evaluate the case of a patient and recommend legal options. Contact us now to get started. Contact us today. It’s free, confidential, and there’s no obligation. We offer nationwide representation.
Prognosis
Mesothelioma is a rare type of cancer. Doctors aren’t familiar dealing with it, which means that many patients are misdiagnosed as having other illnesses. A mesothelioma lawsuit specialist can assist patients to diagnose the disease and ensure that they receive the right treatment.
The only cause that is known for mesothelioma peritoneal is exposure to asbestos. Asbestos fibers can cause irritation to the abdominal tissues and cell mutations when consumed or inhaled. This may cause tumors to form mesothelioma in the peritoneum in time.
The exposure to asbestos typically starts with work in construction or manufacturing. These industries can utilize materials that contain asbestos, for example, insulation and fireproofing. Asbestos is also found in household products such as roof tiles and flooring. Even the smallest amount of exposure to asbestos can put someone at risk of mesothelioma. Because the disease has an extended latency period 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 hernias, digestive issues such as colitis or Crohn’s disease or other types of abdominal cancer. Many patients do not declare their asbestos exposure and don’t seek medical attention. If mesothelioma attorney is found doctors may recommend a biopsy for a more accurate diagnosis. A biopsy is the removal the smallest piece of tissue to be examined. This test will reveal 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 an effective treatment. The specialist can also determine whether the cancer has expanded to the abdomen. They will then recommend palliative treatment for the patient. For example paracentesis, which is a procedure to drain the abdomen of fluid.
The prognosis is worsened when mesothelioma is advanced. This is because the tumors are able to become resistant to certain treatments, and they may be recurred. The doctor may suggest a combination of chemotherapy and surgery. Surgery options include cytoreduction along with hyperthermic intraperitoneal therapy. This combination is more likely than chemotherapy on its own to improve the prognosis of the patient.