Peritoneal Mesothelioma Asbestos Symptoms
The digestive system is frequently affected by the symptoms of peritoneal mesothelioma. This is because asbestos fibers are ingested, and become embedded in a lining of the stomach called the peritoneum.
As time passes, these fibers result in mutations to the healthy peritoneal cell. As a result, cancerous tumors form in the peritoneum.
The diagnosis of mesothelioma can be difficult. The early signs may be confused with other symptoms like hernias or irritable Bowel Syndrome.
Symptoms
Asbestos fibers may travel through the body after inhalation. The fibers may then become trapped in the linings of the abdomen and other organs. This causes inflammation and irritation, which can lead to the development of tumors. This process can take a long time to develop and many patients are unaware of their asbestos exposure until it is too late.
Malignant peritoneal melanoma develops when asbestos fibers get trapped in the tissue that lines the abdominal cavity and other organs. It is the second most common form of mesothelioma. However, it can be difficult for doctors to identify as early symptoms are nonspecific. They can also be similar to gastrointestinal conditions. Patients with peritoneal mesothelioma often experience stomach pain, fatigue and gastrointestinal issues.
Mesothelioma sufferers are usually diagnosed with peritoneal cancer after having a physical exam as well as a medical history check and a series of laboratory tests. A X-ray and a CT scan can help doctors find any lumps or indications of disease. In certain instances, doctors who treat mesothelioma will also order a biopsied to obtain a more precise diagnosis.
Peritoneal Mesothelioma symptoms typically begin in the abdomen and can cause severe abdominal discomfort, bloating and weight loss. They may also cause nausea and vomiting as well as other digestive issues. The symptoms can also include chest pain, swelling, and fatigue. If symptoms like these occur it is essential that patients seek medical attention since they could be caused by other illnesses.
Despite the difficulty in diagnosing peritoneal mesothelioma, patients typically receive the appropriate treatment to extend their lives. In most cases, this requires surgery and heated chemotherapy.
If you or someone you love have been diagnosed with peritoneal mesothelioma, contact our mesothelioma attorneys to learn more about how we can help. We can help you connect with mesothelioma specialists in your area, who can assist you in bringing a suit against the asbestos litigation companies responsible for your exposure. We can also ensure you receive the financial compensation you are entitled to. You can begin this process by filling out our free online form. We can help you get the best possible outcome working with top mesothelioma attorneys.
Diagnosis
To determine if you have peritoneal msothelioma it is important to have an extensive medical history. Doctors will inquire with the patient about their asbestos exposure and the date it happened. A physical examination will be performed. X-rays, blood tests and CT scans are typically used in the initial work-up.
Due to the lengthy latency period, peritoneal mesothelioma is often difficult to identify. Patients may experience symptoms such as abdominal pain, fever and nausea that resemble other conditions. These nonspecific symptoms may confuse doctors. Mesothelioma is a rare type of cancer and it can take decades before symptoms show up after exposure to asbestos.
Inhaling or eating asbestos fibers travel to the stomach lining, known as the peritoneum. Once inside the peritoneum the asbestos legal fibers are sharp and cause irritation to the mesothelium. In time this irritation can cause inflammation and scar tissue formation. This causes abnormal cell growth and tumors.
Researchers are working to develop methods to detect the disease in its earliest stages. The stage of mesothelioma determines the treatment options.
A mesothelioma specialist can perform paracentesis (percutaneous needle biopsy) to collect a sample for lab testing. These tests can reveal whether the cancer cells are epithelioid (epithelioid), the sarcomatoid (sarcomatoid) or biphasic within the tumor. This information helps doctors to develop a treatment plan.
Specialists in mesothelioma also determine the stage of a patient. Staging determines which treatments might be most effective and also helps mesothelioma lawyers determine which asbestos companies to pursue in mesothelioma lawsuits.
When a mesothelioma doctor analyzes the results of a biopsy, they create an a pathology report which contains details about the type of mesothelioma. The report may also include an assessment scale that reveals how far the cancer has spread across the body. The higher the stage of cancer, the less likely the patient is to respond to treatment. A lawyer can explain the implications of this to a particular client’s case.
Treatment
Inhalation or swallowing asbestos fibers get encased in the tissues that line the abdomen and other organs. The fibers harm DNA and irritate cells. This can lead to the development of tumors. Typically, peritoneal mesothelioma develops in the lining of the abdomen called the peritoneum. Peritoneal Mesothelioma is more prevalent in women than pleural mesothelioma but it is less common.
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. As a result, early symptoms can be mistaken as normal ailments and may last for months or years before a patient is diagnosed with an mesothelioma-related diagnosis.
In addition to an extensive medical history, a physician will run imaging and blood tests to rule out other diseases and conditions that may cause the same symptoms as mesothelioma. These tests can be used to determine the most suitable treatment options.
Since peritoneal mesothelioma can develop in the abdominal lining A doctor will conduct biopsy to confirm a diagnosis. A biopsy involves removing small amounts of the affected area to be examined by pathologists. Biopsies may reveal cancerous cells as well as identify the mesothelioma type.
When a peritoneal Msothelioma diagnosis is confirmed, doctors will discuss the treatment options with patients. The aim of any treatment plan is usually to decrease the size and number of tumors. Surgery is usually the first option, however patients can also consider chemotherapy and immunotherapy.
In contrast to the chest-based treatment for pleural mesothelioma which is administered via the lungs peritoneal Mesothelioma treatment is administered either intravenously or orally. The injections of chemotherapy, such as heated intraperitoneal therapy (HIPEC) have helped prolong the life expectancy of many patients. HIPEC was invented by mesothelioma expert Paul Sugarbaker.
Patients suffering from peritoneal asbestosis may be able to sue negligent asbestos companies. A knowledgeable mesothelioma attorney will evaluate a patient’s situation and recommend legal options. Contact us today to begin. Contact us today. It’s free, private, and there’s no obligation. We offer nationwide representation.
Prognosis
Mesothelioma is a rare cancer. Because doctors aren’t experienced, many patients are misdiagnosed as having other illnesses. Fortunately, a mesothelioma specialist can help with the diagnostic process and provide patients with the proper treatment.
The only cause that is known for peritoneal mesothelioma is asbestos legal exposure. Asbestos fibers can cause irritation of the abdominal tissues and cell changes when inhaled or consumed. As time passes, this could cause tumors to form mesothelioma in the peritoneum.
Exposure to asbestos often is a result of work in construction or manufacturing. These industries could use asbestos-containing materials including fireproofing, insulation. Asbestos is also found in household products, such as flooring and roofing tiles. Even very low levels of exposure can put a person at risk of developing mesothelioma. Because of the lengthy latency period of the disease patients may be diagnosed with peritoneal mesothelioma several decades after their initial exposure.
Peritoneal Mesothelioma can mimic other diseases. It is often mistaken for hernias, digestive problems like Crohn’s or colitis, and other types of abdominal cancers. Many patients do not declare their asbestos exposure and do not seek medical care. When mesothelioma is detected doctors may recommend the procedure of a biopsy to make an accurate diagnosis. A biopsy involves the removal of tiny pieces of tissue to be tested. This procedure can help determine the stage of mesothelioma as well as whether it is epithelioid biphasic or sarcomatoid.
If mesothelioma has reached an early stage, doctors can remove all of the tumors and offer an effective treatment. The specialist can also determine whether the cancer has spread to the abdomen. They can then prescribe palliative care for the patient. For example paracentesis, which is a procedure to drain abdominal fluid.
When a mesothelioma is advanced the chances of survival are less. This is because the tumors may become resistant to certain treatments and can develop a recurrence. The doctor may suggest a combination of chemotherapy and surgery. Options for surgery include cytoreduction and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemo. This combination is more likely than chemotherapy alone to improve the prognosis for a patient.