Peritoneal Mesothelioma Asbestos Symptoms
The digestive system is commonly affected by the symptoms of mesothelioma of the peritoneal region. This is due to asbestos fibers being taken in and are then embedded within the lining of your stomach known as the peritoneum.
In time, these fibers cause mutations to healthy peritoneal cells. As a result tumors that are cancerous develop in the peritoneum.
Mesothelioma is a challenging condition to diagnose. The early signs may be confused with symptoms of other conditions like hernias or irritable Bowel Syndrome.
Symptoms
When asbestos fibers are breathed in, they can be absorbed into the lungs and then travel throughout the body. The fibers can then get 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 patients are unaware of their asbestos exposure until too late.
Malignant peritoneal mesothelioma occurs when asbestos fibers get trapped in the tissues that line the abdominal cavity and other organs. It is the second most frequent mesothelioma. However, it can be difficult to identify because the initial symptoms aren’t specific and are similar to those of gastrointestinal disorders. Patients suffering from peritoneal cancer typically experience fatigue, stomach pain and gastrointestinal problems.
After a physical examination, an examination of medical history and a series of tests in the laboratory, mesothelioma patients are diagnosed with peritoneal cancer. A CT scan or X-ray can help doctors detect lumps or other signs of illness. In some cases mesothelioma specialists may also order a biopsy to obtain an precise diagnosis.
Peritoneal mesothelioma symptoms typically begin in the abdomen and can result in severe abdominal pain and weight loss, bloating, swelling of the belly, nausea, vomiting and other digestive problems. Other symptoms include chest pain, fatigue and swelling. When these symptoms occur, it is important that victims seek medical attention because they could be triggered by other illnesses.
Despite the difficulty in diagnosing peritoneal mesothelioma, patients typically receive the appropriate 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 attorneys to find out how we can assist. We can assist you in finding a mesothelioma expert near you who can help you file a lawsuit against asbestos companies responsible for your exposure. We can also help you receive the financial settlement you are entitled to. Fill out our online form to start the process. We can assist you in obtaining the best outcome possible by working with top mesothelioma attorneys.
Diagnosis
The first step to diagnose peritoneal mesothelioma is to get an exact medical history. Doctors will ask the patient about their asbestos exposure and when it happened. A physical examination will be conducted. Initial work-ups often include X-rays and blood tests, as well as CT scans.
Due to the long time of latency, peritoneal cancer can be difficult to diagnose. Patients may be afflicted by symptoms like nausea, abdominal pain and fever that are similar to other illnesses. These non-specific symptoms can confuse doctors. Mesothelioma is a rare cancer that can take a long time for symptoms to manifest after asbestos exposure.
Inhaling or eating asbestos fibers move into the stomach lining, known as the peritoneum. Once inside the peritoneum the asbestos fibers’ sharp edges cause irritation to the mesothelium. This irritation leads to scar tissue and inflammation over time. This leads to abnormal cell growth and tumors.
Researchers are working on ways to detect the disease in its earliest stages. The importance of identifying mesothelioma attorney (agree with this) early is that it determines treatment options.
A mesothelioma specialist may perform paracentesis (percutaneous needle biopsy) to collect a sample for lab 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.
Specialists in mesothelioma can also determine the stage of the patient. The stage determines the most effective treatment and also helps mesothelioma lawyers understand which asbestos companies are accountable in mesothelioma suits.
When a mesothelioma expert reviews the results of a biopsy the doctor creates a pathology document that contains information on the type mesothelioma. The report may also include a staging system that describes how the cancer has spread within the body. The more advanced the stage the more likely it is to respond to treatment. Lawyers can explain the implications of this for the particular case of a client.
Treatment
asbestos lawyers fibers can be breathed in or eaten and then absorbed in the tissue that lines the abdomen and other organs. These fibers damage DNA and cause irritation to cells. In time, this can lead to the development of tumors within the lining. Typically, peritoneal mesothelioma forms in the lining of the abdomen known as the peritoneum. Peritoneal Mesothelioma has a greater impact on women than pleural mesothelioma however, it is less prevalent.
The symptoms of peritoneal cancer are similar to those seen with gastrointestinal disorders, such as Crohn’s disease and irritable colon disease, making it hard for doctors to recognize. As a result, early symptoms can be mistaken for normal ailments and may last for months or years before a patient receives a mesothelioma diagnosis.
In addition to an extensive medical history, a doctor will run imaging and blood tests to rule out other diseases and conditions that could trigger 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 an examination to confirm the diagnosis. A biopsy involves the removal of small samples from the affected area to be examined by pathologists. Biopsies can detect cancerous cells as well as identify the type of mesothelioma.
If a diagnosis of peritoneal mesothelioma has been established, doctors will discuss options for treatment with the patient. The goal of any treatment plan is generally to decrease the size and number of tumors. Surgery is usually the first option, however patients may also consider chemotherapy and immunotherapy.
Unlike the chest-based treatments for pleural mesothelioma which are administered through the lungs, peritoneal mesothelioma treatments are administered either intravenously or orally. Chemotherapy injections, such as heated intraperitoneal therapy (HIPEC) has helped prolong the survival of many patients. HIPEC is a technique that was developed by mesothelioma pioneer Paul Sugarbaker.
Individuals with peritoneal asbestosis may be able to bring a lawsuit against negligent asbestos companies. A knowledgeable mesothelioma attorney (agree with this) will evaluate a patient’s situation and suggest legal options. Contact us now to get started. Contact us now. It’s free, private and there’s absolutely no obligation. We provide nationwide representation.
Prognosis
Mesothelioma is a rare cancer. Because doctors lack experience in diagnosing patients, many are mistakenly diagnosed with other illnesses. A mesothelioma expert can help patients identify the cause and ensure they receive the appropriate treatment.
Asbestos exposure is only the one known cause of peritoneal cancer. When asbestos lawyer fibers are breathed in or ingested, they can irritate the tissues of the abdomen and cause cells to alter. As time passes, this could cause tumors to form a mesothelioma of the peritoneum.
Manufacturing or construction work is often the first place where asbestos exposure starts. These industries could use asbestos-containing materials including fireproofing, insulation. Asbestos can also be present in household items like flooring and roof tiles. Even very low levels of exposure can put a person at risk for mesothelioma. Because mesothelioma is a chronic disease with an extended latency period it is possible for patients to be diagnosed with peritoneal mesothelioma years after the initial exposure.
Peritoneal mesothelioma symptoms can appear similar to other conditions and be mistaken for a hernia digestive issues such as colitis or Crohn’s disease or other types of abdominal cancer. Many patients do not disclose their asbestos exposure, and don’t seek medical care. Doctors may suggest a biopsy to confirm a diagnosis of mesothelioma. A biopsy involves removing just a small portion of affected tissue to test. This procedure can help determine the stage of mesothelioma as well as whether it is epithelioid biphasic, or sarcomatoid.
If the mesothelioma is in an early stage, doctors can remove all the tumors and provide curative treatment. The doctor will also be able to determine if the cancer has spread to the abdomen. They will then recommend palliative care for the patient. For example paracentesis to remove abdominal fluid.
The prognosis is worsened when a mesothelioma has progressed. This is because the tumors are able to become resistant to certain treatments and can recur. The doctor may recommend a combination of chemotherapy and surgery. Surgery options include cytoreduction, which is hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy. This combination is more likely to improve the prognosis of a patient than chemotherapy on its own.