Peritoneal Mesothelioma Asbestos Symptoms
Peritoneal mesothelioma asbestos symptoms typically affect the digestive system. This is because asbestos fibers get inhaled and then become a part of the stomach's lining, called the peritoneum.
Over time the fibers cause mutations in healthy peritoneal cells. In the end cancerous tumors develop in the peritoneum.
Mesothelioma is a difficult condition to diagnose. The early signs may be confused with symptoms of other conditions such as hernias or irritable Bowel Syndrome.
Signs and symptoms
Asbestos fibers can travel through the body when breathed. From there, they may become trapped in the abdominal lining or other organs, causing inflammation and irritation that eventually leads to the growth of tumors. This process can take a long time to develop, and a lot of victims do not know that they are exposed to asbestos until it is too late.
Malignant peritoneal melanoma develops when asbestos fibers get trapped in the tissues that line the abdominal cavity as well as other organs. It is the second-most common mesothelioma. However it is often difficult for doctors to recognize since the first symptoms aren't specific. It is also possible that they are similar to digestive disorders. Patients suffering from peritoneal mesothelioma typically suffer from stomach pain, fatigue and digestive issues.
After a physical exam, a review of medical history and a series of laboratory tests, mesothelioma patients are diagnosed with peritoneal cancer. A CT scan and an X-ray may help doctors identify lumps or other signs of illness. In certain cases doctors who treat mesothelioma will also require a biopsy to obtain a more precise diagnosis.
Peritoneal mesothelioma symptoms generally start in the abdominal region and can result in extreme abdominal pain and weight loss, bloating, swelling of the belly nausea, vomiting, and other digestive issues. Other symptoms include fatigue, chest pain and swelling. It is essential for patients to seek a medical diagnosis when they experience these symptoms because they could be caused by something other than mesothelioma.
Despite the difficulties of diagnosing peritoneal mesothelioma, victims typically receive the appropriate treatment to prolong their lives. In most cases, treatment is surgery and heated chemo.
If you or someone you love have been diagnosed with peritoneal mesothelioma, contact our
mesothelioma attorneys to learn what we can do to help. We can help you find a mesothelioma expert near you who can assist you in filing an asbestos lawsuit against asbestos-related companies responsible for your exposure. We can also help you get 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
The first step to diagnose peritoneal mesothelioma is to get an exact medical history. Doctors will ask about the person's exposure to asbestos and the time it occurred. They will also conduct a physical examination. Initial work-ups often include X-rays and blood tests, as well as CT scans.
Peritoneal mesothelioma can be difficult to recognize due to its lengthy latency period. Patients may be afflicted by symptoms like abdominal pain, nausea and fever that are similar to those of other conditions. These symptoms that are not specific can confuse doctors. Mesothelioma is a rare cancer that can take years to show symptoms following exposure to asbestos is a rare disease.
Asbestos fibers inhaled, or consumed move to the stomach lining, known as the peritoneum. Once in the peritoneum, the asbestos fibers' sharp edges irritate the mesothelium. This irritation causes scar tissue and inflammation over time. This leads to abnormal cell proliferation and tumors.
There are no FDA-approved screenings for peritoneal mesothelioma, but researchers are working on finding ways to detect the disease in its earliest stages. The stage of mesothelioma will determine the treatment options.
A mesothelioma doctor can perform a paracentesis procedure or percutaneous needle biopsy to take a sample of
mesothelioma attorneys tumors for lab testing. These tests can reveal whether the cancerous cells are epithelioid (epithelioid) or Sarcomatoid (sarcomatoid) or biphasic within the tumor. This information aids doctors create a treatment plan.
Mesothelioma specialists can also determine the stage of mesothelioma a patient is. The staging process determines which treatments will be most effective and also helps mesothelioma lawyers determine which asbestos companies to pursue in mesothelioma lawsuits.
When a mesothelioma specialist 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 an assessment scale that reveals 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. Lawyers can explain what this means for a client's case.
Treatment
When swallowed or inhaled asbestos fibers get encased in the tissue that lines the abdomen and other organs. They damage DNA and cause irritation to cells. This causes the formation of tumors. Typically, peritoneal cancer develops in the lining that surrounds the abdomen. Peritoneal mesothelioma is rarer than pleural mesothelioma, and typically affects women more.
Symptoms of peritoneal mesothelioma are similar to symptoms of gastrointestinal disorders like irritable bowel syndrome and Crohn's disease, which makes it difficult for doctors to identify the condition. Early symptoms can be misinterpreted as other conditions, and may persist for months or even years before mesothelioma is identified.
A doctor will also conduct imaging and blood tests to rule out other conditions or diseases that may cause the same symptoms of mesothelioma. These tests will also help to determine the best treatment options.
Because peritoneal mesothelioma develops in the abdominal lining The doctor will conduct a biopsy to confirm a diagnosis. A biopsy involves removing small portions of the affected area for examination by pathologists. Biopsies are able to reveal cancerous cells, and can determine the type of Mesothelioma.
If a diagnosis of peritoneal cancer has been confirmed, doctors will discuss the options for treatment with the patient. The aim of any treatment plan is generally to decrease the size and quantity of tumors. Surgery is usually the first option, however patients may also consider chemotherapy and immunotherapy.
Unlike the chest-based treatments for pleural mesothelioma that are administered via the lung, peritoneal mesothelioma treatments are administered 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.
Individuals suffering from peritoneal cancer could be able to sue negligent asbestos companies. A knowledgeable
mesothelioma attorney will evaluate a patient's situation and suggest legal options. Contact us today to start. It's completely absolutely free, and confidential, and there is no obligation. We provide nationwide representation.
Prognosis
Mesothelioma is a rare type of cancer. Doctors aren't familiar with it, so many patients are mistakenly diagnosed with other illnesses. Fortunately mesothelioma specialists can assist in the diagnostic process and help patients receive the proper treatment.
The only cause that is known for peritoneal mesothelioma is asbestos exposure. When asbestos fibers are inhaled or ingested, they can irritate the abdominal tissues and cause cells to change. This can cause tumors to develop mesothelioma within the peritoneum in time.
The exposure to asbestos usually is a result of work in construction or manufacturing. These industries could utilize asbestos-containing materials like fireproofing and insulation. Asbestos is also found in household items such as roof tiles and flooring. Even the smallest amounts of exposure put a person at risk for mesothelioma. Because of the lengthy period of latency patients may be diagnosed with peritoneal msothelioma for a long time after their first exposure.
Peritoneal mesothelioma symptoms can resemble those of other conditions and can be mistaken for a hernia, gastrointestinal issues like Crohn's disease or colitis, or other types of abdominal cancer. A lot of patients do not declare their asbestos exposure and do not seek medical attention. If mesothelioma has been identified, the specialists may recommend a biopsy for a more accurate diagnosis. A biopsy is the removal of the smallest piece of tissue that is examined. This test can determine whether the mesothelioma is epithelioid (epidermoid) or Sarcomatoid (sarcomatoid) or biphasic.
If the mesothelioma is at an early stage, doctors can remove all the tumors and offer an effective treatment. The doctor can also determine whether the cancer has been able to spread to the abdomen. They can then prescribe palliative care for the patient, for example paracentesis to drain the abdominal fluid.
The outlook for patients is worse when mesothelioma is advanced. The cancers can become resistant to treatment and then recur. The doctor might suggest a combination of chemotherapy and surgery. Surgery options include cytoreduction with hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemo. This combination is more likely to improve the prognosis of a patient than chemotherapy alone.
