Peritoneal Mesothelioma
asbestos settlement Symptoms
Peritoneal mesothelioma asbestos symptoms often affect the digestive system. This is due to asbestos fibers being consumed and then absorbed in a lining of the stomach called the peritoneum.
In time the fibers cause changes in healthy peritoneal cells. In the end, cancerous tumors form in the peritoneum.
Mesothelioma is a difficult condition to diagnose. The early signs may be confused with other symptoms like hernias, or irritable Bowel Syndrome.
Symptoms
When asbestos fibers are inhaled, they can enter the lungs and then travel throughout the body. They can then become trapped in the lining of the abdomen or other organs, causing inflammation and irritation that can lead to the growth of tumors. This process can take a long time to develop, and many victims are unaware of their asbestos exposure until it is too late.
Malignant peritoneal mesothelioma is a condition that occurs asbestos fibers become trapped in the tissues that line the abdominal cavity and other organs. It is the second most common mesothelioma. However, it can be difficult to identify because the initial symptoms aren't specific and are similar to those of digestive disorders. Patients with peritoneal cancer often experience fatigue, stomach pain and gastrointestinal problems.
Mesothelioma sufferers are usually diagnosed with peritoneal mesothelioma after conducting a physical examination as well as a medical history check and several tests performed by a laboratory. A CT scan or X-ray may help doctors identify lumps or any other signs of disease. In certain instances mesothelioma patients, doctors will also order a biopsied to obtain a more precise diagnosis.
Peritoneal mesothelioma symptoms generally begin in the abdomen and can cause severe abdominal discomfort as well as weight loss, bloating, swelling of the belly, nausea, vomiting and other digestive problems. Other symptoms include chest pain, swelling, and fatigue. If these symptoms are present it is crucial to seek medical attention since they could be triggered by other ailments.
Despite the difficulty of diagnosing peritoneal mesothelioma, victims can often receive the proper treatment to prolong their lives. In the majority of cases, treatment involves surgery and chemo that is heated.
If you or someone you love have been diagnosed with peritoneal mesothelioma, contact our mesothelioma lawyers to find out what we can do to help. We can assist you in finding an expert in your area who can assist you in filing an asbestos lawsuit against the companies that are responsible for your exposure. We can also help ensure that you get the financial compensation you deserve. You can begin this process by filling in our free online form. We can assist you in obtaining the best possible outcome working with the best mesothelioma lawyers.
Diagnosis
The first step to diagnose peritoneal mesothelioma is to get an exact medical history. Doctors will ask about the patient's exposure to asbestos and when it occurred. A physical examination will be conducted. Initial work-ups often include blood tests and Xrays and CT scans.
Peritoneal mesothelioma can be difficult to identify due to its long period of latency. Patients may experience symptoms such as abdominal pain, fever and nausea that are similar to other conditions. These non-specific symptoms can confuse doctors. Mesothelioma is a rare type of cancer and it can take years for symptoms to appear after exposure to asbestos.
Inhaled or ingested asbestos fibers move to the stomach lining known as the peritoneum. When they reach the peritoneum, the asbestos fibers' sharp edges can cause irritation to the mesothelium. In time, this irritation causes inflammation and scar tissue growth. In the end, this causes abnormal cell growth and tumors develop.
Researchers are working to develop methods to detect mesothelioma at its earliest stages. The stage of mesothelioma will determine the treatment options.
A mesothelioma specialist can perform paracentesis (percutaneous needle biopsy) to collect samples for tests in the laboratory. These tests can identify the type of cancer cells (epithelioid biphasic, sarcomatoid, or epithelioid) within the tumor and aid doctors develop an appropriate treatment strategy.
Mesothelioma specialists can also determine a patient's stage of mesothelioma. It determines which treatment options will be most effective and helps mesothelioma lawyers know which
asbestos attorney companies to hold liable in mesothelioma lawsuits.
When a mesothelioma expert analyzes the results of the biopsy, he or she creates a pathology record which contains details about the type mesothelioma. The report could also include the staging scale, which indicates how the cancer has spread throughout the body. The more advanced the stage the more likely it is to respond to treatment. Lawyers can explain what this means in a client's situation.
Treatment
Asbestos fibers are inhaled or eaten and then absorbed in the tissue that lines the abdomen and other organs. They damage DNA and cause irritation to cells. In time, this can lead to the formation of tumors in the lining. The majority of the time, peritoneal mesothelioma is found in the abdomen's lining known as the peritoneum. Peritoneal Mesothelioma affects more women than pleural Mesothelioma, but is less common.
Symptoms of peritoneal mesothelioma are similar to symptoms of gastrointestinal conditions like irritable bowel disorder and Crohn's disease, which makes it difficult for doctors to identify the condition. In the beginning, symptoms can be mistaken as normal ailments and can persist for months or years before a patient is given an mesothelioma-related diagnosis.
A doctor will also conduct tests on blood and imaging to rule out any other diseases or conditions that could trigger mesothelioma-like symptoms. These tests can be used to determine the most suitable treatment options.
A biopsy is conducted by a doctor to confirm the diagnosis. This is because peritoneal msothelioma occurs in the abdominal liner. A biopsy is the process of removing small amounts of tissue from the affected area to be examined by pathologists. Biopsies can identify cancerous cells and determine the type of Mesothelioma.
If a peritoneal msothelioma has been confirmed doctors will discuss treatment options with patients. The aim of any treatment plan is typically to decrease the size and the number of tumors. Surgery is typically the first line of defense however, patients should also talk about the possibility of chemotherapy and immunotherapy.
Contrary to chest-based treatment for pleural mesothelioma which is administered through the lungs peritoneal Mesothelioma treatment is injected either intravenously or orally. Injections of chemotherapies, like heated intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC), have helped to prolong the lives of many patients. HIPEC was developed by mesothelioma expert Paul Sugarbaker.
Patients diagnosed with peritoneal mesothelioma may qualify to file an
asbestos lawsuit against negligent companies. A mesothelioma lawyer can evaluate the case of a patient and recommend legal options. Contact us today to begin. Contact us now. It's completely free, confidential and there's absolutely no obligation. We offer nationwide representation.
Prognosis
Mesothelioma cancer is extremely rare. Doctors have limited experience dealing with it, which means that many patients are misdiagnosed as having other illnesses. A mesothelioma expert can help patients with the diagnosis and ensure they receive appropriate treatment.
The only known cause of peritoneal mesothelioma is asbestos exposure. Asbestos fibers can cause irritation to abdominal tissues as well as cell changes when inhaled or consumed. This can lead to tumors that develop mesothelioma within the peritoneum in time.
The exposure to
asbestos litigation usually begins with jobs in manufacturing or construction. These industries can use asbestos-containing materials including fireproofing, insulation. Asbestos is also found in household items like flooring and roof tiles. Even small amounts of asbestos exposure could put a person in danger of developing mesothelioma. Because mesothelioma has a long time to develop it is possible for patients to be diagnosed with peritoneal mesothelioma decades after the initial exposure.
Peritoneal Mesothelioma may mimic other diseases. It is often mistaken for hernias, gastrointestinal issues such as colitis or Crohn's and other types of abdominal cancer. Due to this, a lot of patients don't report their exposure to asbestos and they don't seek medical treatment. Doctors may suggest a biopsy to confirm the diagnosis of mesothelioma. A biopsy involves the removal of tiny pieces of tissue to be tested. This procedure can reveal 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 provide the best treatment. The doctor can also determine whether the cancer has spread within the abdomen. They may then recommend palliative care for the patient, including paracentesis to drain the fluid from the abdomen.
The outlook for patients is worse when a mesothelioma has progressed. The cancers can become resistant to certain treatments and recur. The doctor might recommend the combination of surgery and chemotherapy. Options for surgery include cytoreduction and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemo. This combination is more likely to improve the prognosis of a patient than chemotherapy alone.
