Peritoneal Mesothelioma Asbestos Symptoms
The digestive system is often affected by the symptoms of mesothelioma of the peritoneal region. This is due to asbestos fibers being ingested, and become embedded in a lining of the stomach, known as the peritoneum.
Over time these fibers can cause mutations in healthy peritoneal cells. Tumors that are cancerous develop in the peritoneum as a result.
The diagnosis of mesothelioma may be a challenge. Early signs can be confused with symptoms of other conditions such as hernias or irritable Bowel Syndrome.
Signs and symptoms
When asbestos fibers are inhaled they can be absorbed into the lungs and then travel throughout the body. From there, they may get trapped in the lining of the abdomen or other organs, creating inflammation and irritation that can lead to tumor growth. 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 are trapped in the tissue that lines the abdominal cavity as well as other organs. It is the second most prevalent mesothelioma. However, it is difficult to identify because the initial symptoms aren't specific and are similar to those of gastrointestinal diseases. Patients with peritoneal cancer frequently have stomach pain, fatigue and gastrointestinal problems.
After a physical exam, an examination of medical history, and a series of laboratory tests, mesothelioma patients are diagnosed with peritoneal cancer. A CT scan or X-ray can help doctors detect lumps or other signs of illness. In certain cases mesothelioma specialists may also request a biopsy for an precise diagnosis.
Peritoneal Mesothelioma symptoms typically begin in the abdomen and may cause extreme abdominal discomfort, bloating and weight loss. They may also cause nausea, vomiting, and other digestive issues. Other symptoms include fatigue, chest pain and swelling. If these symptoms are present, it is important to seek medical attention as they could be caused by other conditions.
Despite the difficulty in diagnosing peritoneal mesothelioma, victims can often receive the proper treatment to prolong their lives. In most cases, treatment involves surgery and chemo that is heated.
Contact our mesothelioma lawyers today to learn more about how we can help you if you or a loved one has been diagnosed with peritoneal msothelioma. We can connect you with mesothelioma specialists near you, who can assist you in bringing a suit against the asbestos companies responsible for your exposure. We can also help you receive the financial compensation that you are entitled to. You can start this process by filling in our free online form. We can assist you to get the best outcome possible by working with the top mesothelioma lawyers.
Diagnosis
The first step in identifying mesothelioma of the peritoneal region is to collect an accurate medical history. Doctors will ask the patient about their exposure to asbestos and when it happened. They will also conduct a physical exam. Initial tests typically include blood tests and X-rays, as well as CT scans.
Peritoneal mesothelioma is difficult to diagnose because of its long time of latency. Patients might experience symptoms such as nausea, abdominal pain and fever that are similar to other conditions. These symptoms that are not specific can cause confusion for doctors. Mesothelioma is a rare type of cancer and it can take years for symptoms to appear after exposure to asbestos.
Asbestos fibers inhaled, or consumed are transported to the stomach lining called the peritoneum. Asbestos fibers are sharp and irritate mesothelium once they reach the peritoneum. This irritation causes inflammation and scar tissue over time. Then, it leads to abnormal cell growth and tumors forming.
Researchers are working on methods to detect the disease early. The process of identifying mesothelioma's stage is crucial as it determines the treatment options.
A mesothelioma specialist may perform paracentesis (percutaneous needle biopsy) to collect samples for laboratory testing. These tests can identify the type of cancer cells (epithelioid or sarcomatoid) within the tumor and help doctors develop a treatment strategy.
Mesothelioma specialists can also determine a patient's stage of mesothelioma. The stage determines the most effective treatment and helps mesothelioma lawyers know which asbestos-related companies are responsible in mesothelioma suits.
When a mesothelioma expert analyzes the results from the biopsy the doctor creates a pathology report that contains information on the mesothelioma type. The report may also include an assessment system that outlines how far the cancer has spread in the body. The higher the stage of cancer, the less likely the patient will respond to treatment. Lawyers can explain the implications of this to the particular case of a client.
Treatment
Inhalation or swallowing, asbestos fibers become embedded in the tissues that line the abdomen and other organs. These fibers damage DNA and irritate cells. This leads to the development of tumors. Typically, peritoneal mesothelioma develops in the abdomen's lining called the peritoneum. Peritoneal mesothelioma is rarer than pleural mesothelioma. It usually affects women more.
The symptoms of peritoneal cancer are similar to those that are associated with gastrointestinal disorders, such as Crohn's disease and irritable colon disease which makes it difficult for doctors to identify. Early symptoms can be misinterpreted as a sign of other illnesses and can last for a long time, or even years before mesothelioma diagnosis is made.
A doctor will also conduct tests of blood and imaging to rule out any other conditions or diseases that may cause the same symptoms of mesothelioma. These tests will aid in determining the most effective treatment options.
Since peritoneal mesothelioma can develop in the abdominal lining, a doctor will perform biopsy to confirm a diagnosis. dayton asbestos attorneys involves the removal of small samples from the affected area to be examined by pathologists. Biopsies are able to reveal cancerous cells and identify the type of Mesothelioma.
If a diagnosis of peritoneal mesothelioma is confirmed, doctors will discuss treatment options with the patient. Generally, the goal of a treatment plan is to reduce the size and amount of tumors. Surgery is usually the first line of defense but patients should also discuss the possibility of chemotherapy and immunotherapy.
In contrast to chest-based therapies for pleural mesothelioma that are administered via the lung, the peritoneal mesothelioma treatment are injected orally or intravenously. Injections of chemotherapy such as heated intraperitoneal therapy (HIPEC) has helped prolong the life expectancy 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 suggest legal options. Contact us now to begin. It's completely free, confidential and there is no commitment. We offer nationwide representation.
Prognosis
Mesothelioma cancer is extremely rare. Doctors have limited experience with it, so many patients are wrongly diagnosed as having other diseases. A mesothelioma specialist can assist patients with the diagnosis and ensure they receive the proper treatment.
The only known cause of mesothelioma peritoneal is exposure to asbestos. Asbestos fibers can cause irritation to abdominal tissues and cell mutations when inhaled or consumed. As time passes, this could cause tumors to form mesothelioma of peritoneum.
Manufacturing or construction is usually the first area where asbestos exposure can begin. These industries could utilize 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 cause a person to be at risk of developing mesothelioma. Because mesothelioma is a chronic disease with a long latency period it is possible for patients to be diagnosed with peritoneal cancer decades after the initial exposure.
Peritoneal Mesothelioma is a type of cancer that can be diseases. It is often mistaken for hernias, gastrointestinal issues such as colitis or Crohn's and other types of abdominal cancer. Many patients do not disclose their asbestos exposure, and don't seek medical attention. If mesothelioma has been identified experts may suggest an examination for a more accurate diagnosis. A biopsy is the removal tiny pieces of tissue to be tested. This test can determine whether the mesothelioma has epithelioid (epidermoid), Sarcomatoid (sarcomatoid) or biphasic.
If mesothelioma does not have spread and the doctors are able to remove the tumors. They will also provide an effective treatment. The doctor can also determine if the cancer has spread to the abdomen. They will then recommend palliative treatments for the patient. For example, paracentesis to drain the abdomen of fluid.
The outlook for patients is worse when a mesothelioma has progressed. The cancers can become resistant to certain treatments and then recur. The doctor might suggest a combination of surgery and chemotherapy. Surgical options include cytoreduction surgery with hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy. This combination is more likely than chemotherapy on its own to improve the outlook of a patient.