Peritoneal Mesothelioma Asbestos Symptoms
The digestive system is commonly affected by the symptoms of peritoneal mesothelioma. This is because asbestos fibers are ingested, and become embedded in a lining of the stomach, known as the peritoneum.
In time, these fibers trigger mutations in healthy peritoneal cells. As a result cancerous tumors develop in the peritoneum.
The diagnosis of mesothelioma may be difficult. The early signs may be confused with other symptoms like hernias or irritable Bowel syndrome.
Signs and symptoms
Asbestos fibers can move through the body when inhaled. From there, they may become trapped in the abdominal lining or other organs, creating inflammation and irritation that eventually leads 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's too late.
Asbestos fibers can get trapped in the tissues that line the abdominal cavity or other organs, causing malignant peritoneal melanomas. It is the second-most common mesothelioma. However it is often difficult for doctors to identify since the first symptoms aren't specific. They may also be similar to gastrointestinal conditions. Patients with peritoneal mesothelioma often experience stomach pain, fatigue, and digestive issues.
Mesothelioma sufferers are usually diagnosed with peritoneal mesothelioma after having a physical exam as well as a medical history check and several tests in the laboratory. A CT scan or X-ray can aid in identifying lumps, or other indications of disease. In certain cases mesothelioma specialists may also order a biopsy to obtain an precise diagnosis.
Peritoneal mesothelioma symptoms typically begin in the abdomen and can lead to extreme abdominal pain, weight loss, bloating, fluid buildup in the belly, nausea, vomiting and other digestive problems. Other symptoms include chest pain, swelling and fatigue. If these symptoms are present it is essential that victims seek medical attention since they may be caused by other conditions.
Despite the difficulties in diagnosing patients with peritoneal msothelioma, they can often receive the right treatment to prolong their lives. In most cases, this involves the use of surgery and chemotherapy that is heated.
If you or someone you love have been diagnosed with peritoneal cancer, contact our mesothelioma attorneys to learn how we can assist. We can help you find an expert in mesothelioma near you who can assist you in filing an asbestos lawsuit against the companies responsible for your exposure. We can also help you receive the financial compensation you are entitled to. Start the process by filling in our free online form. We can assist you in obtaining the best possible outcome working with top mesothelioma attorneys.
Diagnosis
The first step in identifying mesothelioma peritoneal is to obtain an accurate medical history. Doctors will inquire with the patient about their exposure to asbestos and when it occurred. They also conduct a physical exam. Initial examinations typically include blood tests and Xrays and CT scans.
Due to the lengthy time of latency, peritoneal cancer can be difficult to recognize. Patients may be afflicted by symptoms like nausea, abdominal pain, and fever 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 manifest after asbestos exposure.
Asbestos fibers that are inhaled or consumed move to the stomach lining called the peritoneum. When they reach the peritoneum, the asbestos fibers are sharp and cause irritation to the mesothelium. This irritation leads to inflammation and scar tissue over time. This causes abnormal cell proliferation and tumors.
There are no FDA-approved screening tests for mesothelioma of the peritoneum, however, researchers are finding ways to detect the disease's early stages. The stage of mesothelioma determines 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 assist doctors to develop a treatment strategy.
Specialists in mesothelioma also determine the stage of a patient. Staging determines which treatments might be most effective and helps mesothelioma lawyers know which asbestos-related companies to sue in mesothelioma lawsuits.
If a mesothelioma specialist analyzes the results from a biopsy the doctor creates a pathology record that includes information about the type mesothelioma. The report may also include a staging scale that indicates how the cancer has spread throughout the body. The higher the stage of cancer the less likely a patient is to respond to treatment. A lawyer can explain the implications of this for specific clients.
Treatment
When inhaled or swallowed asbestos fibers are embedded in the tissue that lines the abdomen and other organs. The fibers harm DNA and can cause irritation to cells. As illinois asbestos lawsuit , this leads to the formation of tumors in the lining. Typically, peritoneal mesothelioma forms in the lining of the abdomen called the peritoneum. Peritoneal Mesothelioma affects more women than pleural Mesothelioma, but is less common.
Symptoms of peritoneal mesothelioma are similar to those of gastrointestinal disorders like irritable bowel disorder and Crohn's disease, which makes it difficult for doctors to diagnose the condition. Initial symptoms may be mistaken for other ailments and can last for a long time, or even years before mesothelioma is diagnosed.
In addition to an extensive medical history, a physician will conduct tests for imaging and bloodwork 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 perform a biopsy to confirm a diagnosis. A biopsy is the process of removing small amounts of the affected area for examination by pathologists. Biopsies can identify cancerous cells, and can determine the type of Mesothelioma.
If a diagnosis of peritoneal cancer has been established, doctors will discuss the options for treatment with the patient. The goal of any treatment plan is generally to decrease the size and the number of tumors. Surgery is usually the first line of defense however, patients should also talk about the possibility of immunotherapy and chemotherapy.
Contrary to chest-based treatments for pleural mesothelioma that are administered via the lungs, peritoneal mesothelioma treatments are administered intravenously or orally. Chemotherapy injections like heated intraperitoneal therapy (HIPEC) has helped prolong survival for many patients. HIPEC is a procedure innovated by mesothelioma pioneer Paul Sugarbaker.
Individuals diagnosed with peritoneal mesothelioma may be eligible to bring a lawsuit against negligent asbestos companies. An attorney for mesothelioma can analyze the case of a patient and recommend legal options. Contact us today to start. Contact us today. It's free, private and there's no commitment. We provide nationwide representation.
Prognosis
Mesothelioma cancer is extremely rare. Because doctors have limited experience with the disease, many patients are misdiagnosed as having other illnesses. A mesothelioma expert can assist patients with the diagnosis and ensure they receive the proper treatment.
The only known cause of mesothelioma of the peritoneal region is asbestos exposure. Asbestos fibers can cause irritation to abdominal tissues and cell mutations when inhaled or consumed. This can cause tumors to develop mesothelioma within the peritoneum in time.
Exposure to asbestos often starts with working in manufacturing or construction. These industries may utilize asbestos-containing materials including fireproofing, insulation. Asbestos is also present in household products, such as roof tiles and flooring. Even the smallest amounts 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 first exposure.
Peritoneal Mesothelioma is a type of cancer that can be conditions. It is often mistaken for hernias, digestive problems like Crohn's or colitis, and other types of abdominal cancer. Many patients don't declare their asbestos exposure and do not seek medical attention. If mesothelioma has been identified, the specialists may recommend the procedure of a biopsy to make an accurate diagnosis. A biopsy is the removal a small piece of tissue that is examined. This test will reveal if the mesothelioma is epithelioid (epidermoid), the sarcomatoid (sarcomatoid) or biphasic.
If the mesothelioma is at an early stage doctors can remove all the tumors and offer curative treatment. The doctor can also determine if the cancer has spread inside the abdomen. They may then recommend palliative care for the patient, such as paracentesis to drain the fluid from the abdomen.
If mesothelioma progresses and the prognosis is less favorable, it becomes more difficult to treat. The reason for this is that the tumors can become resistant to certain treatments, and they may recur. The doctor might recommend an amalgamation of surgery and chemotherapy. Surgical options include cytoreduction surgery along with hyperthermic intraperitoneal therapy. This combination is more likely than chemotherapy by itself to improve the outlook of a patient.