Peritoneal Mesothelioma Asbestos Symptoms
The digestive system is commonly affected by the symptoms of mesothelioma peritoneal. This is because asbestos fibers are consumed and then absorbed in a lining of the stomach, known as the peritoneum.
As time passes, these fibers cause mutations to healthy peritoneal cells. In the end cancerous tumors develop in the peritoneum.
The diagnosis of mesothelioma can be a challenge. The initial signs may resemble symptoms of other diseases, such as hernia or irritable bowel syndrome.
Signs and symptoms
When asbestos fibers are inhaled they can pass into the lungs and then travel throughout the body. They can then become stuck in the lining of the abdomen or other organs, creating irritation and inflammation that leads to the growth of tumors. The process can take years to develop, and a lot of victims do not know that they have asbestos exposure until it is too late.
Asbestos fibers can become trapped in the tissues that line the abdominal cavity or other organs, causing malignant peritoneal melanomas. It is the second most frequent mesothelioma type, however it is difficult to recognize because the early symptoms are nonspecific and similar to those of digestive conditions. Patients with peritoneal cancer frequently suffer from stomach pain, fatigue and gastrointestinal problems.
After a physical exam and reviewing medical history, and a series of laboratory tests, mesothelioma patients are diagnosed with peritoneal cancer. A CT scan and X-ray may help doctors identify lumps or other signs of disease. In certain cases mesothelioma patients, doctors will also order a biopsied to get a more accurate diagnosis.
Peritoneal mesothelioma symptoms usually begin in the abdomen and can result in severe abdominal pain and bloating, weight loss, stomach fluid accumulation, nausea, vomiting and other digestive issues. Other symptoms include chest pain, fatigue and swelling. If these symptoms are present it is essential to seek medical attention as they could be caused by other illnesses.
Despite the difficulty of diagnosing peritoneal msothelioma patients, they can typically receive the appropriate treatment to prolong their lives. In the majority of cases, this is done through surgery and heated chemotherapy.
Contact our mesothelioma lawyers today to learn more about how we can help you if someone in your family has been diagnosed with peritoneal mesothelioma. We can help you find an expert in your area who can assist you in filing an asbestos lawsuit against asbestos-related companies responsible for your exposure. We can also assist you to get the financial compensation you deserve. Fill out our online form to begin the process. We partner with the top mesothelioma lawyers to assist you in obtaining the most favorable possible outcome.
Diagnosis
To diagnose peritoneal Msothelioma it is crucial to have a an extensive medical history. Doctors will ask patients about their asbestos exposure and when it happened. A physical examination will be conducted. Initial examinations typically include blood tests and Xrays and CT scans.
Due to the lengthy latency period, peritoneal mesothelioma is often difficult to identify. Patients may experience symptoms such as abdominal discomfort, nausea, and fever that resemble other conditions. These nonspecific symptoms can cause confusion for doctors. Mesothelioma is a rare form of cancer that can take years to show symptoms following exposure to asbestos is a rare condition.
Inhaled or ingested asbestos fibers move to the stomach lining, called the peritoneum. Asbestos fibers that are sharp irritate mesothelium after they reach the peritoneum. This irritation causes scar tissue and inflammation over time. Then, it leads to abnormal cell growth and tumors develop.
There are no FDA-approved screening tests for peritoneal mesothelioma however, researchers are finding ways to detect the disease in its early stages. The stage of mesothelioma is the basis for 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, sarcomatoid or biphasic) within the tumor and help doctors come up with the best treatment strategy.
Mesothelioma specialists can also assess a patient's stage of mesothelioma. It determines which treatment options will be the most effective and help mesothelioma lawyers know which asbestos-related companies to sue in mesothelioma lawsuits.
When a mesothelioma expert reviews the results from the biopsy the doctor creates a pathology report that includes information about the mesothelioma type. The report could also include the staging system which outlines how the cancer has spread within the body. The higher the stage of cancer, the less likely the patient will respond to treatment. Lawyers can explain the significance of this for a client's case.
Treatment
Asbestos fibers are inhaled or eaten and then absorbed in the tissue lining the abdomen and other organs. These fibers irritate the cells and damage DNA. As time passes, this leads to the formation of tumors in the lining. Typically, peritoneal cancer develops in the lining that covers the abdomen. Peritoneal mesothelioma is less common than pleural mesothelioma, and typically affects women more.
The symptoms of peritoneal mesothelioma are similar to those of gastrointestinal conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome and Crohn's disease, making it difficult for doctors to diagnose the condition. Because of this, early symptoms are mistaken for normal ailments, and can last for months or years before a patient is given a mesothelioma diagnosis.
A doctor will also conduct tests on blood and imaging to rule out any other diseases or conditions that could trigger the same symptoms as mesothelioma. These tests can help to determine the best treatment options.
A biopsy is performed by a doctor to confirm the diagnosis. This is due to the fact that peritoneal msothelioma can in the abdominal liner. A biopsy involves the removal of small portions of the affected area to be examined by pathologists. Biopsies are able to reveal cancerous cells and determine the type of Mesothelioma.
If a diagnosis of peritoneal mesothelioma has been confirmed, doctors will discuss options for treatment with the patient. The goal of a treatment plan is to decrease the size and amount of tumors. Surgery is typically the first line of defense, however, patients must also consider the possibility of immunotherapy and chemotherapy.
Unlike the chest-based treatments for pleural mesothelioma which are administered through the lungs, peritoneal mesothelioma treatments are administered intravenously or orally. The injections of chemotherapy like heated intraperitoneal therapy (HIPEC) has helped prolong the life expectancy of many patients. HIPEC was invented by mesothelioma expert Paul Sugarbaker.
Individuals diagnosed with peritoneal mesothelioma may be eligible to file an asbestos lawsuit against negligent companies. An experienced mesothelioma lawyer will review the case of a patient and suggest legal options. Contact us today to begin. It's free, confidential and there is no obligation. We offer nationwide representation.
Prognosis
Mesothelioma cancer is a rare form of cancer. Because doctors have limited experience in diagnosing patients, many are mistakenly diagnosed with other diseases. Fortunately mesothelioma specialists can aid in the diagnosis process and help patients receive the right treatment.
Asbestos exposure is the sole known cause of peritoneal mesthelioma. Asbestos fibers can cause irritation of abdominal tissues as well as cell mutations when inhaled or consumed. Over time, this can result in tumors that develop into mesothelioma of peritoneum.
The exposure to asbestos usually starts with working in manufacturing or construction. These industries could use asbestos-containing materials, such as fireproofing and insulation. Asbestos is also found in household items like flooring and roof tiles. Even low levels of asbestos exposure can cause a person to be at risk of mesothelioma. Because mesothelioma has a long latency period patients may be diagnosed with peritoneal mesothelioma decades after their initial exposure.
Peritoneal Mesothelioma can mimic other diseases. It is often mistaken for hernias, digestive issues like colitis or Crohn's and other types of abdominal cancer. Because of this, many patients do not disclose their exposure to asbestos, and they do not seek medical treatment. Specialists may recommend a biopsy to confirm a diagnosis of mesothelioma. A biopsy involves the removal of just a small portion of affected tissue for testing. This procedure will reveal the stage of mesothelioma and whether it is epithelioid biphasic, or sarcomatoid.
If mesothelioma isn't spreading and the doctors are able to remove the tumors. grand prairie asbestos attorney can also provide a curative treatment. The doctor will also be able to determine whether the cancer has spread to the abdomen. They may then recommend palliative treatments for the patient, including paracentesis to drain the fluid from the abdomen.
The outlook for patients is worse when mesothelioma is advanced. The tumors may become resistant to certain treatment and may recur. The doctor might suggest a 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 on its own.