Peritoneal Mesothelioma Asbestos Symptoms
Peritoneal mesothelioma asbestos symptoms typically affect the digestive system. This is because asbestos fibers get consumed and are absorbed into the lining of the stomach known as the peritoneum.
In time, these fibers result in mutations to the healthy peritoneal cell. In the end cancerous tumors develop in the peritoneum.
The diagnosis of mesothelioma may be difficult. The early signs can resemble symptoms of other conditions, like hernia, or irritable bowel syndrome.
Signs and symptoms
When asbestos fibers are inhaled they can enter the lungs and then travel throughout the body. The fibers may then become trapped in the linings of the abdomen and other organs. This can cause inflammation and irritation that leads to tumor development. The process can take years to develop and many patients are unaware of their asbestos exposure until too late.
Asbestos fibers can become trapped in the tissues that line the abdominal cavity, or other organs, leading to malignant peritoneal melanomas. It is the second most common mesothelioma type. However it can be difficult for doctors to recognize since the first symptoms aren't specific. They can also be similar to gastrointestinal conditions. Patients suffering from peritoneal mesothelioma typically experience stomach pain, fatigue, and gastrointestinal issues.
Mesothelioma victims are typically diagnosed with peritoneal mesothelioma after undergoing a physical examination and a medical history review and several tests performed by a laboratory. A CT scan and X-ray may help doctors identify lumps, or other indications of disease. In certain cases mesothelioma specialists may also order a biopsy to obtain an precise diagnosis.
Peritoneal mesothelioma symptoms generally begin in the abdomen and can result in severe abdominal discomfort as well as weight loss, bloating, swelling of the belly, nausea, vomiting and other digestive problems. Other symptoms include chest pain, fatigue and swelling. If these symptoms are present, it is important to seek medical attention since they may be caused by other conditions.
Despite the difficulty of diagnosing peritoneal msothelioma patients can often receive the right treatment to prolong their lives. In the majority of cases, treatment involves surgery and heated chemo.
Contact our mesothelioma lawyers to learn how we can assist you if someone in your family has been diagnosed with peritoneal msothelioma. We can connect you with mesothelioma specialists near you who can assist you in bringing a lawsuit against the asbestos companies responsible for your exposure. We can also assist you in ensuring that you receive the financial compensation that you are entitled to. Start the process by filling out our free online form. We have a strong relationship with mesothelioma lawyers and can help you secure the best possible outcome.
Diagnosis
The first step in identifying mesothelioma peritoneal is to obtain an complete medical history. Doctors will ask the patient about their exposure to asbestos and when it occurred. A physical exam will be conducted. Initial work-ups often include blood tests and X-rays, as well as CT scans.
Due to the lengthy time of latency, peritoneal cancer can be difficult to diagnose. Patients may experience symptoms such as nausea, abdominal pain, and fever that are similar to other illnesses. These nonspecific symptoms may confuse doctors. Mesothelioma is a rare type of cancer that can take a long time before symptoms show up after asbestos exposure.
Inhaling or eating asbestos fibers travel into the stomach lining, called the peritoneum. When they reach the peritoneum, the sharp asbestos fibers cause irritation to the mesothelium. In time, this irritation causes inflammation and scar tissue formation. Eventually, this leads to abnormal cell growth and tumors forming.
There are no FDA-approved screenings for peritoneal mesothelioma, however, researchers are developing ways to identify the disease's early stages. The stage of mesothelioma is the basis for the treatment options.
A mesothelioma specialist may perform paracentesis (percutaneous needle biopsy) to take the specimen for lab testing. These tests will reveal if the cancer cells are epithelioid (epithelioid), the sarcomatoid (sarcomatoid) or biphasic within the tumor. This information helps doctors to develop the treatment plan.
Specialists in mesothelioma are able to determine the stage of a patient. Staging determines which treatments might be most effective and also helps mesothelioma lawyers know which asbestos-related companies to sue in mesothelioma lawsuits.
When a mesothelioma expert analyzes the results from an examination and creates a pathology record that includes information about the type mesothelioma. The report could also include the staging system which outlines how the cancer has spread within the body. The higher the stage is, the less likely it will respond to treatment. Lawyers can explain what this means in a client's situation.
Treatment
Inhalation or swallowing asbestos fibers get encased in the tissue that lines the abdomen and other organs. These fibers damage DNA and cause irritation to cells. In time, this can lead to the development of tumors in the lining. Typically, peritoneal cancer is found in the lining that surrounds the abdomen. Peritoneal Mesothelioma has a greater impact on women than pleural Mesothelioma but it is less common.
Symptoms of peritoneal mesothelioma are similar to those of gastrointestinal conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome and Crohn's disease. This makes it difficult for doctors to recognize the condition. Initial symptoms may be misinterpreted as a sign of other illnesses and can last for a long time, or even years before a mesothelioma diagnosis is made.
A doctor will also conduct tests of blood and imaging to rule out other diseases or conditions that could trigger mesothelioma-like symptoms. sunrise asbestos attorneys will aid in determining the best treatment options.
A biopsy is carried out by a doctor to confirm the diagnosis. This is because peritoneal Msothelioma can be found in the abdominal liner. A biopsy is the removal of small portions of the affected area to be examined by pathologists. Biopsies can identify cancerous cells and determine the type of Mesothelioma.
If a diagnosis of peritoneal cancer has been established, doctors will discuss treatment options with the patient. The purpose of any treatment plan is usually to decrease the size and quantity of tumors. Surgery is usually the first line of defense, however, patients should also talk about the possibility of chemotherapy and immunotherapy.
Contrary to chest-based treatments for pleural mesothelioma which are administered through the lung, the peritoneal mesothelioma treatment are injected orally or intravenously. Injections of chemotherapy like heated intraperitoneal therapy (HIPEC), helped extend survival for many patients. HIPEC was invented by mesothelioma expert Paul Sugarbaker.
Patients suffering from peritoneal asbestosis may be able to bring a lawsuit against negligent asbestos companies. A knowledgeable mesothelioma attorney will evaluate a patient's situation and suggest legal options. Contact us today to get started. It is absolutely free, and confidential, and there is no commitment. We provide nationwide representation.
Prognosis
Mesothelioma cancer is a rare form of cancer. Because doctors aren't experienced in diagnosing patients, many are mistakenly diagnosed with other illnesses. Fortunately mesothelioma specialists can help with the diagnostic process and get patients the proper treatment.
Asbestos exposure is the only known cause of peritoneal mesthelioma. When asbestos fibers are inhaled or consumed, they may irritate abdominal tissues and cause cells to mutate. Over time, this can result in tumors that develop into mesothelioma in the peritoneum.
The exposure to asbestos typically starts with working in manufacturing or construction. These industries can utilize asbestos-containing materials, such as fireproofing and insulation. Asbestos can also be present in household items, such as flooring and roof tiles. Even the smallest amounts of exposure can put a person at risk for mesothelioma. Because of the lengthy latency period of the disease the victims could be diagnosed with peritoneal mesothelioma many decades after their first exposure.
Peritoneal mesothelioma symptoms could resemble those of other conditions and can be mistaken for hernias, digestive issues such as colitis or Crohn's disease, or other forms of abdominal cancer. Due to this, a lot of patients don't report their exposure to asbestos and they do not seek medical treatment. Doctors may suggest a biopsy to confirm a diagnosis of mesothelioma. A biopsy involves removing only a small amount of affected tissue to test. This procedure can help determine the stage of mesothelioma, and whether it is epithelioid biphasic, or sarcomatoid.
If mesothelioma has not spread it is possible to remove the tumors. They will also offer an effective treatment. The doctor can also determine whether the cancer has spread to the abdomen. They can then prescribe palliative treatment for the patient. For example paracentesis, which is a procedure to drain abdominal fluid.
The prognosis is worsened when a mesothelioma has advanced. The cancers can become resistant to certain treatments and may recur. The specialist may suggest a combination of surgery and chemotherapy. Surgical options include cytoreduction surgery combined with hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy. This combination is more likely to improve a patient's outlook than merely chemotherapy alone.