Peritoneal Mesothelioma Asbestos Symptoms
The digestive system is frequently affected by the symptoms of peritoneal mesothelioma. This is due to asbestos fibers being ingested and become embedded in the lining of the stomach, called the peritoneum.
Over time these fibers can cause changes in healthy peritoneal cells. In the end cancerous tumors develop in the peritoneum.
The diagnosis of mesothelioma may be a challenge. Early signs may be confused with symptoms of other conditions like hernias, or irritable Bowel Syndrome.
Signs and symptoms
When asbestos fibers are inhaled they can enter the lungs and circulate throughout the body. The fibers can then get trapped in the linings the abdomen and other organs. This causes inflammation and irritation that leads to tumor development. The process can take years to develop, and most victims are unaware that they are exposed to asbestos until it is too late.
Asbestos fibers can get trapped in the tissue lining 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 identify as early symptoms are nonspecific. They may also be similar to gastrointestinal conditions. Patients suffering from peritoneal cancer typically suffer from stomach pain, fatigue and gastrointestinal issues.
Mesothelioma patients are usually diagnosed with peritoneal cancer after undergoing a physical examination as well as a medical history check and an array of tests performed by a laboratory. A X-ray as well as a CT scan can assist doctors to identify any lumps or other indications of disease. In certain cases doctors who treat mesothelioma will also order a biopsied to obtain a more precise diagnosis.
Peritoneal mesothelioma symptoms generally begin in the abdomen and can result in severe abdominal discomfort, weight loss, bloating fluid buildup in the belly nausea, vomiting, and other digestive problems. Other symptoms include fatigue, chest pain and swelling. It is important for victims to seek medical advice when they experience these symptoms, as they could be caused by something other than mesothelioma.
Despite the difficulty in diagnosing peritoneal msothelioma patients can typically receive the appropriate treatment to prolong their lives. In most cases, this requires surgery and heated chemotherapy.
If you or someone you love have been diagnosed with peritoneal mesothelioma, call one of our mesothelioma lawyers today to find out what we can do to help. We can help you find 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 receive the financial compensation you're entitled to. Complete our online form to start the process. We partner with the top mesothelioma attorneys and can assist you in obtaining the best possible outcome.
Diagnosis
The first step to diagnose mesothelioma peritoneal is to obtain an accurate medical history. Doctors will ask about the person's exposure asbestos and the time it occurred. A physical exam will be conducted. Blood tests, X-rays, and CT scans are typically used in the initial work-up.
Peritoneal mesothelioma is a difficult cancer to diagnose due to its long period of latency. Patients might experience symptoms such as nausea, abdominal pain and fever that are similar to other illnesses. These symptoms aren't specific and 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 disease.
Inhaling or eating asbestos fibers travel into the stomach lining, known as the peritoneum. Asbestos fibers that are sharp can irritate mesothelium after they reach the peritoneum. This irritation leads to scar tissue and inflammation over time. This leads to abnormal cell proliferation and tumors.
There are no FDA-approved screening tests for mesothelioma of the peritoneum, however, researchers are developing ways to identify the disease in its earliest stages. The importance of identifying mesothelioma early is that it will determine the treatment options.
A mesothelioma doctor can perform a paracentesis or percutaneous needle biopsy to take a sample of mesothelioma tumours for laboratory testing. These tests will reveal if the cancer cells are epithelioid (epithelioid), Sarcomatoid (sarcomatoid) or biphasic within the tumor. This information can help doctors create a treatment plan.
Specialists in mesothelioma can also determine the stage of a patient. The stage determines the most effective treatment and also helps mesothelioma lawyers understand which asbestos-related companies are responsible in mesothelioma suits.
When a mesothelioma expert analyzes the results from the biopsy and creates a pathology record that includes information about the type mesothelioma. The report may also contain an assessment scale that reveals how far the cancer has spread within the body. The more advanced the stage the more likely it will respond to treatment. A lawyer can explain the implications of this to specific clients.
Treatment
Asbestos fibers are inhaled or consumed and are absorbed in the tissues lining the abdomen and other organs. These fibers can cause irritation to cells and destroy DNA. This can lead to the development of tumors. Typically, peritoneal mesothelioma develops in the lining of the abdomen called the peritoneum. Peritoneal Mesothelioma affects more women than pleural mesothelioma but it is less common.
The symptoms of peritoneal cancer are similar to symptoms of gastrointestinal disorders like irritable bowel disorder and Crohn's disease, making it difficult for doctors to identify the condition. As a result, early symptoms are mistaken for normal ailments and can persist for months or even years before a patient receives the mesothelioma diagnosis.
A physician will also conduct tests on blood and imaging to rule out other diseases or conditions that may cause the same symptoms as mesothelioma. These tests will also aid in determining the best treatment options.
A biopsy is performed by a physician to confirm the diagnosis. This is because peritoneal msothelioma occurs in the abdominal lining. A biopsy is the process of removing small samples of the affected area for examination by pathologists. Biopsies are able to reveal cancerous cells, and can determine the type of Mesothelioma.
After a peritoneal msothelioma is confirmed doctors will discuss treatment options with patients. The goal of the treatment plan is to minimize the size and 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 the chest-based treatment for pleural Mesothelioma which is administered via the lungs, peritoneal Mesothelioma treatment is injected either intravenously or orally. Chemotherapies that are injected, such as heated intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC), have helped to prolong the life of many patients. HIPEC is a procedure innovated by mesothelioma pioneer Paul Sugarbaker.
Individuals with peritoneal asbestosis could be able to bring a lawsuit against negligent asbestos companies. An experienced mesothelioma lawyer can review a patient's case and recommend legal options. Contact us now to begin. It is free, confidential and there is no obligation. We offer nationwide representation.
Prognosis
Mesothelioma cancer is rare. The doctors have limited experience with it, so many patients are wrongly diagnosed as having other diseases. A mesothelioma expert can help patients identify the cause and ensure they receive appropriate treatment.
Asbestos exposure is the only known cause of peritoneal mesothelioma. Asbestos fibers can cause irritation to the abdominal tissues and cell mutations when inhaled or consumed. This can cause tumors to form mesothelioma in the peritoneum over time.
Exposure to asbestos often is a result of jobs in manufacturing or construction. These industries can use materials that contain asbestos, like insulation and fireproofing. Asbestos is also present in household items such as flooring and roof tiles. Even the smallest amount of asbestos exposure could put someone at risk of developing mesothelioma. Because mesothelioma has a long time to develop patients may be diagnosed with peritoneal mesothelioma years after the initial exposure.
Peritoneal mesothelioma symptoms may resemble those of other conditions and can be mistaken for a hernia digestive issues such as Crohn's disease or colitis, or other forms of abdominal cancer. Many patients do not disclose their asbestos exposure, and do not seek medical attention. If mesothelioma has been identified doctors may recommend a biopsy for a more precise diagnosis. A biopsy involves the removal of only a small amount of affected tissue for testing. This procedure can reveal the stage of mesothelioma as well as if it is epithelioid, biphasic, or sarcomatoid.
If mesothelioma has not spread it is possible to remove the tumors. They can also provide an option for curative treatment. The doctor can also determine if the cancer has been able to spread to the abdomen. They can then prescribe palliative care for the patient. For example paracentesis, which is a procedure to drain fluid from the abdomen.
If mesothelioma progresses the chances of survival are less. wilmington asbestos lawsuit may become resistant to certain treatments and may recur. The doctor may recommend a combination of chemotherapy and surgery. Surgery options include cytoreduction, which is hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemo. This combination is more likely to improve the prognosis of a patient than chemotherapy alone.