Peritoneal Mesothelioma Asbestos Symptoms
Peritoneal mesothelioma asbestos signs typically affect the digestive system. This is due to asbestos fibers being ingested and become embedded in the lining of the stomach known as the peritoneum.
Over time the fibers cause mutations in healthy peritoneal cells. Tumors that are cancerous develop in the peritoneum as a result.
The diagnosis of mesothelioma may be a bit difficult. The early signs can be similar to symptoms of other conditions like hernia, or IBS.
Symptoms
Asbestos fibers may travel through the body after inhalation. From there, they can get trapped in the lining of the abdomen or other organs, causing irritation and inflammation that leads to tumor growth. The process can take years to develop, and most victims do not know that they are exposed to asbestos until it is too late.
Malignant peritoneal mesothelioma is a condition that occurs asbestos fibers are trapped in the tissues that line the abdominal cavity as well as other organs. It is the second most prevalent type of mesothelioma, but it is difficult to diagnose because early symptoms are not specific and similar to those of gastrointestinal diseases. Patients with peritoneal mesothelioma frequently suffer from stomach pain, fatigue, and gastrointestinal problems.
After a physical examination, a review of medical history, and a series of tests in the laboratory, mesothelioma patients are diagnosed with peritoneal cancer. A CT scan or X-ray can aid in identifying lumps or any other signs of illness. In some cases, doctors who treat mesothelioma will also order a biopsied to obtain a more precise diagnosis.
Peritoneal mesothelioma symptoms usually begin in the abdomen and can cause severe abdominal pain and weight loss, bloating, stomach fluid accumulation, nausea, vomiting and other digestive problems. Symptoms may also include chest pain, swelling and fatigue. If symptoms like these occur it is essential to seek medical attention because they may be caused by other conditions.
Despite the difficulty in diagnosing peritoneal msothelioma patients can often receive the right treatment to prolong their lives. In the majority of cases, treatment involves surgery and chemo treatment that is heated.
Contact our mesothelioma lawyers to learn how we can assist you if a family member 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 ensure you get the financial compensation you're entitled to. Fill out our online form to start the process. We can help you get the best outcome possible by working with top mesothelioma attorneys.
Diagnosis
The first step in identifying mesothelioma of the peritoneal region is to collect an accurate medical history. Doctors will ask patients about their exposure to asbestos and when it occurred. A physical examination will be conducted. Blood tests, X-rays and CT scans are often utilized in the initial check-up.
Peritoneal mesothelioma is difficult to identify due to its lengthy period of latency. Patients may experience symptoms such as abdominal discomfort, nausea, and fever that resemble other conditions. These symptoms aren't specific and can confuse doctors. Mesothelioma is a rare type of cancer, and it can take a long time for symptoms to appear after asbestos exposure.
Inhaling or ingestion of asbestos fibers move to the stomach lining, known as the peritoneum. Asbestos fibers that are sharp irritate mesothelium once they reach the peritoneum. This irritation causes scar tissue and inflammation over time. This causes abnormal cell proliferation and tumors.
Researchers are working on methods to detect mesothelioma early. The stage of mesothelioma determines the treatment options.
A mesothelioma specialist can perform a paracentesis or percutaneous needle biopsy to collect mesothelioma tumors to be tested in the lab. These tests can help identify the type of cancer cells (epithelioid or sarcomatoid) within the tumor, and assist doctors to come up with an appropriate treatment plan.
Anchorage asbestos lawyers in mesothelioma also determine the stage of the patient. The stage determines the most effective treatment and helps mesothelioma lawyers know which asbestos-related companies are responsible in mesothelioma lawsuits.
A mesothelioma specialist examines the results of a biopsy, they produce a pathology report that includes details on the type of mesothelioma. The report may also include an assessment scale that reveals how the cancer has spread throughout the body. The higher the stage, the less likely it will respond to treatment. Lawyers can explain the significance of this for the client's case.
Treatment
When inhaled or swallowed, asbestos fibers become embedded in the tissue that lines the abdomen and other organs. These fibers irritate the cells and cause DNA damage. Over time, this leads to the development of tumors in the lining. Typically, peritoneal cancer is found in the lining that covers the abdomen. Peritoneal Mesothelioma is more prevalent in women than pleural Mesothelioma however, it is less prevalent.
The symptoms of peritoneal cancer are similar to those of gastrointestinal conditions like irritable bowel disorder and Crohn's disease. This makes it difficult for doctors to recognize the condition. Initial symptoms may be misinterpreted as other conditions and can last for months or even years before a mesothelioma is diagnosed.
A doctor will also conduct tests of blood and imaging to rule out other conditions or diseases that may cause the same symptoms of mesothelioma. These tests will also help to determine the best treatment options.
A biopsy is performed by a doctor to confirm the diagnosis. This is because peritoneal msothelioma occurs in the abdominal liner. A biopsy involves the removal of small portions of the affected area for examination by pathologists. Biopsies can reveal cancerous cells, and determine the type of Mesothelioma.
After a peritoneal msothelioma is confirmed, doctors will discuss the treatment options with patients. The goal of the treatment plan is to decrease the size and quantity of tumors. Surgery is typically the first line of defense, however, patients should also talk about the possibility of immunotherapy and chemotherapy.
Unlike the chest-based treatments for pleural mesothelioma, which are administered through the lung, the peritoneal mesothelioma treatment are administered intravenously or orally. Injections of chemotherapies, like heated intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) have helped to prolong the life of many patients. HIPEC was invented by mesothelioma expert Paul Sugarbaker.
Patients who have been diagnosed with peritoneal cancer may qualify to file an asbestos lawsuit against negligent companies. A mesothelioma lawyer with experience will evaluate a patient's situation and suggest legal options. Contact us now to get started. It's no cost, it's confidential and there is no obligation. We provide nationwide representation.
Prognosis
Mesothelioma cancer is a rare form of cancer. Doctors aren't familiar dealing with it, which means that many patients are wrongly diagnosed as having other diseases. A mesothelioma expert can help patients identify the cause and ensure they receive proper treatment.
The only known cause of mesothelioma of the peritoneal region is asbestos exposure. Asbestos fibers can cause irritation of abdominal tissues as well as cell mutations when inhaled or consumed. As time passes, this could lead to tumors that form a mesothelioma of the peritoneum.
The exposure to asbestos usually begins with jobs in manufacturing or construction. These industries could use asbestos-containing materials, such as fireproofing and insulation. Asbestos may also be found in household products, such as roofing tiles and flooring. Even the smallest amounts of exposure put a person at risk of developing mesothelioma. Due to the long time of latency, victims may be diagnosed with peritoneal msothelioma several decades after their initial exposure.
Peritoneal mesothelioma symptoms could be similar to those of other conditions and be mistaken for hernias, gastrointestinal issues like Crohn's disease or colitis, or other forms of abdominal cancer. Because of this, many patients do not report their exposure to asbestos and they do not seek medical care. Doctors may suggest a biopsy to confirm the diagnosis of mesothelioma. A biopsy is the process of removing only a small amount of affected tissue to test. This test can determine whether the mesothelioma is epithelioid (epidermoid), the sarcomatoid (sarcomatoid) or biphasic.
If mesothelioma has reached an early stage, doctors can remove all of the tumors and offer an effective treatment. The doctor can also determine if the cancer has been able to spread to the abdomen. They will then recommend palliative treatments for the patient. For example paracentesis to remove the abdomen of fluid.
If mesothelioma progresses the chances of survival are less. This is because the tumors are able to become resistant to certain treatments, and they may recur. The doctor might suggest a combination of surgery and chemotherapy. Surgery options include cytoreduction with hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy. This combination is more likely to improve a patient's prognosis than chemotherapy alone.