Peritoneal Mesothelioma Asbestos Symptoms
Peritoneal mesothelioma asbestos signs typically affect the digestive system. This is because asbestos fibers are inhaled and then become a part of the stomach’s lining and peritoneum.
As time passes these fibers can cause mutations in healthy peritoneal cells. In the end, cancerous tumors form in the peritoneum.
Mesothelioma is a difficult condition to recognize. Early signs may be confused with other symptoms like hernias, or irritable Bowel syndrome.
Symptoms
Asbestos fibers can travel through the body after inhalation. From there, they can be stuck in the lining of the abdomen or other organs, creating inflammation and irritation that eventually leads to tumor growth. The process can take years to develop and many victims are unaware of their asbestos exposure until it is too late.
Asbestos fibers may get caught in the tissues that line the abdominal cavity, or other organs, leading to malignant peritoneal melanoma. It is the second most prevalent mesothelioma. However, it can be difficult to identify because the initial symptoms are nonspecific and similar to symptoms of gastrointestinal diseases. Patients with peritoneal cancer often have stomach pain, fatigue and gastrointestinal issues.
After a physical exam, a review of medical history, and a series of laboratory tests, mesothelioma sufferers are diagnosed with peritoneal cancer. A CT scan and X-ray may help doctors identify lumps or other signs of illness. In some cases, mesothelioma doctors will also require a biopsy to get an accurate diagnosis.
Peritoneal mesothelioma symptoms generally start in the abdominal region and can lead to severe abdominal pain and weight loss, bloating, stomach fluid accumulation, nausea, vomiting and other digestive issues. Other symptoms include fatigue, chest pain and swelling. When these symptoms occur it is essential to seek medical attention because they may be caused by other ailments.
Despite the difficulties in diagnosing patients with peritoneal msothelioma, they can often be treated to prolong their lives. In the majority of cases, treatment is surgery and chemo that is heated.
If you or someone you love have been diagnosed with peritoneal cancer, contact our mesothelioma lawyers to find out what we can do to help. We can connect you with mesothelioma attorney specialists in your area and assist you in bringing a suit against the asbestos-related companies responsible for your exposure. We can also help ensure that you receive the financial compensation you are entitled to. Start the process by filling out our free online form. We can assist you to get the best possible outcome by working with the best mesothelioma lawyers.
Diagnosis
The first step in identifying mesothelioma peritoneal is to obtain an exact medical history. Doctors will ask the patient about their asbestos exposure and the date it happened. They will also conduct a physical exam. Initial examinations typically include blood tests and X-rays and CT scans.
Because of the long latency period, peritoneal mesothelioma can be difficult to diagnose. Patients may be afflicted by symptoms like abdominal pain, nausea and fever that are similar to those of other conditions. These symptoms that are not specific can cause confusion for doctors. Mesothelioma is a rare type of cancer that can take years for symptoms to appear after exposure to asbestos.
Asbestos fibers inhaled, or consumed move into the stomach lining known as the peritoneum. Asbestos fibers are sharp and irritate mesothelium when 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 mesothelioma of the peritoneum, but researchers are working on developing methods to detect the disease in its early stages. The stage of mesothelioma is the basis for the treatment options.
A mesothelioma expert can perform paracentesis (percutaneous needle biopsy) to collect samples for tests in the laboratory. These tests can determine if the cancer cells are epithelioid (epithelioid), sarcomatoid (sarcomatoid) or biphasic within the tumor. This information helps doctors to develop an appropriate treatment plan.
Mesothelioma specialists can also assess a patient’s stage of mesothelioma. The stage determines the most effective treatments and helps mesothelioma lawyers know which asbestos-related companies are responsible in mesothelioma cases.
When a mesothelioma doctor analyzes the results of a biopsy they produce a pathology report that includes details about the type of mesothelioma. The report may also contain an assessment scale that reveals how the cancer has spread within the body. The higher the stage, the less likely it is to respond to treatment. A lawyer can explain what this means for a client’s case.
Treatment
Inhalation or swallowing, asbestos fibers become embedded in the tissues that line the abdomen and other organs. These fibers irritate the cells and cause DNA damage. As time passes, this leads to the development of tumors in the lining. The majority of the time, peritoneal mesothelioma is found in the abdomen’s lining called the peritoneum. Peritoneal mesothelioma is less common than pleural mesothelioma and usually affects women more.
The symptoms of peritoneal cancer are similar to symptoms of gastrointestinal diseases like irritable bowel syndrome and Crohn’s disease, making it difficult for doctors to recognize the condition. As a result, early symptoms are mistaken for normal ailments and can persist for months or even years before a patient is given a mesothelioma diagnosis.
A physician will also conduct imaging and blood tests to rule out any other diseases or conditions that could cause the same symptoms as mesothelioma. These tests can also be used to determine the most suitable treatment options.
A biopsy is conducted by a physician to confirm the diagnosis. This is because peritoneal Msothelioma can be found in the abdominal liner. A biopsy involves the removal of small amounts of the affected area for examination by pathologists. Biopsies can reveal cancerous cells, and identify the type of Mesothelioma.
Once a peritoneal mesothelioma diagnosis is confirmed doctors will discuss treatment options with the patient. The aim of any treatment plan is usually to decrease the size and the number of tumors. Surgery is typically the first line of defense, but patients should also discuss the possibility of immunotherapy and chemotherapy.
In contrast to the chest-based treatment for pleural Mesothelioma which is administered via the lungs, peritoneal mesothelioma attorneys treatment is administered intravenously or orally. Injections of chemotherapies, like heated intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) have been able to prolong the life of many patients. HIPEC is a procedure innovated by mesothelioma pioneer Paul Sugarbaker.
Patients suffering from peritoneal asbestosis may be able to bring a lawsuit against negligent asbestos companies. An experienced mesothelioma lawyer, check it out, can review a patient’s case and recommend legal options. Contact us now to begin. It is free, confidential and there is no commitment. We offer nationwide representation.
Prognosis
Mesothelioma cancer is a rare form of cancer. Because doctors have limited experience, many patients are misdiagnosed with other diseases. A mesothelioma attorney expert can assist patients identify the cause and ensure they receive right treatment.
The only known cause of mesothelioma peritoneal is exposure to asbestos. When asbestos fibers are breathed in or ingested, they can cause irritation to the tissues of the abdomen and cause cells to mutate. This can lead to tumors that develop into mesothelioma in the peritoneum in time.
Manufacturing or construction is usually the first area where asbestos exposure begins. These industries can utilize products that contain asbestos, such as insulation and fireproofing. Asbestos may also be found in household products like flooring and roof tiles. Even small amounts of asbestos exposure can put a person in danger of mesothelioma. Because of the lengthy time of latency patients may be diagnosed with peritoneal msothelioma several decades after their first 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 cancers. Because of this, many patients do not disclose their exposure to asbestos and they do not seek medical treatment. A biopsy may be recommended by a specialist to confirm the diagnosis of mesothelioma. A biopsy involves removing a small portion of the affected tissue to test. This procedure can reveal if the mesothelioma is epithelioid (epidermoid), sarcomatoid (sarcomatoid) or biphasic.
If mesothelioma has reached an early stage doctors can remove all the tumors and offer an effective treatment. The doctor will also be able to determine whether the cancer has expanded to the abdomen. They may then recommend palliative care for the patient, including paracentesis, which drains the fluid from the abdomen.
If mesothelioma progresses the chances of survival are less. This is because the tumors can become resistant to certain treatments and may develop a recurrence. The doctor may recommend a combination of chemotherapy and surgery. Surgical options include cytoreduction surgery along with hyperthermic intraperitoneal therapy. This combination is more likely than chemotherapy on its own to improve the prognosis of a patient.
