Peritoneal Mesothelioma Asbestos Symptoms
Peritoneal mesothelioma asbestos signs typically affect the digestive system. This is because asbestos fibers are ingested, and become embedded in a lining of the stomach known as the peritoneum.
In time, these fibers result in mutations to the healthy peritoneal cell. As a result cancerous tumors develop in the peritoneum.
Mesothelioma is a difficult condition to identify. billings asbestos lawyer may resemble symptoms of other conditions such as hernia or irritable bowel syndrome.
Symptoms
When asbestos fibers are inhaled they can enter the lungs and travel throughout the body. From there, they can be stuck in the abdominal lining or other organs, causing irritation and inflammation that leads to tumor growth. This process can take a long time to develop, and a lot of victims do not know that they have asbestos exposure until it is too late.
Malignant peritoneal melanoma develops when asbestos fibers become trapped in the tissue that lines the abdominal cavity and other organs. It is the second most common mesothelioma. However it can be difficult for doctors to identify as early symptoms are nonspecific. They can also be similar to digestive disorders. Patients with peritoneal mesothelioma frequently have stomach pain, fatigue, and digestive issues.
Mesothelioma victims are typically diagnosed with peritoneal mesothelioma after undergoing a physical examination and a medical history review and an array of laboratory tests. A CT scan or X-ray can aid in identifying lumps, or other indications of disease. In some instances mesothelioma specialists may also request a biopsy for an accurate diagnosis.
Peritoneal mesothelioma symptoms generally start in the abdominal region and can result in extreme abdominal pain and weight loss, bloating, fluid buildup in the belly nausea, vomiting, and other digestive problems. Symptoms may also include chest pain, swelling and fatigue. It is crucial for patients to seek medical advice when they have these symptoms because they could be caused by something other than mesothelioma.
Despite the difficulties in diagnosing peritoneal msothelioma patients, they can often be treated to prolong their lives. In most cases, this is done through the use of surgery and chemotherapy that is heated.
If you or someone you love have been diagnosed with peritoneal mesothelioma, call one of our mesothelioma lawyers today to learn how we can assist. We can help you connect with mesothelioma specialists near you who can assist you in bringing a suit against the asbestos-related companies responsible for your exposure. We can also help you receive the financial compensation you are entitled to. Complete our online form to start the process. We can help you get the best possible outcome working with top mesothelioma attorneys.
Diagnosis
The first step to diagnose mesothelioma of the peritoneal region is to collect an complete medical history. Doctors will inquire about the patient's exposure to asbestos and when it happened. A physical exam will be conducted. Blood tests, X-rays and CT scans are often utilized in the initial check-up.
Peritoneal mesothelioma is a difficult cancer to diagnose due to its long period of latency. Patients may experience symptoms such as abdominal pain, fever and nausea that resemble other conditions. These nonspecific symptoms can confuse doctors. Mesothelioma is a rare cancer, and it can take a long time before symptoms show up after asbestos exposure.
Inhaling or ingestion of asbestos fibers travel to the stomach lining called the peritoneum. Asbestos fibers are sharp and irritate mesothelium after they reach the peritoneum. This irritation causes scar tissue and inflammation over time. Eventually, this leads to abnormal cell growth and tumors develop.
There are no FDA-approved screening tests for peritoneal mesothelioma but researchers are working on developing methods to detect 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 collect a sample for laboratory testing. These tests can help identify the type of cancer cells (epithelioid, sarcomatoid or biphasic) within the tumor and aid doctors determine a treatment plan.
Mesothelioma specialists also evaluate the stage of mesothelioma a patient is. The stage determines the most effective treatment and helps mesothelioma lawyers know which asbestos companies are liable in mesothelioma suits.
When a mesothelioma expert reviews the results from the biopsy the doctor creates a pathology document that contains information on the mesothelioma type. The report could also include an assessment scale that reveals how the cancer has spread across the body. The more advanced the stage of cancer the less likely a patient will be able to respond to treatment. Lawyers can explain what this means for the client's case.
Treatment
When inhaled or swallowed asbestos fibers are embedded in the tissue that lines the abdomen and other organs. These fibers irritate the cells and cause DNA damage. This causes the formation of tumors. The majority of the time, peritoneal mesothelioma is found in the abdomen's lining known as the peritoneum. Peritoneal Mesothelioma has a greater impact on women than pleural Mesothelioma, however, it is less prevalent.
The symptoms of peritoneal cancer are similar to those of gastrointestinal disorders like irritable bowel disorder and Crohn's disease. This makes it difficult for doctors to identify the condition. As a result, early symptoms are mistaken for normal ailments, and can last for months or even years before a patient is diagnosed with a mesothelioma diagnosis.
A doctor may also perform tests of blood and imaging to rule out other conditions or diseases that could trigger the same symptoms of mesothelioma. These tests can aid in determining the most effective 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 is the process of removing small amounts of the affected area for examination by pathologists. Biopsies may reveal cancerous cells as well as identify the mesothelioma type.
If a peritoneal msothelioma has been confirmed doctors will discuss treatment options with patients. Generally speaking, the aim of the treatment plan is to minimize the size and amount of tumors. Surgery is often the first option, however patients may also consider chemotherapy and immunotherapy.
In contrast to chest-based therapies for pleural mesothelioma which are administered through the lung, the peritoneal mesothelioma treatment are administered either intravenously or orally. Injections of chemotherapies, like heated intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC), have helped to prolong the lives of many patients. HIPEC was invented by mesothelioma expert Paul Sugarbaker.
Individuals with peritoneal asbestosis may be eligible to sue negligent asbestos companies. An experienced mesothelioma lawyer will review the case of a patient and recommend legal options. Contact us today to get started. It's absolutely free, and confidential, and there is no obligation. We provide nationwide representation.
Prognosis
Mesothelioma cancer is a rare form of cancer. The doctors have limited experience with it, so many patients are mistakenly diagnosed with other illnesses. Fortunately, a mesothelioma specialist can help with the diagnostic process and provide patients with the proper treatment.
The only cause that is known for mesothelioma peritoneal is exposure to asbestos. When asbestos fibers are breathed in or ingested, they could cause irritation to the tissues of the abdomen and cause cells to alter. This can lead to tumors that develop into mesothelioma in the peritoneum in time.
Exposure to asbestos often starts with working in manufacturing or construction. These industries may employ asbestos-containing products like fireproofing and insulation. Asbestos is also found in household items, such as flooring and roof tiles. Even small amounts of asbestos exposure could put someone at risk of developing mesothelioma. Due to the long latency period of the disease, victims may be diagnosed with peritoneal msothelioma several decades after their initial exposure.
Peritoneal Mesothelioma may mimic other conditions. It is often mistaken for hernias or gastrointestinal issues like colitis or Crohn's and other types of abdominal cancers. This is why many patients do not report their exposure to asbestos and they do not seek medical attention. Specialists may recommend a biopsy to confirm a diagnosis of mesothelioma. A biopsy is the process of removing only a small amount of affected tissue to test. This procedure can reveal if the mesothelioma is epithelioid (epidermoid), the sarcomatoid (sarcomatoid) or biphasic.
If mesothelioma does not have spread and the doctors are able to remove the tumors. They can also provide an effective treatment. The doctor can also determine if the cancer has spread to the abdomen. They may then recommend palliative care for the patient, such as paracentesis that drains fluid from the abdomen.
When a mesothelioma is advanced and the prognosis is less favorable, it becomes more difficult to treat. The reason for this is that the tumors may become resistant to certain treatments and may recur. The doctor may suggest the combination of chemotherapy and surgery. Surgery options include cytoreduction with hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemo. This combination is more likely to improve the prognosis of a patient than chemotherapy on its own.