Peritoneal Mesothelioma Asbestos Symptoms
Peritoneal mesothelioma asbestos symptoms typically affect the digestive system. This is due to asbestos fibers being consumed and then absorbed in a lining of the stomach, known as the peritoneum.
Over time these fibers can cause changes in healthy peritoneal cells. In the end cancerous tumors develop in the peritoneum.
Mesothelioma is a challenging condition to recognize. The early signs can resemble symptoms of other conditions, such as hernia or irritable bowel syndrome.
Symptoms
When asbestos fibers are inhaled, they can be absorbed into the lungs and travel throughout the body. From there, they may get stuck in the lining of the abdomen or other organs, creating inflammation and irritation that eventually leads to the growth of tumors. This process can take decades to develop, and a lot of victims do not know that they are exposed to asbestos until it is too late.
Malignant peritoneal melanoma develops when asbestos fibers get trapped in the tissue that lines the abdominal cavity as well as other organs. It is the second-most common mesothelioma type. However it can be difficult for doctors to recognize as early symptoms are nonspecific. It is also possible that they are similar to digestive disorders. Patients suffering from peritoneal cancer typically have stomach pain, fatigue and gastrointestinal issues.
Mesothelioma sufferers are usually diagnosed with peritoneal cancer after conducting a physical examination as well as a medical history check and an array of laboratory tests. An X-ray or CT scan can help doctors find any lumps or signs of illness. In certain instances doctors who treat mesothelioma will also order a biopsied to obtain a more precise diagnosis.
Peritoneal mesothelioma symptoms typically begin in the abdomen and can cause extreme abdominal discomfort as well as weight loss, bloating fluid buildup in the belly, nausea, vomiting and other digestive issues. Other symptoms include fatigue, chest pain and swelling. It is crucial for patients to seek medical advice when they experience these symptoms as they may be caused by something other than mesothelioma.
Despite the difficulty of diagnosing peritoneal mesothelioma, patients are often able to receive the right treatment to prolong their lives. In the majority of cases, this requires surgical treatment and heated chemotherapy.
Contact our mesothelioma lawyers to learn more about how we can help you if you or a family member has been diagnosed with peritoneal msothelioma. We can help you find an expert in mesothelioma near you who can help you file an asbestos lawsuit against the companies that are responsible for your exposure. We can also help you get the financial compensation you deserve. Start the process by filling out our free online form. We work with top mesothelioma lawyers to assist you in obtaining the best possible outcome.
Diagnosis
The first step in identifying mesothelioma peritoneal is to obtain an exact medical history. Doctors will ask about the person's exposure asbestos and when it occurred. They may also conduct a physical exam. Initial examinations typically include blood tests and Xrays, as well as CT scans.
Due to the long latency period, peritoneal mesothelioma can be difficult to diagnose. Patients may experience symptoms like abdominal pain, fever and nausea that may resemble other ailments. These symptoms that are not specific can cause confusion for doctors. Mesothelioma is a rare type of cancer, and it can take years for symptoms to appear after exposure to asbestos.
Inhaling or ingestion of asbestos fibers travel into the stomach lining, called the peritoneum. Asbestos fibers that are sharp irritate mesothelium once they reach the peritoneum. As asbestos mesothelioma cancer , this irritation causes inflammation and scar tissue. In the end, this causes abnormal cell growth and tumors forming.
There are no FDA-approved screening tests for peritoneal mesothelioma but researchers are working on finding ways to detect the disease's early stages. The importance of identifying mesothelioma early is that it determines the treatment options.
A mesothelioma specialist can conduct a paracentesis or percutaneous needle biopsy to collect mesothelioma tumors for lab testing. These tests can reveal whether the cancer cells are epithelioid (epithelioid), sarcomatoid (sarcomatoid) or biphasic within the tumor. This information helps doctors to develop a treatment plan.
Specialists in mesothelioma can also determine the stage of a patient. It determines which treatment options will be most effective and helps mesothelioma lawyers know which asbestos-related companies to sue in mesothelioma lawsuits.
When a mesothelioma doctor analyzes the results of a biopsy they create a pathology report that includes specifics about the kind of mesothelioma. The report may also include an assessment scale that reveals how far the cancer has spread throughout the body. The higher the stage is, the less likely it is that it will respond to treatment. A lawyer can explain the implications of this for the particular case of a client.
Treatment
Inhalation or swallowing asbestos fibers get encased in the tissues that line 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 cancer develops in the lining that surrounds the abdomen. Peritoneal mesothelioma is rarer than pleural mesothelioma, and typically affects women more.
The symptoms of peritoneal mesothelioma are similar to symptoms of gastrointestinal diseases such as irritable bowel syndrome and Crohn's disease, making it difficult for doctors to recognize the condition. In the beginning, symptoms can be mistaken as normal ailments, and can last for months or years before a patient receives a mesothelioma diagnosis.
A doctor will also conduct tests of blood and imaging to rule out any other conditions or diseases that could cause the same symptoms as mesothelioma. These tests can help to determine the best 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 samples from the affected area to be examined by pathologists. Biopsies can reveal cancerous cells, and identify the type of Mesothelioma.
Once a peritoneal mesothelioma diagnosis has been established doctors will discuss the options for treatment with the patient. The aim of any treatment plan is generally 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 immunotherapy and chemotherapy.
Contrary to chest-based treatments for pleural mesothelioma that are administered via the lungs, peritoneal mesothelioma treatments are administered either intravenously or orally. Injections of chemotherapies, like heated intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC), have helped to prolong the life of many patients. HIPEC was developed by mesothelioma expert Paul Sugarbaker.
Individuals suffering from peritoneal cancer could be able to bring a lawsuit against negligent asbestos companies. A mesothelioma lawyer can evaluate the case of a patient and recommend legal options. Contact us today to begin. Contact us now. It's completely free, confidential, and there's no obligation. We provide nationwide representation.
Prognosis
Mesothelioma cancer is rare. Doctors have limited experience dealing with it, which means that many patients are mistakenly diagnosed with other illnesses. A mesothelioma expert can assist patients identify the cause and ensure that they receive the right treatment.
Asbestos exposure is only the one known cause of peritoneal mesthelioma. When asbestos fibers are inhaled or ingested, they can cause irritation to the tissues of the abdomen and cause cells to alter. This can lead to tumors that develop mesothelioma within the peritoneum over time.
Manufacturing or construction work is often the first location where asbestos exposure can begin. These industries can employ products that contain asbestos, like insulation and fireproofing. Asbestos is also present in household products, such as flooring and roofing tiles. Even the smallest amount of asbestos exposure can put a person in danger of developing mesothelioma. Because mesothelioma has a long latency period, victims can sometimes be diagnosed with peritoneal mesothelioma decades after their initial exposure.
Peritoneal mesothelioma symptoms could appear similar to other diseases and could be mistaken for a hernia, gastrointestinal issues like colitis or Crohn's disease or other types of abdominal cancer. Many patients don't disclose their asbestos exposure, and do not seek medical care. If mesothelioma is found doctors may recommend a biopsy for a more precise diagnosis. A biopsy is the process of removing only a small amount of affected tissue to test. This test will reveal if the mesothelioma is epithelioid (epidermoid), the sarcomatoid (sarcomatoid) or biphasic.
If mesothelioma has not spread and the doctors are able to remove the tumors. They will also provide a curative treatment. The doctor can also determine if the cancer has spread within the abdomen. They may then recommend palliative care for the patient. For instance paracentesis, which is a procedure to drain fluid from the abdomen.
If a mesothelioma has advanced, the prognosis becomes poorer. This is because the cancer are able to become resistant to certain treatments and can develop a recurrence. The doctor may recommend a combination of surgery and chemotherapy. Options for surgery include cytoreduction and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemo. This combination is more likely than chemotherapy by itself to improve the prognosis of the patient.