Peritoneal Mesothelioma Asbestos Symptoms
Peritoneal mesothelioma asbestos symptoms typically affect the digestive system. This is due to asbestos fibers being ingested, and become embedded within the lining of your stomach called the peritoneum.
In time, these fibers cause mutations to healthy peritoneal cell. In the end, cancerous tumors form in the peritoneum.
Mesothelioma is a difficult condition to recognize. The early signs can be similar to symptoms of other conditions, such as hernia or irritable bowel syndrome.
Signs and symptoms
Asbestos fibers can move through the body after inhalation. From there, they can become trapped in the lining of the abdomen or other organs, creating inflammation and irritation that can lead to tumor growth. The process can take years to develop, and most victims are unaware that they have asbestos exposure until it is too late.
Malignant peritoneal melanoma develops when asbestos fibers become trapped in the tissues that line the abdominal cavity and other organs. It is the second most common mesothelioma type, however it can be difficult to identify because the initial symptoms are not specific and similar to those of gastrointestinal conditions. Patients suffering from peritoneal cancer typically experience fatigue, stomach pain and gastrointestinal issues.
After a physical examination, a review of medical history and a series tests in the laboratory, mesothelioma patients are diagnosed with peritoneal cancer. A CT scan or X-ray may help doctors identify lumps or other signs of disease. In certain instances, doctors who treat mesothelioma will also require a biopsy to obtain a more precise diagnosis.
Peritoneal Mesothelioma Symptoms usually begin in the abdomen and may cause extreme abdominal discomfort, bloating, and weight loss. They may also cause nausea, vomiting, and other digestive issues. Symptoms may also include chest pain, swelling and fatigue. If symptoms like these occur it is crucial that victims seek medical attention since they could be caused by other conditions.
Despite the difficulties of diagnosing peritoneal mesothelioma, patients can often receive the proper treatment to prolong their lives. In most cases, treatment is surgery and chemo 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 assist you in finding an expert in your area who can help you file a lawsuit against asbestos companies that are responsible for your exposure. We can also assist you in ensuring that you get the financial compensation you are entitled to. You can start this process by filling in our free online form. We can assist you to get the best possible outcome working with the best mesothelioma lawyers.
Diagnosis
The first step in diagnosing mesothelioma peritoneal is to obtain an accurate medical history. Doctors will ask patients about their exposure to asbestos and when it happened. They also conduct a physical exam. Blood tests, X-rays, and CT scans are often utilized in the initial check-up.
Peritoneal mesothelioma can be difficult to diagnose due to its long latency period. Patients may experience symptoms such as nausea, abdominal pain and fever that are similar to other conditions. Washington asbestos lawyer aren't specific and can cause confusion for doctors. Mesothelioma is a rare cancer that can take years to manifest symptoms after asbestos exposure, is a rare disease.
Inhaling or ingestion of asbestos fibers travel into the stomach lining, known as the peritoneum. Asbestos fibers are sharp and irritate mesothelium when they reach the peritoneum. In time, this irritation causes inflammation and scar tissue formation. This causes abnormal cell proliferation and tumors.
Researchers are working on methods to detect mesothelioma at its earliest stages. The stage of mesothelioma will determine the treatment options.
A mesothelioma specialist may perform paracentesis (percutaneous needle biopsy) to collect a sample for laboratory testing. These tests can reveal the type of cancer cells (epithelioid biphasic, sarcomatoid, or epithelioid) within the tumor and aid doctors develop a treatment strategy.
Mesothelioma specialists can also assess the stage of mesothelioma a patient is. It determines which treatment options will be the most effective and help mesothelioma attorneys know which asbestos companies to pursue in mesothelioma lawsuits.
When a mesothelioma specialist analyzes the results of a biopsy, they prepare an a pathology report which contains specifics about the kind of mesothelioma. The report may also contain a staging scale that indicates how far the cancer has spread across the body. The higher the stage of cancer, the less likely the patient will respond to treatment. Lawyers can explain the implications of this for a particular client's case.
Treatment
Asbestos fibers are inhaled or consumed and are absorbed in the tissues lining the abdomen and other organs. They damage DNA and can cause irritation to cells. This causes the formation of tumors. Typically, peritoneal mesothelioma develops in the abdomen's lining called the peritoneum. Peritoneal mesothelioma is less common than pleural mesothelioma, and typically affects women more.
Symptoms of peritoneal mesothelioma are similar to those of gastrointestinal disorders like irritable bowel syndrome and Crohn's disease, which makes it difficult for doctors to diagnose the condition. Initial symptoms may be misinterpreted as a sign of other illnesses, and may persist for a long time, or even years before a mesothelioma is identified.
A doctor will also conduct imaging and blood tests to rule out other conditions or diseases that may cause the same symptoms as mesothelioma. These tests can help to determine the best treatment options.
A biopsy is conducted by a physician to confirm the diagnosis. This is because peritoneal msothelioma occurs in the abdominal liner. A biopsy involves the removal of small amounts of tissue from the affected area to be examined by pathologists. Biopsies may reveal cancerous cells as well as 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 usually to decrease the size and number of tumors. Surgery is usually the first option, however patients may also consider chemotherapy and immunotherapy.
Unlike the chest-based treatments for pleural mesothelioma, which are administered via the lung, the peritoneal mesothelioma treatment are administered either intravenously or orally. Chemotherapies like injections, such as heated intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) have helped to extend survival for many patients. HIPEC was invented by mesothelioma expert Paul Sugarbaker.
Individuals suffering from peritoneal cancer may be able to sue negligent asbestos companies. A knowledgeable mesothelioma attorney will review the case of a patient and suggest legal options. Contact us now to get started. It is no cost, it's confidential and there is no obligation. We offer nationwide representation.
Prognosis
Mesothelioma is a rare type of cancer. Doctors have limited experience with it, and many patients are wrongly diagnosed as having other diseases. A mesothelioma expert can assist patients identify the cause and ensure they receive the right treatment.
The only cause that is known for mesothelioma of the peritoneal region is asbestos exposure. Asbestos fibers can cause irritation of abdominal tissues as well as cell changes when inhaled or consumed. Over time, this can cause tumors to form mesothelioma of peritoneum.
Manufacturing or construction work is usually the first area where asbestos exposure can begin. These industries can utilize asbestos-containing materials including fireproofing, insulation. Asbestos is also present in household items such as flooring and roof tiles. Even the smallest amounts of exposure can put a person 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 diseases. It is often mistaken for hernias, gastrointestinal problems like Crohn's or colitis, and other types of abdominal cancers. Many patients do not report their asbestos exposure and do not seek medical care. When mesothelioma is detected, the specialists may recommend the procedure of a biopsy to make an accurate diagnosis. A biopsy involves removing only a small amount of affected tissue to test. This test will reveal whether the mesothelioma is epithelioid (epidermoid) or sarcomatoid (sarcomatoid) or biphasic.
If the mesothelioma is at an early stage doctors can remove all of the tumors and provide curative treatment. The specialist can also determine if the cancer has spread to the abdomen. They can then prescribe palliative treatment for the patient, for example paracentesis to drain the abdominal fluid.
If a mesothelioma has advanced, the prognosis becomes poorer. The tumors may become resistant to certain treatment and then recur. The specialist may suggest a combination of surgery and chemotherapy. Surgical options include cytoreduction surgery with hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy. This combination is more likely than chemotherapy by itself to improve the prognosis for the patient.