Peritoneal Mesothelioma Asbestos Symptoms
The digestive system is frequently affected by the symptoms of mesothelioma of the peritoneal region. This is because asbestos fibers get ingested and become embedded in the lining of the stomach, called the peritoneum.
In time, these fibers cause mutations to healthy peritoneal cells. As a result tumors that are cancerous develop in the peritoneum.
The diagnosis of mesothelioma may be difficult. The early signs can be similar to symptoms of other conditions, like hernia or irritable bowel syndrome.
Signs and symptoms
When asbestos fibers are inhaled they can enter the lungs and travel throughout the body. The fibers may then become trapped in the linings the abdomen and other organs. This causes irritation and inflammation, which results in the development of tumors. The process can take years to develop and many victims are unaware of their asbestos exposure until it is too late.
Malignant peritoneal mesothelioma is a condition that occurs asbestos fibers get trapped in the tissue that lines the abdominal cavity and other organs. It is the second most common mesothelioma. However, it is difficult to recognize because the early symptoms are nonspecific and similar to those of digestive diseases. Patients with peritoneal cancer frequently have stomach pain, fatigue and gastrointestinal problems.
After a physical exam, an examination of medical history and a series of laboratory tests, mesothelioma sufferers are diagnosed with peritoneal cancer. A CT scan and X-ray can aid in identifying lumps or other signs of illness. In certain instances, doctors who treat mesothelioma will also order a biopsied to make a more precise diagnosis.
Peritoneal mesothelioma symptoms typically start in the abdominal region and can result in extreme abdominal discomfort as well as weight loss, bloating, stomach fluid accumulation, nausea, vomiting and other digestive problems. Other symptoms include fatigue, chest pain and swelling. everett asbestos attorneys is important for victims to seek a medical diagnosis in the event of these symptoms because they could be caused by something other than mesothelioma.
Despite the difficulties of diagnosing peritoneal cancer, patients are often able to receive the right treatment to prolong their lives. In most cases, the treatment involves surgery and chemo treatment that is heated.
If you or a loved one have been diagnosed with peritoneal mesothelioma, contact our mesothelioma lawyers to find out how we can help. We can connect you to mesothelioma specialists near you, who can assist you in bringing a suit against the asbestos companies responsible for your exposure. We can also help ensure that you receive the financial settlement you deserve. Fill out our online form to start the process. We can assist you in obtaining the best possible outcome by working with top mesothelioma attorneys.
Diagnosis
To diagnose peritoneal msothelioma, it is crucial to have a an extensive medical history. Doctors will ask the patient about their asbestos exposure and when it occurred. A physical examination will be conducted. Initial tests typically include blood tests and X-rays, as well as CT scans.
Peritoneal mesothelioma is difficult to recognize due to its lengthy time of latency. Patients may be afflicted by symptoms like abdominal pain, nausea and fever that are similar to other illnesses. These symptoms that are not specific can confuse doctors. Mesothelioma is a rare cancer that can take years to show symptoms following exposure to asbestos, is a rare condition.
Asbestos fibers inhaled or consumed travel to the stomach lining called the peritoneum. Once inside the peritoneum the asbestos fibers' sharp edges can cause irritation to the mesothelium. This irritation causes inflammation and scar tissue over time. Then, it leads to abnormal cell growth and tumors develop.
There are no FDA-approved screenings for peritoneal mesothelioma, but researchers are working on finding ways to detect the disease's early stages. The stage of mesothelioma will determine the treatment options.
A mesothelioma specialist can conduct a paracentesis or percutaneous needle biopsy to collect a sample of mesothelioma tumors to be tested in the lab. These tests can reveal the kind of cancer cells (epithelioid biphasic, sarcomatoid, or epithelioid) within the tumor, and assist doctors to come up with the best treatment strategy.
Mesothelioma specialists can also determine the stage of mesothelioma a patient is. It determines which treatment options will be most effective and also helps mesothelioma lawyers know which asbestos companies to pursue in mesothelioma lawsuits.
When a mesothelioma doctor analyzes the results of a biopsy they prepare an a pathology report which contains details about the type of mesothelioma. The report could also include a staging scale that indicates how the cancer has spread throughout the body. The higher the stage, the less likely it will respond to treatment. A lawyer can explain the significance of this in a client's situation.
Treatment
Asbestos fibers can be inhaled or eaten and then absorbed in the tissue that lines the abdomen and other organs. The fibers harm DNA and can cause irritation to cells. This leads to the development of tumors. The majority of the time, peritoneal mesothelioma is found in the lining of the abdomen called 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 associated with gastrointestinal disorders such as Crohn's and irritable bowel disease, making it hard for doctors to recognize. Early symptoms can be mistaken for other ailments, and may persist for months or even years before a mesothelioma diagnosis is made.
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 will aid in determining 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 removal of small portions of the affected area to be examined by pathologists. Biopsies can reveal cancerous cells, and identify the type of Mesothelioma.
After a peritoneal msothelioma is confirmed, doctors will discuss the treatment options with patients. The purpose of any treatment plan is usually to reduce the size and quantity of tumors. Surgery is often the first option, however patients can also consider chemotherapy and immunotherapy.
Contrary to chest-based treatment for pleural Mesothelioma which is administered via the lungs, peritoneal Mesothelioma treatment is administered via intravenously or orally. Injections of chemotherapy such as heated intraperitoneal therapy (HIPEC) have helped prolong the life expectancy of many patients. HIPEC was invented by mesothelioma expert Paul Sugarbaker.
Patients diagnosed with peritoneal mesothelioma could be able to bring an asbestos lawsuit against negligent companies. An experienced mesothelioma lawyer will review the case of a patient and suggest legal options. Contact us today to get started. It's absolutely free, and confidential, and there is no commitment. We offer nationwide representation.
Prognosis
Mesothelioma cancer is rare. Doctors aren't familiar dealing with it, which means that many patients are wrongly diagnosed as having other diseases. A mesothelioma expert can assist patients identify the cause and ensure they receive appropriate treatment.
The sole known cause of peritoneal mesothelioma is asbestos exposure. Asbestos fibers can cause irritation of the abdominal tissues and cell changes when inhaled or consumed. As time passes, this could cause tumors to form a mesothelioma of the peritoneum.
The exposure to asbestos typically begins with jobs in manufacturing or construction. These industries can employ asbestos-containing products including fireproofing, insulation. Asbestos is also present in household products, such as roof tiles and flooring. Even small amounts of asbestos exposure can put a person in danger of mesothelioma. Because mesothelioma has an extended latency period patients may be diagnosed with peritoneal mesothelioma years after the initial exposure.
Peritoneal Mesothelioma can mimic other diseases. It is often mistaken for hernias or gastrointestinal problems like Crohn's or colitis and other forms of abdominal cancer. A lot of patients do not disclose their asbestos exposure, and don't seek medical care. If mesothelioma has been identified, the specialists may recommend a biopsy for a more precise diagnosis. A biopsy is the removal of a small piece of tissue to be examined. This test will reveal whether the mesothelioma is epithelioid (epidermoid), sarcomatoid (sarcomatoid) or biphasic.
If mesothelioma isn't spreading and the doctors are able to remove the tumors. They can also provide an option for curative treatment. The doctor can also determine if the cancer has spread to the abdomen. They can then prescribe palliative care for the patient, such as paracentesis to drain the 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 may be recurred. The doctor might suggest a combination of chemotherapy and surgery. Surgery options include cytoreduction combined with hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy. This combination is more likely to improve a patient's prognosis than chemotherapy on its own.