Peritoneal Mesothelioma Asbestos Symptoms
Peritoneal mesothelioma asbestos symptoms typically affect the digestive system. This is because asbestos fibers get consumed and are absorbed into the lining of the stomach known as the peritoneum.
Over time the fibers trigger mutations in healthy peritoneal cells. In the end cancerous tumors develop in the peritoneum.
The diagnosis of mesothelioma can be a challenge. The early signs may be confused with other signs like hernias, or irritable Bowel Syndrome.
Signs and symptoms
When asbestos fibers are breathed in, they can be absorbed into the lungs and circulate throughout the body. They can then be stuck in the abdominal lining or other organs, creating irritation and inflammation that leads to tumor growth. This process can take decades to develop, and many victims are unaware that they have asbestos exposure until it is too late.
Asbestos fibers may get caught in the tissue lining the abdominal cavity or other organs, which can cause malignant peritoneal melanoma. It is the second most common mesothelioma. However it is often difficult for doctors to recognize because the early symptoms are not specific. They may also be similar to digestive disorders. Patients with peritoneal mesothelioma frequently experience stomach pain, fatigue and gastrointestinal issues.
After a physical examination, reviewing medical history and a series laboratory tests, mesothelioma patients are diagnosed with peritoneal cancer. A CT scan and X-ray can help doctors detect lumps or any other signs of disease. In some instances, mesothelioma doctors will also order a biopsy to obtain an accurate diagnosis.
Peritoneal Mesothelioma Symptoms usually begin in the abdomen and can cause extreme abdominal discomfort, bloating and weight loss. They may also cause nausea and vomiting as well as other digestive issues. The symptoms can also include chest pain, swelling, and fatigue. If symptoms like these occur, it is important that victims seek medical attention as they could be caused by other illnesses.
Despite the difficulties in diagnosing peritoneal msothelioma patients, they can often receive the right treatment to prolong their lives. In the majority of cases, this requires surgical treatment and heated chemotherapy.
If you or someone you love have been diagnosed with peritoneal mesothelioma, call one of our mesothelioma lawyers today to learn what we can do to help. We can help you find an expert in mesothelioma near you who can help you file a lawsuit against asbestos companies that are responsible for your exposure. We can also help ensure that you receive the financial compensation you are entitled to. Complete our online form to start the process. We can assist you in obtaining the best outcome possible by working with the best mesothelioma lawyers.
Diagnosis
The first step to diagnose peritoneal mesothelioma is to get an complete medical history. Doctors will ask patients about their asbestos exposure and when it happened. They will also conduct a physical exam. X-rays, blood tests and CT scans are commonly used in the initial work-up.
Peritoneal mesothelioma is a difficult cancer to recognize because of its long period of latency. Patients may experience symptoms such as abdominal pain, fever and nausea that may resemble other ailments. These symptoms aren't specific and can confuse doctors. Mesothelioma is a rare type of cancer and it can take a long time before symptoms show up after asbestos exposure.
Asbestos fibers inhaled, or consumed move into the stomach lining known as the peritoneum. Once inside the peritoneum the sharp asbestos fibers can cause irritation to the mesothelium. This irritation can cause scar tissue and inflammation 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 developing ways to identify the disease in its earliest stages. The stage of mesothelioma determines the treatment options.
A mesothelioma doctor can perform a paracentesis procedure or percutaneous needle biopsy to collect a sample of mesothelioma tumours for laboratory testing. These tests can reveal whether the cancer cells are epithelioid (epithelioid), sarcomatoid (sarcomatoid) or biphasic within the tumor. This information helps doctors create an appropriate treatment plan.
Mesothelioma specialists can also assess the mesothelioma stage of a patient. The stage determines the most effective treatments and helps mesothelioma lawyers know which asbestos companies are liable in mesothelioma lawsuits.
A mesothelioma specialist examines the results of a biopsy, they produce an a pathology report which contains details on the type of mesothelioma. The report can also include the staging system which outlines how far the cancer has spread within the body. The more advanced the stage of cancer is, the less likely the patient is to respond to treatment. Lawyers can explain the significance of this for the client's case.
Treatment
Asbestos fibers can be breathed in or ingested and become embedded in the tissue lining the abdomen and other organs. These fibers damage DNA and irritate cells. In time, this can lead to the formation of tumors in the lining. The majority of the time, peritoneal cancer develops in the lining of the abdomen. Peritoneal mesothelioma is less common than pleural mesothelioma and usually affects women more.
The symptoms of peritoneal cancer are similar to those of gastrointestinal diseases like irritable bowel syndrome and Crohn's disease, which makes it difficult for doctors to identify the condition. Because of this, early symptoms are mistaken for normal ailments, and can last for months or years before a patient is given an mesothelioma-related diagnosis.
In addition to a thorough medical history, a doctor will conduct tests for imaging and bloodwork to rule out other diseases and conditions that could trigger the same symptoms as mesothelioma. These tests can also be used to determine the most effective treatment options.
Since peritoneal mesothelioma can develop in the abdominal lining The doctor will conduct a biopsy to confirm a diagnosis. A biopsy involves removing small amounts of the affected area for examination by pathologists. Biopsies may reveal cancerous cells and identify the type of mesothelioma.
When a peritoneal Msothelioma diagnosis is confirmed doctors will discuss treatment options with patients. The goal of the treatment plan is to minimize the size and amount of tumors. Surgery is often the first option, but patients can also consider chemotherapy and immunotherapy.
In contrast to chest-based therapies for pleural mesothelioma which are administered through the lung, peritoneal mesothelioma treatments are administered intravenously or orally. montana asbestos attorney like heated intraperitoneal therapy (HIPEC) has helped prolong the life expectancy of many patients. HIPEC was invented by mesothelioma expert Paul Sugarbaker.
Individuals suffering from peritoneal cancer could be able to bring a lawsuit against negligent asbestos companies. A mesothelioma lawyer with experience will review the case of a patient and recommend legal options. Contact us now to get started. It is free, confidential and there is no obligation. We offer nationwide representation.
Prognosis
Mesothelioma cancer is a rare form of cancer. Doctors have limited experience dealing with it, which means that many patients are misdiagnosed as having other illnesses. A mesothelioma expert can help patients to diagnose the disease and ensure that they receive the right treatment.
Asbestos exposure is the sole known cause of peritoneal mesothelioma. When asbestos fibers are inhaled or ingested, they could cause irritation to abdominal tissues and cause cells to mutate. Over time, this can result in tumors that develop into mesothelioma in the peritoneum.
The exposure to asbestos usually starts with working in manufacturing or construction. These industries may employ materials that contain asbestos, like insulation and fireproofing. Asbestos can also be present in household products like roofing tiles and flooring. Even small amounts of asbestos exposure can put someone at risk of developing mesothelioma. Due to the long latency period of the disease the victims could be diagnosed with peritoneal msothelioma several decades after their first exposure.
Peritoneal Mesothelioma can mimic other conditions. It is often mistaken for hernias, digestive problems like Crohn's or colitis and other forms of abdominal cancers. Many patients do not declare their asbestos exposure and do not seek medical attention. When mesothelioma is detected, the specialists may recommend an examination for a more precise diagnosis. A biopsy is the removal of the smallest piece of tissue to be examined. This procedure will reveal the stage of mesothelioma, and if it is epithelioid, sarcomatoid or biphasic.
If mesothelioma has reached an early stage, doctors can remove all the tumors and provide curative treatment. The specialist can also determine if the cancer has expanded to the abdomen. They can then prescribe palliative treatments for the patient, including paracentesis that drains abdominal fluid.
The prognosis is worsened when a mesothelioma has progressed. The cancers can become resistant to certain treatments and then recur. The doctor might suggest a combination of surgery and chemotherapy. Surgery options include cytoreduction, which is hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemo. This combination is more likely than chemotherapy by itself to improve the prognosis of a patient.