Peritoneal Mesothelioma Asbestos Symptoms
The digestive system is commonly 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 and peritoneum.
In time these fibers can cause mutations in healthy peritoneal cells. In the end tumors that are cancerous develop in the peritoneum.
The diagnosis of mesothelioma may be difficult. The early signs can resemble symptoms of other conditions like hernia or IBS.
Signs and symptoms
When asbestos fibers are inhaled, they can pass into the lungs and circulate throughout the body. The fibers may then become trapped in the linings of the abdomen and other organs. This can cause inflammation and irritation that can lead to the development of tumors. This process can take years to develop and many victims are unaware of their asbestos exposure until it's too late.
Malignant peritoneal melanoma develops when asbestos fibers are trapped in the tissues that line the abdominal cavity and other organs. It is the second most common form of mesothelioma. However it is often difficult for doctors to identify since the first symptoms aren't specific. They can also be similar to digestive disorders. Patients with peritoneal cancer often have stomach pain, fatigue and gastrointestinal problems.
Mesothelioma patients are usually diagnosed with peritoneal mesothelioma following having a physical exam as well as a medical history check and an array of laboratory tests. A CT scan and an X-ray may help doctors identify lumps or other signs of disease. In certain cases, doctors who treat mesothelioma may also request a biopsy to get a more accurate diagnosis.
Peritoneal mesothelioma symptoms usually begin in the abdominal area and can cause severe abdominal discomfort as well as weight loss, bloating, swelling of the belly nausea, vomiting, and other digestive problems. Other symptoms include chest pain, swelling, and fatigue. If symptoms like these occur, it is important that patients seek medical attention since they may be caused by other ailments.
Despite the difficulty in diagnosing peritoneal mesothelioma, patients can often receive the proper treatment to extend their lives. In the majority of cases, treatment is surgery and chemo treatment that is heated.
If you or someone you love have been diagnosed with peritoneal mesothelioma, call one of our mesothelioma lawyers today to find out what we can do to help. We can connect you to mesothelioma specialists near you, who can assist you in bringing a suit against the asbestos companies that are responsible for your exposure. We can also assist you to get the financial compensation you deserve. You can begin this process by filling in our free online form. We have a strong relationship with mesothelioma lawyers to assist you in obtaining the most favorable possible outcome.
Diagnosis
The first step to diagnose peritoneal mesothelioma is to get an complete medical history. Doctors will inquire with the patient about their asbestos exposure and the date it happened. A physical examination will be performed. Initial tests typically include X-rays and blood tests and CT scans.
Due to the lengthy period of latency, peritoneal mesothelioma is often difficult to identify. Patients may experience symptoms such as nausea, abdominal pain and fever that are similar to other illnesses. These symptoms aren't specific and could confuse doctors. Mesothelioma is a rare cancer that can take years to show symptoms after asbestos exposure, is a rare condition.
Asbestos fibers inhaled or consumed travel to the stomach lining called the peritoneum. When they reach the peritoneum, the sharp asbestos fibers irritate the mesothelium. This irritation leads to scar tissue and inflammation over time. This causes abnormal cell growth and tumors.
Researchers are working on ways to detect the disease at its earliest stages. The stage of mesothelioma will determine the treatment options.
A mesothelioma expert can perform paracentesis (percutaneous needle biopsy) to collect the specimen for tests in the laboratory. These tests can identify the type of cancer cells (epithelioid, sarcomatoid or biphasic) within the tumor and help doctors determine the best treatment plan.
Specialists in mesothelioma can also determine the stage of a patient. The stage determines the most effective treatments and also helps mesothelioma lawyers understand which asbestos companies are accountable in mesothelioma cases.
If a mesothelioma specialist analyzes the results of a biopsy the doctor creates a pathology document that contains information on the mesothelioma type. The report may also include a staging system that describes how far the cancer has spread throughout the body. The more advanced the stage of cancer, the less likely the patient is to respond to treatment. Lawyers can explain the implications of this for a particular client's case.
Treatment
Asbestos fibers can be breathed in or eaten and then absorbed in the tissue that lines the abdomen and other organs. The fibers cause irritation to cells and destroy DNA. In time, this can lead to the development of tumors within the lining. Typically, peritoneal mesothelioma forms in the abdomen's lining called the peritoneum. Peritoneal Mesothelioma affects more women than pleural Mesothelioma but is less common.
The symptoms of peritoneal mesothelioma are similar to symptoms of gastrointestinal conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome and Crohn's disease, making it difficult for doctors to diagnose the condition. Because of this, early symptoms can be mistaken as normal ailments and may last for months or years before a patient is diagnosed with the mesothelioma diagnosis.
In addition to an extensive medical history, a doctor will run bloodwork and imaging tests to rule out other diseases and conditions that may cause the same symptoms as mesothelioma. These tests can also be used to determine the most effective treatment options.
A biopsy is conducted by a physician to confirm the diagnosis. This is because peritoneal Msothelioma can be found 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 goal of a treatment plan is to decrease the size and amount of tumors. Surgery is typically the first line of defense however, patients should also talk about the possibility of chemotherapy and immunotherapy.
In contrast to the chest-based treatment for pleural Mesothelioma which is administered through the lungs peritoneal Mesothelioma treatment is administered either intravenously or orally. Chemotherapies that are injected, such as heated intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) have helped to prolong the life of many patients. HIPEC was developed by mesothelioma expert Paul Sugarbaker.
Individuals diagnosed with peritoneal mesothelioma may be eligible to file an asbestos lawsuit against negligent companies. A mesothelioma lawyer can evaluate the case of a patient and suggest legal options. Contact us today to begin. Contact us now. It's free, private and there's absolutely no obligation. We provide nationwide representation.
Prognosis
Mesothelioma is a rare cancer. Because doctors have limited experience with the disease, many patients are misdiagnosed with other diseases. Fortunately, a mesothelioma specialist can aid in the diagnosis process and help patients receive the proper treatment.
Asbestos exposure is the only known cause of peritoneal mesothelioma. Asbestos fibers can cause irritation to abdominal tissues as well as cell mutations when inhaled or consumed. This may cause tumors to develop mesothelioma within the peritoneum over time.
Construction or manufacturing work is often the first place where asbestos exposure starts. These industries can utilize asbestos-containing materials including fireproofing, insulation. mcallen asbestos attorney can also be found in household products such as flooring and roofing tiles. Even low levels of exposure to asbestos can cause a person to be at risk of mesothelioma. Because the disease has a long time to develop it is possible for patients to be diagnosed with peritoneal cancer decades after the initial exposure.
Peritoneal mesothelioma symptoms may resemble those of other diseases and could be mistaken for hernias, digestive problems such as colitis or Crohn's disease, or other forms of abdominal cancer. Many patients don't declare their asbestos exposure and don't seek medical care. Doctors may suggest a biopsy to confirm the diagnosis of mesothelioma. A biopsy is the removal of a small piece of tissue to be examined. This test will reveal whether the mesothelioma is epithelioid (epidermoid) or Sarcomatoid (sarcomatoid) or biphasic.
If mesothelioma has not spread, doctors can remove the tumors. They will also provide an effective treatment. The specialist can also determine if the cancer has spread to the abdomen. They can then prescribe palliative care for the patient, including paracentesis to drain the abdominal fluid.
If mesothelioma progresses the chances of survival are less. The cancers can become resistant to certain treatments and may recur. The specialist may recommend an amalgamation of surgery and chemotherapy. The surgical options include cytoreduction surgery along with hyperthermic intraperitoneal therapy. This combination is more likely to improve a patient's outlook than chemotherapy on its own.