Peritoneal Mesothelioma Asbestos Symptoms
Peritoneal mesothelioma asbestos signs typically affect the digestive system. This is due to asbestos fibers being taken in and are then embedded in the lining of the stomach known as the peritoneum.
Over time, these fibres cause mutations to healthy peritoneal cells. Tumors that are cancerous develop in the peritoneum as a result.
The diagnosis of mesothelioma can be a challenge. Early signs may be confused with other symptoms like hernias, or irritable Bowel Syndrome.
Signs and symptoms
Asbestos fibers can move through the body after inhalation. From there, they may be trapped in the abdominal lining or other organs, causing irritation and inflammation that leads to tumor growth. The process can take years to develop and many victims are unaware of their asbestos exposure until it's too late.
Asbestos fibers can become trapped in the tissue that lines the abdominal cavity, or other organs, which can cause malignant peritoneal melanoma. It is the second-most common form of mesothelioma. However it can be difficult for doctors to identify as early symptoms are nonspecific. They can also be similar to gastrointestinal disorders. Patients with peritoneal cancer frequently experience fatigue, stomach pain and gastrointestinal issues.
After a physical exam and reviewing medical history and a series laboratory tests, mesothelioma sufferers are diagnosed with peritoneal cancer. A CT scan and an X-ray can aid in identifying lumps or any other signs of disease. In certain cases
mesothelioma lawsuit specialists may also order a biopsy to obtain an accurate diagnosis.
Peritoneal mesothelioma symptoms typically begin in the abdomen and can result in extreme abdominal discomfort as well as weight loss, bloating stomach fluid accumulation, nausea, vomiting and other digestive issues. Symptoms may also include chest pain, swelling, and fatigue. When these symptoms occur, it is important to seek medical attention as they may be caused by other ailments.
Despite the difficulty in diagnosing patients with peritoneal msothelioma, they can typically receive the appropriate treatment to prolong their lives. In most cases, this requires surgery and heated chemotherapy.
If you or someone you love have been diagnosed with peritoneal mesothelioma, call our mesothelioma lawyers to find out what we can do to help. We can help you locate an expert in
mesothelioma attorneys near you who can assist you in filing a lawsuit against asbestos companies that are responsible for your exposure. We can also assist you to get the financial compensation you deserve. You can start this process by filling out our free online form. We can help you get the best outcome possible by working with the best
mesothelioma lawyers.
Diagnosis
The first step in diagnosing peritoneal mesothelioma is to get an complete medical history. Doctors will inquire with the patient about their exposure to asbestos and when it happened. They will also conduct a physical exam. Initial tests typically include blood tests and Xrays and CT scans.
Due to the long time of latency, peritoneal cancer is often difficult to identify. Patients might experience symptoms such as abdominal pain, nausea and fever that are similar to those of other conditions. These non-specific symptoms can confuse doctors. Mesothelioma is a rare form of cancer that can take years to manifest symptoms following exposure to asbestos is a rare condition.
Asbestos fibers that are inhaled or consumed move into the stomach lining known as the peritoneum. Once inside the peritoneum the asbestos fibers' sharp edges irritate the mesothelium. This irritation can cause inflammation and scar tissue over time. This causes abnormal cell proliferation and tumors.
There are no FDA-approved screening tests for peritoneal mesothelioma however, researchers are developing ways to identify the disease in its early stages. Staging mesothelioma is important as it determines treatment options.
A mesothelioma specialist may perform paracentesis (percutaneous needle biopsy) to collect a sample for laboratory testing. These tests can reveal whether the cancer cells are epithelioid (epithelioid) or Sarcomatoid (sarcomatoid) or biphasic within the tumor. This information helps doctors create the treatment plan.
Specialists in mesothelioma also determine the stage of a patient. The stage determines the most effective treatment and helps mesothelioma lawyers know which asbestos companies are accountable in mesothelioma lawsuits.
If a mesothelioma specialist analyzes the results from an examination, he or she creates a pathology record that includes information about the mesothelioma type. The report may also include the staging system which outlines how far the cancer has spread throughout the body. The more advanced the stage the more likely it will respond to treatment. Lawyers can explain the implications of this to the particular case of a client.
Treatment
Asbestos fibers can be inhaled or consumed and are absorbed in the tissues lining the abdomen and other organs. The fibers cause irritation to cells and cause DNA damage. This can lead to the development of tumors. Typically, peritoneal cancer develops in the lining of the abdomen. Peritoneal Mesothelioma is more prevalent in women than pleural mesothelioma but it is less common.
The symptoms of peritoneal cancer are similar to those associated with gastrointestinal disorders, such as Crohn's and irritable bowel disease which makes it difficult for doctors to recognize. As a result, early symptoms can be mistaken as normal ailments and may last for months or years before a patient is given a mesothelioma diagnosis.
A doctor may also perform tests of blood and imaging to rule out any other conditions or diseases that may cause the same symptoms as mesothelioma. These tests can also be used to determine the best treatment options.
A biopsy is conducted by a physician to confirm the diagnosis. This is due to the fact that peritoneal msothelioma can in the abdominal lining. A biopsy involves the removal of small amounts of tissue from the affected area to be examined by pathologists. Biopsies can reveal cancerous cells and determine the type of mesothelioma.
Once a peritoneal mesothelioma diagnosis is confirmed doctors will discuss options for treatment with the patient. Generally, the goal of the treatment plan is to reduce the size and quantity of tumors. Surgery is often the first option, however patients can also look into chemotherapy and immunotherapy.
Unlike the chest-based treatments for pleural mesothelioma which are administered through the lungs, peritoneal mesothelioma treatments are administered intravenously or orally. Injections of chemotherapies, like heated intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) have helped to extend survival for many patients. HIPEC was developed by mesothelioma expert Paul Sugarbaker.
Patients suffering from peritoneal asbestosis may be able to sue negligent asbestos companies. An experienced
mesothelioma lawyer (
other) can review a patient's case and recommend legal options. Contact us today to begin. It's free, confidential and there is no commitment. We provide nationwide representation.
Prognosis
Mesothelioma cancer is extremely rare. Because doctors lack experience with the disease, many patients are misdiagnosed with other illnesses. A mesothelioma expert can help patients to diagnose the disease and ensure they receive the appropriate treatment.
The only known cause of peritoneal mesothelioma is asbestos exposure. When asbestos fibers are inhaled or consumed, they may irritate abdominal tissues and cause cells to mutate. This may cause tumors to develop into mesothelioma in the peritoneum over time.
The exposure to asbestos typically starts with working in manufacturing or construction. These industries may use products that contain asbestos, such as insulation and fireproofing. Asbestos is also found in household products, such as flooring and roofing tiles. Even the smallest amounts of exposure put a person at risk of developing mesothelioma. Because of the long time of latency patients may be diagnosed with peritoneal msothelioma for a long time after their first exposure.
Peritoneal mesothelioma symptoms can appear similar to other conditions and be mistaken for a hernia, digestive problems such as colitis or Crohn's disease, or other types of abdominal cancer. Because of this, many patients do not disclose their exposure to asbestos and they don't seek medical attention. A biopsy may be recommended by a specialist to confirm the diagnosis of mesothelioma. A biopsy is the removal a small piece of tissue to be examined. This procedure will reveal the stage of mesothelioma, and whether it is epithelioid sarcomatoid or biphasic.
If mesothelioma has not spread, doctors can remove the tumors. They will also provide a curative treatment. The doctor will also be able to determine if the cancer has spread within the abdomen. They can then prescribe palliative care for the patient, for example paracentesis that drains abdominal fluid.
The outlook for patients is worse when a
mesothelioma attorney has advanced. This is because the tumors can become resistant to certain treatments and can develop a recurrence. The specialist may recommend a combination of chemotherapy and surgery. Options for surgery include cytoreduction and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemo. This combination is more likely to improve a patient's outlook than chemotherapy alone.