Peritoneal Mesothelioma Asbestos Symptoms
The digestive system is frequently affected by the symptoms of peritoneal mesothelioma. This is because asbestos fibers are ingested, and become embedded in the lining of the stomach, known as the peritoneum.
Over time, these fibers cause mutations in healthy peritoneal cells. Cancerous tumors grow in the peritoneum as a result.
The diagnosis of mesothelioma may be a challenge. The early signs may be confused with other symptoms like hernias or irritable Bowel Syndrome.
Symptoms
When asbestos fibers are inhaled they can enter the lungs and then travel throughout the body. The fibers may then become trapped in the linings of the abdomen and other organs. This can cause inflammation and irritation, which leads to tumor development. The process can take years to develop and many patients are unaware of their asbestos exposure until too late.
Malignant peritoneal mesothelioma is a condition that occurs asbestos fibers become trapped in the tissue that lines the abdominal cavity and other organs. It is the second most frequent mesothelioma. However, it can be difficult to recognize because the early symptoms aren't specific and are similar to those of gastrointestinal disorders. Patients with peritoneal cancer frequently experience fatigue, stomach pain and gastrointestinal issues.
Mesothelioma patients are usually diagnosed with peritoneal mesothelioma following conducting a physical examination as well as a medical history check and a series of laboratory tests. A CT scan and X-ray may help doctors identify lumps, or other indications of illness. In certain instances, doctors who treat mesothelioma will also order a biopsied to make a more precise diagnosis.
Peritoneal mesothelioma symptoms usually begin in the abdominal area and can result in severe abdominal pain and weight loss, bloating, swelling of the belly, nausea, vomiting and other digestive issues. Other symptoms include chest pain, swelling, and fatigue. If symptoms like these occur, it is important that patients seek medical attention since they could be caused by other ailments.
Despite the difficulties of diagnosing peritoneal mesothelioma, patients can often receive the proper treatment to prolong their lives. In the majority of cases, treatment involves surgery and chemo treatment that is heated.
Contact our mesothelioma lawyers to learn how we can assist you if you or a loved one has been diagnosed with peritoneal msothelioma. We can help you find a mesothelioma expert near you who can help you file a lawsuit against asbestos companies that are responsible for your exposure. We can also help you get the financial compensation you are entitled to. Start the process by filling out our free online form. We partner with the top mesothelioma lawyers to assist you in obtaining the best possible outcome.
Diagnosis
The first step in identifying mesothelioma peritoneal is to obtain an exact medical history. Doctors will inquire about the person's exposure to asbestos and when it happened. A physical exam will be conducted. Initial tests typically include blood tests and X-rays and CT scans.
Because of the long latency period, peritoneal mesothelioma can be difficult to recognize. Patients might experience symptoms such as nausea, abdominal pain and fever that are similar to other conditions. These nonspecific symptoms may confuse doctors. Mesothelioma is a rare cancer, and it can take decades for symptoms to appear after exposure to asbestos.
Inhaling or eating asbestos fibers travel into the stomach lining, known as the peritoneum. Asbestos fibers that are sharp irritate mesothelium after they reach the peritoneum. tennessee asbestos attorney leads to scar tissue and inflammation over time. This causes abnormal cell growth and tumors.
There are no FDA-approved screening tests for mesothelioma of the peritoneum, however, researchers are finding ways to detect the disease in its early stages. Staging mesothelioma is important as it will determine the treatment options.
A mesothelioma specialist can perform paracentesis (percutaneous needle biopsy) to take samples for laboratory testing. These tests can identify the kind of cancer cells (epithelioid, sarcomatoid or biphasic) within the tumor and aid doctors come up with a treatment strategy.
Mesothelioma specialists can also assess the stage of mesothelioma a patient is. Staging determines which treatments might be most effective and also helps mesothelioma lawyers determine which asbestos companies to hold liable in mesothelioma lawsuits.
When a mesothelioma expert reviews the results of a biopsy, he or she creates a pathology report which contains details about the mesothelioma type. The report may also include an assessment system that outlines how far the cancer has spread within the body. The more advanced the stage, the less likely it will respond to treatment. A lawyer can explain what this means in a client's situation.
Treatment
When inhaled or swallowed asbestos fibers get encased in the tissue that lines the abdomen and other organs. These fibers can cause irritation to cells and destroy DNA. This leads 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 is less common.
The symptoms of peritoneal cancer are similar to those that are associated with gastrointestinal disorders, such as Crohn's and irritable bowel disease, making it hard for doctors to recognize. Early symptoms can be misinterpreted as a sign of other illnesses and can last for a long time, or even years before a mesothelioma is identified.
A physician will also conduct imaging and blood tests to rule out other diseases or conditions that may cause mesothelioma-like symptoms. These tests will also aid in determining the most effective 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 liner. A biopsy is the removal of small portions of the affected area to be examined by pathologists. Biopsies can reveal cancerous cells and determine the type of Mesothelioma.
After a peritoneal msothelioma is confirmed, doctors will discuss the treatment options with patients. The goal of a treatment plan is to reduce the size and number of tumors. Surgery is usually the first option, but patients can also consider chemotherapy and immunotherapy.
In contrast to the chest-based treatment for pleural mesothelioma which is administered via the lungs, the treatment for peritoneal Mesothelioma is injected via intravenously or orally. Injections of chemotherapies, like heated intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) have helped to prolong the lives of many patients. HIPEC was developed by mesothelioma expert Paul Sugarbaker.
Patients diagnosed with peritoneal mesothelioma could be able to file an asbestos lawsuit against negligent companies. A knowledgeable mesothelioma attorney can review a patient's case and suggest legal options. Contact us today to begin. It's free, confidential and there is no commitment. We provide nationwide representation.
Prognosis
Mesothelioma is a rare cancer. Because doctors have limited experience in diagnosing patients, many are mistakenly diagnosed with other illnesses. Fortunately, a mesothelioma specialist can help with the diagnostic process and get patients the right treatment.
The only cause that is known for mesothelioma of the peritoneal region is asbestos exposure. Asbestos fibers can cause irritation to abdominal tissues as well as cell mutations when inhaled or consumed. In time, this may cause tumors to form mesothelioma of peritoneum.
Construction or manufacturing work is usually the first area where asbestos exposure can begin. These industries may utilize asbestos-containing materials, such as fireproofing and insulation. Asbestos can also be found in household items such as roof tiles and flooring. Even the smallest amounts of exposure can put someone at risk for mesothelioma. Because of the lengthy latency period of the disease the victims could be diagnosed with peritoneal msothelioma several decades after their first exposure.
Peritoneal mesothelioma symptoms may appear similar to other conditions and be mistaken for a hernia, gastrointestinal issues like Crohn's disease or colitis, or other types of abdominal cancer. Due to this, a lot of patients do not report their exposure to asbestos, and they do not seek medical treatment. Specialists may recommend a biopsy to confirm a diagnosis of mesothelioma. A biopsy is the removal a small piece of tissue that is examined. This procedure can reveal the stage of mesothelioma as well as whether it is epithelioid biphasic, or sarcomatoid.
If the mesothelioma is at an early stage doctors can remove all the tumors and provide an effective treatment. The doctor will also be able to determine whether the cancer has spread to the abdomen. They will then recommend palliative care for the patient. For example, paracentesis to drain fluid from the abdomen.
If a mesothelioma has advanced the chances of survival are less. The reason for this is that the tumors can become resistant to certain treatments and can recur. The specialist may recommend an amalgamation of chemotherapy and surgery. Surgery options include cytoreduction with hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy. This combination is more likely than chemotherapy alone to improve the prognosis for a patient.