Peritoneal Mesothelioma Asbestos Symptoms
Peritoneal mesothelioma asbestos symptoms typically affect the digestive system. This is because asbestos fibers are ingested and become embedded in the lining of the stomach and peritoneum.
In time the fibers cause changes in healthy peritoneal cells. In the end, cancerous tumors form in the peritoneum.
The diagnosis of mesothelioma can be a bit difficult. The early signs may be confused with symptoms of other conditions like hernias, or irritable Bowel syndrome.
Signs and symptoms
Asbestos fibers may travel through the body after inhalation. From there, they can be trapped in the abdominal lining or other organs, causing irritation and inflammation that leads to the growth of tumors. The process can take years to develop, and many victims do not know that they are exposed to asbestos until it is too late.
Asbestos fibers may get caught in the tissue lining the abdominal cavity or other organs, causing malignant peritoneal melanomas. It is the second most prevalent type of mesothelioma, but it is difficult to recognize because the early symptoms are nonspecific and similar to those of gastrointestinal conditions. Patients with peritoneal mesothelioma often suffer from stomach pain, fatigue, and gastrointestinal issues.
After a physical examination followed by a review of medical history and a series laboratory tests, mesothelioma patients are diagnosed with peritoneal cancer. A X-ray as well as a CT scan can help doctors identify any lumps or other signs of disease. In some cases mesothelioma physicians may require a biopsy to get a more accurate diagnosis.
Peritoneal mesothelioma symptoms usually begin in the abdominal area and can result in extreme abdominal pain as well as weight loss, bloating, stomach fluid accumulation nausea, vomiting, and other digestive issues. The symptoms can also include chest pain, swelling, and fatigue. It is essential for patients to seek a medical diagnosis when they experience these symptoms, as they could be caused by something other than mesothelioma.
Despite the difficulty in diagnosing peritoneal msothelioma patients can typically receive the appropriate treatment to prolong their lives. In most cases, treatment involves surgery and chemo that is heated.
Contact our mesothelioma attorneys to learn how we can assist you if a family member has been diagnosed with peritoneal mesothelioma. We can help you find an expert in your area who can help you file an asbestos lawsuit against the companies that are responsible for your exposure. We can also help ensure that you receive the financial compensation you are entitled to. Start the process by filling out our no-cost online form. We can help you get the best possible outcome by working with top mesothelioma attorneys.
Diagnosis
The first step in diagnosing mesothelioma of the peritoneal region is to collect an accurate medical history. Doctors will ask the patient about their asbestos exposure and when it happened. A physical examination will be performed. Initial tests typically include X-rays and blood tests and CT scans.
Due to the long time of latency, peritoneal cancer is often difficult to identify. Patients may experience symptoms such as abdominal nausea, fever and pain that are similar to other conditions. These non-specific symptoms can confuse doctors. Mesothelioma is a rare type of cancer, and it can take decades for symptoms to manifest 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. As time passes, this irritation causes inflammation and scar tissue formation. This leads to abnormal cell proliferation and tumors.
There are no FDA-approved screening tests for peritoneal mesothelioma but researchers are working on finding ways to detect the disease's early stages. Staging mesothelioma is important as it will determine the treatment options.
A mesothelioma specialist can perform paracentesis (percutaneous needle biopsy) to collect samples for tests in the laboratory. These tests can reveal whether the cancerous cells are epithelioid (epithelioid) or the sarcomatoid (sarcomatoid) or biphasic within the tumor. This information helps doctors develop a treatment plan.
Mesothelioma specialists also evaluate a patient's stage of mesothelioma. It determines which treatment options will be most effective and helps mesothelioma lawyers determine which asbestos-related companies to sue in mesothelioma lawsuits.
If a mesothelioma specialist analyzes the results of the biopsy and creates a pathology report which contains details about the type mesothelioma. The report could also include the staging system which outlines how the cancer has spread within the body. The more advanced the stage of cancer is, the less likely the patient will respond to treatment. A lawyer can explain what this means for the client's case.
Treatment
When inhaled or swallowed asbestos fibers are embedded in the tissues that line the abdomen and other organs. They damage DNA and cause irritation to cells. Over time, this leads to the formation of tumors within the lining. The majority of the time, peritoneal mesothelioma is found in the lining of the abdomen called the peritoneum. Peritoneal mesothelioma is less common than pleural mesothelioma. It usually affects women more.
The symptoms of peritoneal cancer are similar to those seen with digestive disorders like Crohn's disease and irritable colon disease and makes it difficult for doctors to recognize. Early symptoms can be mistaken for other ailments, and may persist for months or even years before mesothelioma is identified.
In addition to a thorough medical history, a doctor will conduct imaging and blood tests to rule out other illnesses and conditions that could cause the same symptoms as mesothelioma. These tests can aid in determining the most effective treatment options.
A biopsy is performed by a doctor to confirm the diagnosis. This is because peritoneal msothelioma occurs in the abdominal liner. A biopsy involves 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.
Once a peritoneal mesothelioma diagnosis has been confirmed, doctors will discuss the options for treatment with the patient. The purpose of any treatment plan is typically to reduce the size and the number of tumors. Surgery is often the first option, however patients may also consider chemotherapy and immunotherapy.
In contrast to the chest-based treatment for pleural Mesothelioma which is administered via the lungs, peritoneal Mesothelioma treatment is administered via intravenously or orally. Chemotherapies that are injected, such as heated intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC), have helped to prolong the lives of many patients. HIPEC is a technique that was developed by mesothelioma pioneer Paul Sugarbaker.
Individuals suffering from peritoneal cancer may be able to sue negligent asbestos companies. A mesothelioma attorney can review the case of a patient and recommend legal options. Contact us today to get started. It's free, confidential and there is no commitment. We provide nationwide representation.
Prognosis
Mesothelioma cancer is rare. Because doctors aren't experienced in diagnosing patients, many are mistakenly diagnosed with other diseases. A mesothelioma expert can assist patients to diagnose the disease and ensure they receive proper treatment.
Asbestos exposure is only the one known cause of peritoneal cancer. When asbestos fibers are breathed in or ingested, they could cause irritation to the abdominal tissues and cause cells to alter. This may cause tumors to develop into mesothelioma in the peritoneum over time.
The exposure to asbestos typically is a result of jobs in manufacturing or construction. These industries can employ materials that contain asbestos, like insulation and fireproofing. Asbestos can also be present in household items like roofing tiles and flooring. Even small amounts of asbestos exposure can put someone at risk of developing mesothelioma. Because mesothelioma is a chronic disease with a long time to develop, victims can sometimes be diagnosed with peritoneal cancer decades after the initial exposure.
Peritoneal Mesothelioma may mimic other conditions. It is often mistaken for hernias or gastrointestinal issues such as colitis or Crohn's, and other types of abdominal cancers. Many patients do not declare their asbestos exposure and do not seek medical care. If mesothelioma is found, the specialists may recommend the procedure of a biopsy to make an precise diagnosis. A biopsy involves removing just a small portion of affected tissue for testing. This test will reveal whether the mesothelioma is epithelioid (epidermoid), sarcomatoid (sarcomatoid) or biphasic.
If the mesothelioma is at an early stage, doctors can remove all the tumors and offer the best treatment. The specialist can also determine if the cancer has spread inside the abdomen. They will then recommend palliative care for the patient. For instance, paracentesis to drain abdominal fluid.
The odds of survival are worse when a mesothelioma has advanced. This is because the tumors are able to become resistant to certain treatments and can be recurred. The doctor may suggest a combination of surgery and chemotherapy. fremont asbestos attorney include cytoreduction surgery along with hyperthermic intraperitoneal therapy. This combination is more likely than chemotherapy alone to improve the prognosis of a patient.