Peritoneal Mesothelioma Asbestos Symptoms
Peritoneal mesothelioma asbestos signs typically affect the digestive system. This is because asbestos fibers get inhaled and then become a part of the stomach's lining, called the peritoneum.
In time these fibers can trigger mutations in healthy peritoneal cells. In the end tumors that are cancerous develop in the peritoneum.
The diagnosis of mesothelioma may be difficult. Early signs may be confused with other symptoms 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. From there, they can become trapped in the lining of the abdomen or other organs, creating inflammation and irritation that eventually leads to the growth of tumors. This process can take a long time to develop, and many victims are unaware of their asbestos exposure until it is too late.
Malignant peritoneal melanoma develops when asbestos fibers get trapped in the tissue that lines the abdominal cavity as well as other organs. It is the second most common mesothelioma type. However, it can be difficult for doctors to diagnose because the early symptoms are not specific. They may also be similar to gastrointestinal disorders. Patients with peritoneal mesothelioma frequently experience stomach pain, fatigue and digestive problems.
After a physical exam and a review of medical history and a series laboratory tests, mesothelioma sufferers are diagnosed with peritoneal cancer. A X-ray and a CT scan can assist doctors to detect any lumps or symptoms of disease. In certain cases mesothelioma specialists may also order a biopsy to obtain an accurate diagnosis.
Peritoneal Mesothelioma symptoms typically begin in the abdomen and can cause extreme abdominal discomfort, bloating, and weight loss. They can also trigger nausea, vomiting, and other digestive issues. Other symptoms include chest pain, fatigue and swelling. It is essential for patients to seek medical advice in the event of these symptoms as they may be caused by something other than mesothelioma.
Despite the difficulties of diagnosing peritoneal mesothelioma, patients typically receive the appropriate treatment to prolong their lives. In most cases, this requires surgery and heated chemotherapy.
If you or a loved one have been diagnosed with peritoneal mesothelioma, call one of our mesothelioma lawyers today to learn more about what we can do to help. We can help you locate 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 you get the financial compensation you deserve. You can start this process by filling out our free online form. We can assist you to get the best outcome possible by working with top mesothelioma attorneys.
Diagnosis
The first step in identifying peritoneal mesothelioma is to get an complete medical history. Doctors will ask about the person's exposure to asbestos and when it happened. A physical examination will be conducted. Initial work-ups often include X-rays and blood tests and CT scans.
Due to the long time of latency, peritoneal cancer can be difficult to diagnose. 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 type of cancer that can take years for symptoms to appear after asbestos exposure.
Inhaled or ingested asbestos fibers travel to the stomach lining known as the peritoneum. Asbestos fibers are sharp and irritate mesothelium once they reach the peritoneum. This irritation causes scar tissue and inflammation over time. This leads to abnormal cell growth and tumors.
There are no FDA-approved screening tests for peritoneal mesothelioma however, researchers are finding ways to detect the disease in its early stages. The stage of mesothelioma is the basis for the treatment options.
A mesothelioma specialist may perform paracentesis (percutaneous needle biopsy) to collect the specimen for laboratory testing. These tests can help identify the kind of cancer cells (epithelioid, sarcomatoid or biphasic) within the tumor and help doctors determine the best treatment strategy.
Mesothelioma specialists can also determine the stage of mesothelioma a patient is. The stage determines the most effective treatment and also helps mesothelioma lawyers understand which asbestos companies are accountable in mesothelioma cases.
When a mesothelioma specialist analyzes the results of a biopsy, they prepare an analysis report that contains specifics about the kind of mesothelioma. The report can also include a staging system that describes how far the cancer has spread throughout the body. The higher the stage, the less likely it is that it will respond to treatment. A lawyer can explain the implications of this to specific clients.
Treatment
When inhaled or swallowed asbestos fibers are embedded in the tissue that lines the abdomen and other organs. These fibers irritate the cells and damage DNA. This can lead to the development of tumors. The majority of the time, peritoneal mesothelioma is found in the lining of the abdomen called the peritoneum. Peritoneal mesothelioma occurs less frequently than pleural mesothelioma. It usually affects women more.
The symptoms of peritoneal cancer are similar to those seen with digestive disorders like Crohn's and irritable bowel disease and makes it difficult for doctors to identify. Early symptoms can be mistaken for other ailments, and may persist for months or even years before mesothelioma is diagnosed.
A physician will also conduct tests of blood and imaging to rule out any other diseases or conditions that could trigger mesothelioma-like symptoms. These tests will also aid in determining the best treatment options.
A biopsy is performed by a doctor to confirm the diagnosis. This is because peritoneal Msothelioma can be found in the abdominal lining. A biopsy involves the removal of small portions of the affected area for examination by pathologists. Biopsies can reveal cancerous cells, and can determine the type of Mesothelioma.
If a diagnosis of peritoneal mesothelioma has been confirmed doctors will discuss options for treatment with the patient. Generally, the goal of a treatment plan is to reduce the size and number of tumors. Surgery is usually the first option, but patients may also consider chemotherapy and immunotherapy.
In contrast to chest-based therapies for pleural mesothelioma, which are administered through the lung, peritoneal mesothelioma treatments are injected orally or intravenously. Chemotherapy injections such as heated intraperitoneal therapy (HIPEC) have helped prolong survival for many patients. HIPEC is a method that was invented by mesothelioma pioneer Paul Sugarbaker.
loveland asbestos attorneys diagnosed with peritoneal mesothelioma may be eligible to file an asbestos lawsuit against negligent companies. A mesothelioma lawyer with experience will evaluate a patient's situation and recommend legal options. Contact us today to start. Contact us now. It's free, private, and there's no obligation. We provide nationwide representation.
Prognosis
Mesothelioma is a rare cancer. The doctors have limited experience dealing with it, which means that many patients are wrongly diagnosed as having other diseases. A mesothelioma expert can help patients to diagnose the disease and ensure that they receive the appropriate treatment.
The only known cause of mesothelioma peritoneal is exposure to asbestos. Asbestos fibers can cause irritation to abdominal tissues and cell mutations when consumed or inhaled. In time, this may result in tumors that develop into mesothelioma in the peritoneum.
Manufacturing or construction is often the first location where asbestos exposure begins. These industries could use materials that contain asbestos, like insulation and fireproofing. Asbestos may also be found in household items like flooring and roof tiles. Even the smallest amount of asbestos exposure can cause a person to be at risk of mesothelioma. Because of the long period of latency the victims could be diagnosed with peritoneal mesothelioma many decades after their initial exposure.
Peritoneal Mesothelioma may mimic other diseases. It is often mistaken for hernias, gastrointestinal issues like colitis or Crohn's and other types of abdominal cancer. Because of this, many patients do not report their exposure to asbestos, and they don't seek medical treatment. When mesothelioma is detected, the specialists may recommend a biopsy for a more accurate diagnosis. A biopsy is the process of removing a small portion of the affected tissue to test. This procedure can help determine the stage of mesothelioma and if it is epithelioid, biphasic or sarcomatoid.
If mesothelioma isn't spreading it is possible to remove the tumors. They will also offer an option for curative treatment. The doctor will also be able to determine if the cancer has spread to the abdomen. They can then prescribe palliative treatment for the patient. For instance paracentesis to remove the abdomen of fluid.
When a mesothelioma is advanced and the prognosis is less favorable, it becomes more difficult to treat. The tumors may become resistant to certain treatment and may recur. The doctor may recommend a combination of surgery and chemotherapy. Surgery options include cytoreduction with hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemo. This combination is more likely to improve a patient's prognosis than merely chemotherapy alone.