Peritoneal Mesothelioma Asbestos Symptoms
The digestive system is frequently affected by the symptoms of peritoneal mesothelioma. This is because asbestos fibers are consumed and then absorbed in a lining of the stomach known as the peritoneum.
In time, these fibers trigger mutations in healthy peritoneal cells. As a result tumors that are cancerous develop in the peritoneum.
Mesothelioma is a difficult condition to identify. The early signs can resemble symptoms of other conditions, such as hernia or IBS.
Signs and symptoms
When asbestos fibers are breathed in, they can enter the lungs and then travel throughout the body. They can then become trapped in the lining of the abdomen or other organs, creating inflammation and irritation that can lead to tumor growth. This process can take years to develop, and many victims are unaware of their asbestos exposure until it is too late.
Asbestos fibers may get caught in the tissue lining the abdominal cavity, or other organs, causing malignant peritoneal melanoma. It is the second most frequent mesothelioma. However, it is difficult to recognize because the early symptoms are not specific and similar to symptoms of gastrointestinal conditions. Patients suffering from peritoneal mesothelioma typically experience stomach pain, fatigue and gastrointestinal issues.
Mesothelioma victims are typically diagnosed with peritoneal mesothelioma after undergoing a physical examination, a medical history review and a series of laboratory tests. A CT scan and an X-ray may help doctors identify lumps, or other indications of illness. In some instances, mesothelioma doctors will also request a biopsy for a more accurate diagnosis.
Peritoneal mesothelioma symptoms typically start in the abdominal region and can result in severe abdominal pain and 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 crucial that patients seek medical attention since they could be caused by other ailments.
Despite the difficulties of diagnosing peritoneal mesothelioma, victims typically receive the appropriate treatment to prolong their lives. In most cases, this requires the use of surgery and chemotherapy that is heated.
If you or a loved one have been diagnosed with peritoneal mesothelioma, contact our mesothelioma attorneys to find out how we can help. We can help you locate an expert in your area who can help you file an asbestos lawsuit against asbestos-related companies responsible for your exposure. We can also help ensure that you receive the financial compensation you deserve. Fill out our online form to begin the process. We partner with the top mesothelioma lawyers to assist you in obtaining the best possible outcome.
Diagnosis
The first step in diagnosing mesothelioma peritoneal is to obtain an exact medical history. Doctors will inquire with the patient about their exposure to asbestos and when it occurred. They may also conduct a physical examination. X-rays, blood tests and CT scans are commonly employed in the initial examination.
Because of the long period of latency, peritoneal mesothelioma can be difficult to diagnose. Patients may experience symptoms such as abdominal discomfort, nausea, and fever that may resemble other ailments. These non-specific symptoms can cause confusion for doctors. Mesothelioma is a rare cancer that can take years to manifest symptoms following exposure to asbestos, is a rare illness.
Inhaled or ingested asbestos fibers move to the stomach lining known as the peritoneum. Asbestos fibers are sharp and irritate mesothelium when they reach the peritoneum. As time passes the irritation causes inflammation and scar tissue growth. Eventually, this leads to abnormal cell growth and tumors forming.
There are no FDA-approved screening tests for mesothelioma of the peritoneum, however, researchers are developing ways to identify the disease in its earliest stages. The stage of mesothelioma is the basis for the treatment options.
A mesothelioma doctor can perform a paracentesis or percutaneous needle biopsy to collect a sample of mesothelioma tumors for lab testing. These tests can identify the type of cancer cells (epithelioid, sarcomatoid or biphasic) within the tumor, and assist doctors to develop the best treatment strategy.
Specialists in mesothelioma also determine the stage of the patient. The stage determines the most effective treatment and helps mesothelioma lawyers know which asbestos companies are liable in mesothelioma lawsuits.
A mesothelioma specialist examines the results of a biopsy they prepare an analysis report that contains details on the type of mesothelioma. The report could also include the staging scale, which indicates how far the cancer has spread within the body. The higher the stage is, the less likely it will respond to treatment. A lawyer can explain the significance of this for a client's case.
Treatment
When inhaled or swallowed, asbestos fibers become embedded in the tissues that line the abdomen and other organs. These fibers irritate the cells and destroy DNA. As time passes, this leads to the formation of tumors in the lining. Typically, peritoneal mesothelioma develops in the lining of the abdomen known as the peritoneum. Peritoneal mesothelioma is rarer than pleural mesothelioma and usually affects women more.
The symptoms of peritoneal cancer are similar to those that are associated with gastrointestinal disorders such as Crohn's disease and irritable bowel syndrome, making it hard for doctors to recognize. Early symptoms can be mistaken for other ailments, and may persist for a long time, or even years before a mesothelioma is identified.
A doctor will also conduct imaging and blood tests to rule out any other diseases or conditions that could trigger the same symptoms as mesothelioma. These tests will aid in determining the best treatment options.
Since peritoneal mesothelioma can develop in the abdominal lining, a doctor will perform a biopsy to confirm a diagnosis. A biopsy is the process of removing small samples of the affected area for examination by pathologists. Biopsies can reveal cancerous cells, and identify the type of Mesothelioma.
If a diagnosis of peritoneal mesothelioma has been established doctors will discuss the options for treatment with the patient. Generally speaking, the aim of a treatment plan is to decrease the size and amount of tumors. Surgery is often the first option, however patients can also consider chemotherapy and immunotherapy.
Contrary to the chest-based treatment for pleural mesothelioma which is administered through the lungs peritoneal Mesothelioma treatment is injected via intravenously or orally. Injections of chemotherapies, like heated intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) have been able to prolong the life of many patients. HIPEC is a procedure innovated by mesothelioma pioneer Paul Sugarbaker.
Patients diagnosed with peritoneal mesothelioma may qualify to file a lawsuit against negligent asbestos companies. A mesothelioma attorney can review the case of a patient and recommend legal options. Contact us today to start. Contact us today. It's completely free, confidential and there's absolutely no obligation. We provide nationwide representation.
Prognosis
Mesothelioma cancer is rare. Because doctors lack experience, many patients are misdiagnosed with other illnesses. A mesothelioma expert can help patients identify the cause and ensure they receive right treatment.
ontario asbestos attorney known cause of mesothelioma of the peritoneal region is asbestos exposure. When asbestos fibers are inhaled or consumed, they may cause irritation to the abdominal tissues and cause cells to mutate. This can cause tumors to form mesothelioma in the peritoneum in time.
The exposure to asbestos typically starts with working in manufacturing or construction. These industries may utilize asbestos-containing materials including fireproofing, insulation. Asbestos is also found in household products like flooring and roof tiles. Even very low levels of exposure can put someone at risk of developing mesothelioma. Because mesothelioma is a chronic disease with a long time to develop patients may be diagnosed with peritoneal mesothelioma years after their initial exposure.
Peritoneal Mesothelioma may mimic other conditions. It is often mistaken for hernias or gastrointestinal issues like colitis or Crohn's and other types of abdominal cancer. This is why many patients don't report their exposure to asbestos and they do not seek medical treatment. If mesothelioma has been identified experts may suggest the procedure of a biopsy to make an precise diagnosis. A biopsy involves removing only a small amount of affected tissue to test. This test will reveal whether the mesothelioma is epithelioid (epidermoid) or the sarcomatoid (sarcomatoid) or biphasic.
If the mesothelioma is in an early stage doctors can remove all the tumors and provide curative treatment. The specialist can also determine if the cancer has spread to the abdomen. They can then prescribe palliative treatments for the patient, including paracentesis to drain the abdominal fluid.
If a mesothelioma has advanced and the prognosis is less favorable, it becomes more difficult to treat. The reason for this is that the tumors can become resistant to certain treatments and can develop a recurrence. The specialist may suggest a combination of chemotherapy and surgery. The surgical options include cytoreduction surgery along with hyperthermic intraperitoneal therapy. This combination is more likely to improve a patient's prognosis than merely chemotherapy alone.