Peritoneal Mesothelioma Asbestos Symptoms
The digestive system is frequently affected by the symptoms of peritoneal mesothelioma. This is due to asbestos fibers being consumed and then absorbed within the lining of your stomach known as the peritoneum.
In time, these fibers cause mutations to healthy peritoneal cell. As a result tumors that are cancerous develop in the peritoneum.
The diagnosis of mesothelioma can be a bit difficult. The early signs can resemble symptoms of other conditions like hernia, or IBS.
Signs and symptoms
When asbestos fibers are inhaled they can pass into the lungs and circulate throughout the body. The fibers can then get stuck in the linings of the abdomen and other organs. This can cause inflammation and irritation that can lead to the development of tumors. This process can take years to develop and many patients are unaware of their asbestos exposure until it's too late.
Asbestos fibers can become trapped in the tissues that line the abdominal cavity or other organs, leading to malignant peritoneal melanoma. It is the second most common mesothelioma type. However it is often difficult for doctors to recognize because the early symptoms are not specific. It is also possible that they are similar to digestive disorders. richardson asbestos attorney with peritoneal mesothelioma frequently experience stomach pain, fatigue, and digestive problems.
Mesothelioma victims are typically diagnosed with peritoneal mesothelioma after undergoing a physical examination and a medical history review and several laboratory tests. A CT scan and an X-ray can help doctors detect lumps, or other indications of illness. In certain cases mesothelioma physicians may request a biopsy for a more accurate diagnosis.
Peritoneal Mesothelioma symptoms usually start in the abdomen. They can cause severe abdominal discomfort, bloating, and weight loss. They may also cause nausea, vomiting, and other digestive issues. Other symptoms include fatigue, chest pain and swelling. When these symptoms occur it is essential that victims seek medical attention because they could be caused by other conditions.
Despite the difficulty of diagnosing peritoneal msothelioma patients, they can often be treated to prolong their lives. In most cases, treatment is surgery and chemo that is heated.
Contact our mesothelioma lawyers to learn how we can assist you if a loved one has been diagnosed with peritoneal mesothelioma. We can help you find a mesothelioma expert near you who can help you file an asbestos lawsuit against the companies responsible for your exposure. We can also help you receive the financial compensation that you are entitled to. You can begin this process by filling out our free online form. We work with top mesothelioma lawyers to assist you in obtaining the most favorable possible outcome.
Diagnosis
To diagnose peritoneal Msothelioma it is essential to take a an extensive medical history. Doctors will ask the patient about their exposure to asbestos and when it happened. They also conduct a physical exam. Blood tests, X-rays, and CT scans are typically used in the initial work-up.
Because of the long latency period, peritoneal mesothelioma can be difficult to recognize. Patients may experience symptoms like abdominal discomfort, nausea, and fever that are similar to other conditions. These symptoms that are not specific can confuse doctors. Mesothelioma is a rare type of cancer and it can take a long time for symptoms to appear after exposure to asbestos.
Asbestos fibers inhaled, or consumed are transported to the stomach lining called the peritoneum. When they reach the peritoneum, the asbestos fibers are sharp and cause irritation to the mesothelium. In time the irritation causes inflammation and scar tissue growth. Then, it leads to abnormal cell growth, and tumors can develop.
Researchers are working to develop methods to detect mesothelioma early. The stage of mesothelioma will determine the treatment options.
A mesothelioma doctor can perform a paracentesis or percutaneous needle biopsy to collect a sample of mesothelioma tumors to be tested in the lab. These tests will reveal if the cancer cells are epithelioid (epithelioid), the sarcomatoid (sarcomatoid) or biphasic within the tumor. This information helps doctors develop a treatment plan.
Specialists in mesothelioma can also determine the stage of the patient. The staging process determines which treatments will be most effective and also helps mesothelioma lawyers determine which asbestos companies to pursue in mesothelioma lawsuits.
A mesothelioma specialist examines the results of a biopsy, they produce a pathology report that includes details on the type of mesothelioma. The report could also include an assessment system that outlines how the cancer has spread in the body. The higher the stage of cancer the less likely a patient is to respond to treatment. A lawyer can explain the significance of this in a client's situation.
Treatment
When swallowed or inhaled asbestos fibers are embedded in the tissue that lines the abdomen and other organs. The fibers harm DNA and cause irritation to cells. In time, this can lead to the formation of tumors in the lining. Typically, peritoneal mesothelioma develops in the abdomen's lining called the peritoneum. Peritoneal Mesothelioma is more prevalent in women than pleural Mesothelioma but it is less common.
The symptoms of peritoneal cancer are similar to those seen with gastrointestinal disorders, such as Crohn's and irritable bowel disease, making it hard for doctors to diagnose. Early symptoms can be misinterpreted as other conditions, and may persist for months or even years before a mesothelioma diagnosis is made.
In addition to an extensive medical history, a doctor will run bloodwork and imaging tests to rule out other diseases and conditions that could cause the same symptoms as mesothelioma. These tests can 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 involves the removal of small amounts of the affected area to be examined by pathologists. Biopsies can detect cancerous cells and identify the type of mesothelioma.
Once a peritoneal mesothelioma diagnosis has been confirmed doctors will discuss treatment options with the patient. The aim of any treatment plan is typically to decrease the size and quantity of tumors. Surgery is usually the first option, but patients can also look into chemotherapy and immunotherapy.
In contrast to the chest-based treatment for pleural Mesothelioma which is administered through the lungs, the treatment for peritoneal Mesothelioma is administered intravenously or orally. Chemotherapy injections such as heated intraperitoneal therapy (HIPEC), helped extend the life expectancy of many patients. HIPEC was developed by mesothelioma expert 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 suggest legal options. Contact us today to get started. Contact us now. It's completely free, confidential and there's no commitment. We offer nationwide representation.
Prognosis
Mesothelioma cancer is a rare form of cancer. Doctors have limited experience with it, and many patients are misdiagnosed as having other illnesses. Fortunately mesothelioma specialists can aid in the diagnosis process and provide patients with the right treatment.
The sole known cause of mesothelioma peritoneal is exposure to asbestos. When asbestos fibers are breathed in or ingested, they could irritate the abdominal tissues and cause cells to mutate. As time passes, this could result in tumors that develop into a mesothelioma of the peritoneum.
The exposure to asbestos usually is a result of jobs in manufacturing or construction. These industries may use materials that contain asbestos, for example, insulation and fireproofing. Asbestos is also found in household items like flooring and roof tiles. Even very low levels of exposure put a person at risk for mesothelioma. Because the disease has a long latency period, victims can sometimes be diagnosed with peritoneal cancer decades after the initial exposure.
Peritoneal mesothelioma symptoms could resemble those of other diseases and could be mistaken for hernias, digestive issues such as colitis or Crohn's disease or other types of abdominal cancer. Many patients do not disclose their asbestos exposure, and do not seek medical attention. If mesothelioma has been identified experts may suggest the procedure of a biopsy to make an precise 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 the mesothelioma is in an early stage doctors can remove all of the tumors and offer the best treatment. The doctor will also be able to determine whether the cancer has been able to spread to the abdomen. They can then prescribe palliative care for the patient. For example paracentesis, which is a procedure to drain fluid from the abdomen.
The prognosis is worsened when a mesothelioma has advanced. The reason for this is that the tumors can become resistant to certain treatments and can be recurred. The doctor might suggest a combination of chemotherapy and surgery. Surgery options include cytoreduction, which is hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy. This combination is more likely than chemotherapy on its own to improve the prognosis for a patient.