Peritoneal Mesothelioma Asbestos Symptoms
The digestive system is frequently affected by the symptoms of peritoneal mesothelioma. This is because asbestos fibers are taken in and are then embedded in a lining of the stomach called the peritoneum.
As time passes, these fibers result in mutations to the healthy peritoneal cell. In the end cancerous tumors develop in the peritoneum.
The diagnosis of mesothelioma can be a bit difficult. Early signs may be confused with symptoms of other conditions like hernias or irritable Bowel Syndrome.
Signs and symptoms
When asbestos fibers are breathed in, they can enter the lungs and circulate throughout the body. From there, they may be stuck in the abdominal lining or other organs, creating irritation and inflammation that leads to the growth of tumors. This process can take years to develop and many patients are unaware of their asbestos exposure until it's too late.
Malignant peritoneal mesothelioma occurs when asbestos fibers are trapped in the tissue that lines the abdominal cavity and other organs. It is the second-most common mesothelioma type. However it can be difficult for doctors to recognize as early symptoms are nonspecific. It is also possible that they are similar to digestive disorders. Patients with peritoneal cancer frequently experience fatigue, stomach pain and gastrointestinal problems.
After a physical examination and reviewing medical history, and a series of laboratory tests, mesothelioma patients are diagnosed with peritoneal cancer. A X-ray as well as a CT scan can assist doctors to detect any lumps or symptoms of disease. In mesothelioma asbestos lawsuit , mesothelioma doctors will also require a biopsy to get an accurate diagnosis.
Peritoneal mesothelioma symptoms generally begin in the abdomen and can result in extreme abdominal pain, bloating, weight loss, swelling of the belly, nausea, vomiting and other digestive issues. Other symptoms include fatigue, chest pain and swelling. It is important for victims to seek medical attention in the event of these symptoms, as they could be caused by something other than mesothelioma.
Despite the difficulty of diagnosing patients with peritoneal msothelioma, they can typically receive the appropriate treatment to prolong their lives. In most cases, the treatment involves surgery and chemo treatment that is heated.
If you or someone you love have been diagnosed with peritoneal cancer, contact our mesothelioma lawyers to learn what we can do to help. We can help you connect with mesothelioma specialists near you who can assist you in filing a lawsuit against the asbestos companies responsible for your exposure. We can also ensure you receive the financial compensation you're entitled to. Start the process by filling in our free online form. We work with top mesothelioma lawyers and can help you secure the best possible outcome.
Diagnosis
The first step in diagnosing peritoneal mesothelioma is to get an exact medical history. Doctors will inquire with the patient about their asbestos exposure and when it occurred. A physical examination will be performed. 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 diagnose. Patients may be afflicted by symptoms like nausea, abdominal pain and fever that are similar to other illnesses. These symptoms that are not specific can confuse doctors. Mesothelioma, a rare cancer that can take years to manifest symptoms following exposure to asbestos, is a rare illness.
Asbestos fibers inhaled, or consumed are transported into the stomach lining known as the peritoneum. Asbestos fibers that are sharp can irritate mesothelium after they reach the peritoneum. As time passes the irritation causes inflammation and scar tissue formation. In the end, this causes abnormal cell growth, and tumors can develop.
There are no FDA-approved screening tests for mesothelioma of the peritoneum, however, researchers are developing ways to identify the disease in its early stages. The stage of mesothelioma determines the treatment options.
A mesothelioma expert can conduct a paracentesis or percutaneous needle biopsy to collect mesothelioma tumours for laboratory testing. These tests will reveal if the cancerous cells are epithelioid (epithelioid) or sarcomatoid (sarcomatoid) or biphasic within the tumor. This information can help doctors develop a treatment plan.
Mesothelioma specialists can also assess the mesothelioma stage of a patient. It determines which treatment options will be the most effective and help mesothelioma attorneys know which asbestos companies to hold liable in mesothelioma lawsuits.
When a mesothelioma expert analyzes the results of a biopsy the doctor creates a pathology document that contains information on the mesothelioma type. The report may also include the staging system which outlines how far the cancer has spread within the body. The more advanced the stage of cancer is, the less likely the patient is to respond to treatment. Lawyers can explain the significance of this in a client's situation.
Treatment
Asbestos fibers are inhaled or ingested and become embedded in the tissue lining the abdomen and other organs. These fibers irritate the cells and destroy DNA. As time passes, this leads to the formation of tumors within the lining. Typically, peritoneal cancer develops in the lining that covers the abdomen. Peritoneal mesothelioma occurs less frequently than pleural mesothelioma. It usually affects women more.
The symptoms of peritoneal cancer are similar to those associated with gastrointestinal disorders such as Crohn's disease and irritable colon disease and makes it difficult for doctors to diagnose. As a result, early symptoms can be mistaken for normal ailments and may last for months or even years before a patient is given the mesothelioma diagnosis.
A physician will also conduct imaging and blood tests to rule out other diseases or conditions that could trigger mesothelioma-like symptoms. These tests will also aid in determining the most effective treatment options.
A biopsy is carried out by a doctor to confirm the diagnosis. This is because peritoneal msothelioma occurs in the abdominal lining. A biopsy is the removal of small samples from the affected area to be examined by pathologists. Biopsies can identify cancerous cells, and identify the type of Mesothelioma.
When a peritoneal Msothelioma diagnosis is confirmed doctors will discuss treatment options with patients. The goal of any treatment plan is usually to reduce the size and number of tumors. Surgery is often the first option, however patients may also consider chemotherapy and immunotherapy.
Contrary to the chest-based treatment for pleural Mesothelioma which is administered via the lungs, the treatment for peritoneal Mesothelioma is administered via intravenously or orally. Injections of chemotherapies, like heated intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC), have helped to prolong the lives of many patients. HIPEC is a method that was invented by mesothelioma pioneer Paul Sugarbaker.
Patients who have been diagnosed with peritoneal cancer may qualify to bring an asbestos lawsuit against negligent companies. An experienced mesothelioma lawyer will evaluate a patient's situation and suggest legal options. Contact us today to get started. It is no cost, it's confidential and there is no obligation. We provide nationwide representation.
Prognosis
Mesothelioma is a rare cancer. Because doctors aren't experienced, many patients are misdiagnosed with other illnesses. Fortunately mesothelioma specialists can assist in the diagnostic process and help patients receive the appropriate treatment.
The only known cause of peritoneal mesothelioma is asbestos exposure. Asbestos fibers can cause irritation of abdominal tissues and cell mutations when consumed or inhaled. This may cause tumors to form mesothelioma in the peritoneum in time.
Construction or manufacturing work is often the first location where asbestos exposure begins. These industries could employ products that contain asbestos, like insulation and fireproofing. Asbestos is also present in household products such as flooring and roof tiles. Even the smallest amounts of exposure put a person at risk for mesothelioma. Because the disease has a long latency period patients may be diagnosed with peritoneal cancer decades after their initial exposure.
Peritoneal Mesothelioma may mimic other diseases. It is often mistaken for hernias or gastrointestinal problems like Crohn's or colitis and other forms of abdominal cancer. Due to this, a lot of patients do not report their exposure to asbestos and they do not seek medical care. If mesothelioma has been identified experts may suggest a biopsy for a more accurate diagnosis. A biopsy involves removing just a small portion of affected tissue for testing. This procedure can help determine the stage of mesothelioma as well as whether it is epithelioid biphasic or sarcomatoid.
If mesothelioma does not have spread, doctors can remove the tumors. They will also provide an option for curative treatment. The doctor will also be able to determine whether the cancer has spread to the abdomen. They may then recommend palliative care for the patient, for example paracentesis that drains abdominal fluid.
If mesothelioma progresses the chances of survival are less. The reason for this is that the tumors may become resistant to certain treatments and can be recurred. The doctor may recommend a combination of chemotherapy and surgery. The surgical options include cytoreduction surgery combined with hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy. This combination is more likely than chemotherapy alone to improve the outlook of patients.