Peritoneal Mesothelioma Asbestos Symptoms
Peritoneal mesothelioma asbestos signs typically affect the digestive system. This is due to asbestos fibers being ingested and become embedded in the stomach's lining and peritoneum.
As time passes these fibers can cause changes in healthy peritoneal cells. As a result tumors that are cancerous develop in the peritoneum.
The diagnosis of mesothelioma can be a bit difficult. Early signs may be confused with other symptoms like hernias, or irritable Bowel Syndrome.
Symptoms
Asbestos fibers may travel through the body after inhalation. The fibers then become stuck in the linings of the abdomen and other organs. This causes irritation and inflammation, which leads to tumor development. The process can take years to develop and many victims are unaware of their asbestos exposure until it's too late.
Malignant peritoneal melanoma develops when asbestos fibers are trapped in the tissues that line the abdominal cavity and other organs. It is the second most prevalent mesothelioma. However, it is difficult to identify because the initial symptoms are nonspecific and similar to those of gastrointestinal conditions. Patients with peritoneal cancer frequently suffer from stomach pain, fatigue and gastrointestinal problems.
Mesothelioma patients are usually diagnosed with peritoneal mesothelioma after undergoing a physical examination, a medical history review and an array of laboratory tests. A X-ray and a CT scan can assist doctors to find any lumps or indications of illness. In certain cases, mesothelioma doctors will also require a biopsy to get a more precise diagnosis.
Peritoneal mesothelioma symptoms typically begin in the abdomen and can result in extreme abdominal pain as well as weight loss, bloating, swelling of the belly nausea, vomiting, and other digestive problems. Other symptoms include chest pain, fatigue and swelling. If symptoms like these occur it is essential to seek medical attention as they may be caused by other illnesses.
Despite the difficulty of diagnosing peritoneal mesothelioma, patients are often able to receive the right treatment to prolong their lives. In the majority of cases, this requires surgery and heated chemotherapy.
Contact our mesothelioma attorneys to learn how we can assist you if a loved one has been diagnosed with peritoneal msothelioma. We can help you find an expert in your area who can assist you in filing a lawsuit against asbestos companies responsible for your exposure. We can also help you receive the financial settlement you're entitled to. Fill out our online form to begin the process. We work with top mesothelioma attorneys and can help you secure the best possible outcome.
Diagnosis
The first step in diagnosing mesothelioma peritoneal is to obtain an accurate medical history. Doctors will ask patients about their exposure to asbestos and when it happened. They may also conduct a physical exam. Initial tests typically include X-rays and blood tests, as well as CT scans.
Due to the long period of latency, peritoneal mesothelioma can be difficult to recognize. Patients may experience symptoms such as abdominal discomfort, nausea, and fever that may resemble other ailments. These symptoms that are not specific can confuse doctors. Mesothelioma is a rare cancer that can take years to manifest symptoms following exposure to asbestos, is a rare disease.
Inhaling or eating asbestos fibers move to the stomach lining, called the peritoneum. When they reach the peritoneum, the sharp asbestos fibers irritate the mesothelium. In time the irritation causes inflammation and scar tissue growth. This causes abnormal cell growth and tumors.
There are no FDA-approved screenings for peritoneal mesothelioma, but researchers are working on developing methods to detect the disease in its earliest stages. The stage of mesothelioma will determine the treatment options.
A mesothelioma expert can conduct a paracentesis or percutaneous needle biopsy to collect a sample of mesothelioma tumours for laboratory testing. These tests can reveal whether the cancerous cells are epithelioid (epithelioid), the sarcomatoid (sarcomatoid) or biphasic within the tumor. This information can help doctors to develop a treatment plan.
Mesothelioma specialists also evaluate the mesothelioma stage of a patient. The staging process determines which treatments will be the most effective and help mesothelioma attorneys know which asbestos-related companies to sue in mesothelioma lawsuits.
When a mesothelioma expert reviews the results from a biopsy the doctor creates a pathology report that contains information on the type of mesothelioma. The report may also contain a staging scale that indicates how 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. A lawyer can explain what this means in a client's situation.
Treatment
When swallowed or inhaled asbestos fibers get encased in the tissue that lines the abdomen and other organs. The fibers cause irritation to cells and destroy DNA. This leads to the development of tumors. Typically, peritoneal mesothelioma develops in the abdomen's lining known as the peritoneum. Peritoneal Mesothelioma has a greater impact on women than pleural Mesothelioma, but it is less common.
The symptoms of peritoneal cancer are similar to those associated with gastrointestinal disorders such as Crohn's disease and irritable colon disease which makes it difficult for doctors to diagnose. Initial symptoms may be misinterpreted as a sign of other illnesses and can last for months or even years before mesothelioma diagnosis is made.
A doctor will also conduct imaging and blood tests to rule out other diseases or conditions that could cause the same symptoms as mesothelioma. These tests can aid in determining the most effective treatment options.
A biopsy is conducted by a doctor to confirm the diagnosis. This is because peritoneal msothelioma occurs in the abdominal liner. A biopsy is the removal of small samples from the affected area to be examined by pathologists. Biopsies can reveal cancerous cells and determine the mesothelioma type.
When a peritoneal Msothelioma diagnosis is confirmed doctors will discuss treatment options with patients. The purpose of any treatment plan is typically to reduce the size and quantity of tumors. Surgery is typically the first line of defense but patients should also discuss the possibility of immunotherapy and chemotherapy.
Unlike the chest-based treatments for pleural mesothelioma which are administered through the lung, peritoneal mesothelioma treatments are administered intravenously or orally. The injections of chemotherapy such as heated intraperitoneal therapy (HIPEC), helped extend the survival of many patients. HIPEC is a technique that was developed by mesothelioma pioneer Paul Sugarbaker.
Patients suffering from peritoneal asbestosis may be able to bring a lawsuit against negligent asbestos companies. A mesothelioma attorney can review the case of a patient and suggest legal options. Contact us now to get started. It's completely absolutely free, and confidential, and there is no commitment. We offer nationwide representation.
Prognosis
Mesothelioma cancer is extremely rare. Because doctors aren't experienced in diagnosing patients, many are mistakenly diagnosed with other illnesses. Fortunately, a mesothelioma specialist can aid in the diagnosis process and get patients the appropriate treatment.
The sole known cause of mesothelioma of the peritoneal region is asbestos exposure. Asbestos fibers can cause irritation of the abdominal tissues and cell mutations when inhaled or consumed. This can lead to tumors that form mesothelioma in the peritoneum in time.
The exposure to asbestos usually is a result of jobs in manufacturing or construction. These industries could employ asbestos-containing products, such as fireproofing and insulation. 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. Due to the long time of latency patients may be diagnosed with peritoneal msothelioma for a long time after their first exposure.
Peritoneal mesothelioma symptoms can be similar to those of other diseases and could be mistaken for hernias, digestive problems such as colitis or Crohn's disease or other types of abdominal cancer. Many patients don't report their asbestos exposure and do not seek medical attention. If mesothelioma is found, the specialists may recommend a biopsy for a more accurate diagnosis. A biopsy is the removal the smallest piece of tissue to be tested. Greensboro asbestos attorney will reveal the stage of mesothelioma as well as whether it is epithelioid biphasic, or sarcomatoid.
If mesothelioma has reached an early stage doctors can remove all the tumors and offer curative treatment. The specialist can also determine whether the cancer has expanded to the abdomen. They will then recommend palliative treatments for the patient. For example, paracentesis to drain fluid from the abdomen.
The outlook for patients is worse when a mesothelioma has advanced. The tumors could become resistant to certain treatment and may recur. The specialist may suggest a combination of surgery and chemotherapy. Surgery options include cytoreduction with hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy. This combination is more likely to improve a patient's prognosis than chemotherapy alone.