Peritoneal Mesothelioma Asbestos Symptoms
The digestive system is often affected by the symptoms of peritoneal mesothelioma. This is because asbestos fibers are ingested and become embedded in the lining of the stomach and peritoneum.
As time passes, these fibers cause changes to healthy peritoneal cell. In the end tumors that are cancerous develop in the peritoneum.
The diagnosis of mesothelioma can be a bit difficult. The initial signs may resemble symptoms of other diseases, like hernia or IBS.
Symptoms
When asbestos fibers are inhaled, they can enter the lungs and travel throughout the body. They can then be stuck in the abdominal lining or other organs, causing 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 common form of mesothelioma. However it is often difficult for doctors to recognize since the first symptoms aren't specific. They may also be similar to digestive disorders. Patients with peritoneal cancer frequently experience fatigue, stomach pain and gastrointestinal issues.
Mesothelioma victims are typically diagnosed with peritoneal cancer after having a physical exam and a medical history review and several tests in the laboratory. A CT scan and X-ray can help doctors detect lumps, or other indications of disease. In some cases mesothelioma physicians may order a biopsy to obtain an precise diagnosis.
Peritoneal Mesothelioma symptoms usually start in the abdomen. They can cause severe abdominal discomfort, bloating, and weight loss. They can also trigger nausea and vomiting, as well as other digestive issues. Other symptoms include chest pain, fatigue and swelling. When these symptoms occur, it is important to seek medical attention because they could be triggered by other illnesses.
Despite the difficulties in diagnosing peritoneal msothelioma patients can typically receive the appropriate treatment to prolong their lives. In most cases, the treatment involves surgery and heated chemo.
Contact our mesothelioma lawyers to learn how we can assist you if you or a loved one has been diagnosed with peritoneal msothelioma. We can help you locate a mesothelioma expert near you who can assist you in filing a lawsuit against asbestos companies responsible for your exposure. We can also help you receive the financial compensation that you deserve. You can begin this process by filling in our free online form. We partner with the top mesothelioma attorneys and can assist you in obtaining the most favorable possible outcome.
Diagnosis
To diagnose peritoneal Msothelioma it is essential to take a an exhaustive medical history. Doctors will ask patients about their asbestos exposure and when it happened. A physical examination will be performed. Initial tests typically include blood tests and X-rays and CT scans.
Due to the long time of latency, peritoneal cancer is often difficult to identify. Patients may experience symptoms such as abdominal pain, nausea and fever that are similar to other illnesses. These symptoms aren't specific and can cause confusion for doctors. Mesothelioma is a rare cancer and it can take a long time for symptoms to appear after asbestos exposure.
Asbestos fibers inhaled, or consumed travel to the stomach lining called the peritoneum. Once in the peritoneum, the sharp asbestos fibers irritate the mesothelium. This irritation leads to inflammation and scar tissue over time. This causes abnormal cell growth and tumors.
There are no FDA-approved screenings for peritoneal mesothelioma, but researchers are working on finding ways to detect the disease in its earliest stages. The stage of mesothelioma will determine the treatment options.
A mesothelioma specialist can perform paracentesis (percutaneous needle biopsy) to take a sample for lab testing. These tests can help identify the type of cancer cells (epithelioid biphasic, sarcomatoid, or epithelioid) within the tumor and aid doctors develop the best treatment strategy.
Specialists in mesothelioma can also determine the stage of the patient. It determines which treatment options will be most effective and also helps mesothelioma lawyers determine which asbestos companies to hold liable in mesothelioma lawsuits.
When a mesothelioma specialist analyzes the results of a biopsy they create an a pathology report which contains details about the type of mesothelioma. The report could 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 what this means for the client's case.
Treatment
Asbestos fibers are inhaled or ingested and become embedded in the tissue lining the abdomen and other organs. The fibers harm DNA and cause irritation to cells. This causes the formation of tumors. Typically, peritoneal mesothelioma develops in the lining of the abdomen called the peritoneum. Peritoneal mesothelioma is less common than pleural mesothelioma. It usually affects women more.
The symptoms of peritoneal cancer are similar to symptoms of gastrointestinal disorders like irritable bowel disorder and Crohn's disease, which makes it difficult for doctors to recognize the condition. Early symptoms can be misinterpreted as other conditions and can last for months or even years before a mesothelioma is diagnosed.
In addition to an extensive medical history, a physician will conduct bloodwork and imaging tests to rule out other illnesses and conditions that could cause the same symptoms as mesothelioma. These tests can also be used to determine the best treatment options.
A biopsy is carried out by a doctor to confirm the diagnosis. This is due to the fact that peritoneal msothelioma can in the abdominal liner. A biopsy involves the removal of small portions of the affected area to be examined by pathologists. Biopsies can detect cancerous cells and identify the mesothelioma type.
When a peritoneal Msothelioma diagnosis is confirmed doctors will discuss treatment options with patients. Generally speaking, the aim of the treatment plan is to decrease the size and amount of tumors. Surgery is usually the first option, but patients may also consider chemotherapy and immunotherapy.
In contrast to the chest-based treatment for pleural mesothelioma that is administered via the lungs peritoneal Mesothelioma treatment is injected either intravenously or orally. The injections of chemotherapy such as heated intraperitoneal therapy (HIPEC), helped extend survival for many patients. HIPEC is a method that was invented by mesothelioma pioneer Paul Sugarbaker.
Patients who have been diagnosed with peritoneal cancer could be able to file an asbestos lawsuit against negligent companies. A knowledgeable mesothelioma attorney will evaluate a patient's situation and suggest legal options. Contact us now to begin. Contact us today. It's free, private and there's no commitment. We offer nationwide representation.
Prognosis
Mesothelioma is a rare cancer. Doctors have limited experience with it, so many patients are mistakenly diagnosed with other illnesses. A mesothelioma expert can help patients with the diagnosis and ensure they receive proper treatment.
The only cause that is known for mesothelioma of the peritoneal region is asbestos exposure. When asbestos fibers are inhaled or ingested, they can cause irritation to abdominal tissues and cause cells to change. This can lead to tumors that develop into mesothelioma in the peritoneum in time.
Exposure to asbestos often begins with work in construction or manufacturing. These industries can employ materials that contain asbestos, such as insulation and fireproofing. columbia asbestos attorneys is also found in household products like roofing tiles and flooring. Even very low levels of exposure can put a person at risk for mesothelioma. Because mesothelioma is a chronic disease with an extended latency period, victims can sometimes be diagnosed with peritoneal cancer decades after the initial exposure.
Peritoneal Mesothelioma can mimic other diseases. It is often mistaken for hernias or gastrointestinal problems like Crohn's or colitis and other forms of abdominal cancer. Because of this, many patients do not disclose their exposure to asbestos, and they do not seek medical treatment. If mesothelioma is found, the specialists may recommend an examination for a more accurate diagnosis. A biopsy is the removal of a small piece of tissue to be examined. This test will reveal whether the mesothelioma is epithelioid (epidermoid) or sarcomatoid (sarcomatoid) or biphasic.
If mesothelioma has reached an early stage doctors can remove all of the tumors and offer curative treatment. The specialist can also determine whether the cancer has spread within the abdomen. They will then recommend palliative treatment for the patient. For instance paracentesis, which is a procedure to drain fluid from the abdomen.
If mesothelioma progresses, the prognosis becomes poorer. The reason for this is that the tumors can become resistant to certain treatments and may recur. The doctor might suggest a combination of chemotherapy and surgery. The surgical options include cytoreduction surgery along with hyperthermic intraperitoneal therapy. This combination is more likely than chemotherapy by itself to improve the prognosis for a patient.