Peritoneal Mesothelioma Asbestos Symptoms
Peritoneal mesothelioma asbestos symptoms often affect the digestive system. This is because asbestos fibers get inhaled and then become a part of the stomach's lining known as the peritoneum.
In time, these fibers cause changes to healthy peritoneal cell. As a result, cancerous tumors form in the peritoneum.
The diagnosis of mesothelioma can be a bit difficult. Early signs may be confused with other symptoms such as hernias or irritable Bowel Syndrome.
Signs and symptoms
When asbestos fibers are inhaled they can pass into the lungs and travel throughout the body. The fibers then become trapped in the linings of the abdomen and other organs. This causes inflammation and irritation, which results in the development of tumors. This process can take a long time to develop, and many victims do not know that they have asbestos exposure until it is too late.
Asbestos fibers may get caught in the tissue that lines the abdominal cavity, or other organs, which can cause malignant peritoneal melanoma. It is the second most frequent mesothelioma type, however it can be difficult to recognize because the early symptoms aren't specific and are similar to symptoms of gastrointestinal conditions. Patients suffering from peritoneal cancer typically have stomach pain, fatigue and gastrointestinal issues.
After a physical exam, an examination of medical history and a series laboratory tests, mesothelioma sufferers are diagnosed with peritoneal cancer. A CT scan and X-ray can help doctors detect lumps, or other indications of disease. In certain instances doctors who treat mesothelioma will also require a biopsy to obtain a more precise diagnosis.
Peritoneal mesothelioma symptoms usually begin in the abdomen and can cause severe abdominal discomfort as well as bloating, weight loss, fluid buildup in the belly nausea, vomiting, and other digestive issues. Other symptoms include chest pain, fatigue and swelling. It is essential for patients to seek medical attention when they have these symptoms as they may be caused by something other than mesothelioma.
Despite the difficulty in diagnosing peritoneal mesothelioma, patients are often able to receive the right treatment to extend their lives. In most cases, this requires the use of surgery and chemotherapy that is heated.
If you or someone you love have been diagnosed with peritoneal cancer, contact our
mesothelioma attorneys to learn more about what we can do to help. We can assist you in finding an expert in your area who can help you file an
asbestos lawsuit against the companies that are responsible for your exposure. We can also help you get the financial compensation you are entitled to. Complete our online form to begin the process. We have a strong relationship with mesothelioma attorneys and can assist you in obtaining the best possible outcome.
Diagnosis
The first step in diagnosing mesothelioma of the peritoneal region is to collect an exact medical history. Doctors will ask about the person's exposure to asbestos and when it occurred. They will also conduct a physical examination. Initial examinations typically include X-rays and blood tests, as well as CT scans.
Peritoneal mesothelioma is a difficult cancer to diagnose due to its long latency period. Patients may experience symptoms like abdominal pain, fever and nausea that resemble other conditions. These symptoms that are not specific can cause confusion for doctors. Mesothelioma is a rare cancer and it can take a long time for symptoms to manifest after asbestos exposure.
Asbestos fibers that are inhaled or consumed are transported to the stomach lining called the peritoneum. Asbestos fibers are sharp and irritate mesothelium when they reach the peritoneum. This irritation can cause scar tissue and inflammation over time. Eventually, this leads to abnormal cell growth, and tumors can develop.
Researchers are working on methods to detect the disease at its earliest stages. The stage of mesothelioma determines the treatment options.
A mesothelioma expert can perform paracentesis (percutaneous needle biopsy) to collect samples for tests in the laboratory. These tests can reveal whether the cancer cells are epithelioid (epithelioid) or sarcomatoid (sarcomatoid) or biphasic within the tumor. This information can help doctors develop an appropriate treatment plan.
Specialists in mesothelioma also determine the stage of a patient. The staging process determines which treatments will be most effective and helps
mesothelioma lawyers know which asbestos companies to hold liable in mesothelioma lawsuits.
When a mesothelioma expert analyzes the results from the biopsy and creates a pathology record that contains information on the type of mesothelioma. The report may also include a staging scale that indicates how the cancer has spread across the body. The higher the stage of cancer the less likely a patient will respond to treatment. A lawyer can explain what this means in a client's situation.
Treatment
Asbestos fibers can be breathed in or ingested and become embedded in the tissues lining the abdomen and other organs. They damage DNA and cause irritation to cells. This leads to the development of tumors. Typically, peritoneal mesothelioma develops in the lining of the abdomen known as the peritoneum. Peritoneal Mesothelioma affects more women than pleural Mesothelioma, but it is less common.
The symptoms of peritoneal cancer are similar to those of gastrointestinal diseases like irritable bowel syndrome and Crohn's disease, making it difficult for doctors to recognize the condition. In the beginning, symptoms are mistaken for normal ailments and may last for months or years before a patient is diagnosed with an mesothelioma-related diagnosis.
In addition to an extensive medical history, a doctor will conduct bloodwork and imaging tests to rule out other illnesses and conditions that may cause the same symptoms as mesothelioma. These tests can be used to determine the most effective treatment options.
Since peritoneal mesothelioma is a cancer that develops the abdominal lining A doctor will conduct a biopsy to confirm a diagnosis. A biopsy is the process of removing small amounts of tissue from the affected area to be examined by pathologists. Biopsies may reveal cancerous cells and determine the type of mesothelioma.
If a diagnosis of peritoneal cancer has been established, doctors will discuss treatment options with the patient. Generally speaking, the aim of a treatment plan is to reduce the size and number of tumors. Surgery is usually the first option, however patients can also consider chemotherapy and immunotherapy.
Unlike the chest-based treatments for pleural mesothelioma that are administered through the lung, the peritoneal mesothelioma treatment are administered intravenously or orally. Chemotherapy injections such as heated intraperitoneal therapy (HIPEC) has helped prolong the survival of many patients. HIPEC was developed by mesothelioma expert 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 review the case of a patient and recommend legal options. Contact us now to begin. Contact us today. It's free, confidential, and there's no obligation. We provide nationwide representation.
Prognosis
Mesothelioma cancer is a rare form of cancer. Because doctors have limited experience with the disease, many patients are misdiagnosed with other diseases. A mesothelioma specialist can assist patients to diagnose the disease and ensure they receive the appropriate treatment.
The only known cause of mesothelioma of the peritoneal region is asbestos exposure.