Peritoneal Mesothelioma Asbestos Symptoms
Peritoneal mesothelioma asbestos symptoms often affect the digestive system. This is due to
asbestos law (
get more info) fibers being consumed and are absorbed into the stomach's lining and peritoneum.
In time, these fibers cause changes in healthy peritoneal cells. Tumors that are cancerous develop in the peritoneum as a result.
The diagnosis of mesothelioma can be a bit difficult. The early signs can resemble symptoms of other conditions, like hernia, or IBS.
Symptoms
When asbestos fibers are inhaled, they can pass into the lungs and travel 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 results in the development of tumors. This process can take years to develop and many patients are unaware of their asbestos exposure until it is too late.
Malignant peritoneal melanoma develops when
asbestos claim fibers are trapped in the tissue that lines the abdominal cavity as well as other organs. It is the second most frequent mesothelioma. However it is often difficult for doctors to diagnose because the early symptoms are not specific. They can also be similar to digestive disorders. Patients with peritoneal mesothelioma often have stomach pain, fatigue and digestive problems.
After a physical exam followed by reviewing medical history, and a series of laboratory tests, mesothelioma sufferers are diagnosed with peritoneal cancer. An X-ray or CT scan can assist doctors to detect any lumps or symptoms of disease. In certain cases mesothelioma physicians may order a biopsy to obtain a more accurate diagnosis.
Peritoneal mesothelioma symptoms typically begin in the abdomen and can lead to extreme abdominal discomfort and weight loss, bloating fluid buildup in the belly, nausea, vomiting and other digestive issues. Other symptoms include fatigue, chest pain and swelling. It is essential for patients to seek medical attention when they experience these symptoms as they may be caused by something other than mesothelioma.
Despite the difficulty of diagnosing peritoneal mesothelioma, patients can often receive the proper treatment to prolong their lives. In most cases, this involves the use of surgery and chemotherapy that is heated.
If you or a loved one have been diagnosed with peritoneal cancer, contact our mesothelioma lawyers to learn more about what we can do to help. We can help you find an expert in mesothelioma near you who can assist you in filing an asbestos lawsuit against the companies responsible for your exposure. We can also help ensure that you receive the financial compensation you're entitled to. Complete our online form to begin the process. We have a strong relationship with mesothelioma lawyers to assist you in obtaining the most favorable possible outcome.
Diagnosis
The first step in identifying mesothelioma of the peritoneal region is to collect an accurate medical history. Doctors will ask about the person's exposure to asbestos and when it happened. They may also conduct a physical examination. Initial work-ups often include X-rays and blood tests, as well as CT scans.
Peritoneal mesothelioma can be difficult to diagnose because of its long time of latency. Patients may experience symptoms such as abdominal pain, fever and nausea that are similar to other conditions. These non-specific symptoms can cause confusion for doctors. Mesothelioma is a rare cancer that can take years for symptoms to appear after exposure to
asbestos compensation.
Asbestos fibers that are inhaled or consumed travel to the stomach lining, known as the peritoneum. Once in the peritoneum, the sharp asbestos fibers can cause irritation to the mesothelium. In time, this irritation causes inflammation and scar tissue growth. This causes abnormal cell proliferation and tumors.
There are no FDA-approved screening tests for peritoneal mesothelioma but researchers are working on developing ways to identify the disease in its early stages. The stage of mesothelioma determines the treatment options.
A mesothelioma doctor can perform a paracentesis or percutaneous needle biopsy to collect mesothelioma tumors to be tested in the lab. These tests will reveal if the cancerous cells are epithelioid (epithelioid), the sarcomatoid (sarcomatoid) or biphasic within the tumor. This information helps doctors create an appropriate treatment plan.
Specialists in mesothelioma are able to determine the stage of a patient. It determines which treatment options will be most effective and also helps mesothelioma lawyers determine which
asbestos lawyer companies to hold liable in mesothelioma lawsuits.
When a mesothelioma doctor analyzes the results of a biopsy, they produce a pathology report that includes details about the type of mesothelioma. The report may also include an assessment system that outlines how far the cancer has spread within the body. The higher the stage of cancer, the less likely the patient will be able to respond to treatment. A lawyer can explain the implications of this to specific clients.
Treatment
Asbestos fibers are inhaled or eaten and then absorbed in the tissue that lines the abdomen and other organs. The fibers harm DNA and can cause irritation to cells. This can lead to the development of tumors. The majority of the time, peritoneal cancer develops in the lining that surrounds the abdomen. Peritoneal mesothelioma occurs less frequently than pleural mesothelioma. It usually affects women more.
Symptoms of peritoneal mesothelioma are similar to symptoms of gastrointestinal disorders like irritable bowel syndrome and Crohn's disease. This makes it difficult for doctors to identify the condition. Initial symptoms may be misinterpreted as other conditions and can last for a long time, or even years before a mesothelioma diagnosis is made.
In addition to a thorough medical history, a doctor will run imaging and blood tests to rule out other illnesses and conditions that could trigger the same symptoms as mesothelioma. These tests can also be used to determine the most suitable treatment options.
Because peritoneal mesothelioma develops in the abdominal lining, a doctor will perform an examination to confirm the diagnosis. A biopsy involves removing 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 the treatment options with patients. Generally speaking, the aim of a treatment plan is to reduce the size and number of tumors. Surgery is typically the first line of defense but patients should also discuss the possibility of immunotherapy and chemotherapy.
In contrast to the chest-based treatment for pleural Mesothelioma that is administered via the lungs peritoneal Mesothelioma treatment is injected 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 diagnosed with peritoneal mesothelioma may be eligible to bring an asbestos lawsuit against negligent companies. An attorney for mesothelioma can analyze the case of a patient and suggest legal options. Contact us today to start. It's free, confidential and there is no obligation. We provide nationwide representation.
Prognosis
Mesothelioma cancer is extremely rare. Because doctors aren't experienced, many patients are misdiagnosed with other illnesses. Fortunately, a mesothelioma specialist can aid in the diagnosis process and get patients the right treatment.
The sole known cause of mesothelioma of the peritoneal region is asbestos exposure.