Peritoneal Mesothelioma Asbestos Symptoms
Peritoneal mesothelioma asbestos symptoms typically affect the digestive system. This is due to
asbestos attorney fibers being ingested, and become embedded in the lining of the stomach, known as the peritoneum.
As time passes the fibers cause changes in healthy peritoneal cells. In the end cancerous tumors develop in the peritoneum.
Mesothelioma is a challenging condition to diagnose. The early signs may be confused with other symptoms such as hernias or irritable Bowel syndrome.
Symptoms
Asbestos fibers may travel through the body when breathed. From there, they may get trapped in the lining of the abdomen or other organs, causing 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.
Asbestos fibers can get trapped in the tissue that lines the abdominal cavity, or other organs, causing malignant peritoneal melanoma. It is the second-most common mesothelioma type. However it is often difficult for doctors to recognize as early symptoms are nonspecific. They may also be similar to digestive disorders. Patients suffering from peritoneal mesothelioma typically experience stomach pain, fatigue and gastrointestinal issues.
After a physical exam, reviewing medical history and a series laboratory tests, mesothelioma sufferers are diagnosed with peritoneal cancer. An X-ray or CT scan can help doctors identify any lumps or other signs of illness. In certain cases, doctors who treat mesothelioma will also order a biopsied to obtain a more precise diagnosis.
Peritoneal Mesothelioma symptoms typically begin in the abdomen and can cause extreme abdominal discomfort, bloating, and weight loss. They may also cause nausea and vomiting as well as other digestive issues. Other symptoms include chest pain, fatigue and swelling. It is important for victims to seek medical attention when they experience these symptoms as they may 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 the majority of cases, the treatment involves surgery and chemo treatment that is heated.
Contact our
mesothelioma lawyers today to learn how we can assist you if you or a loved one has been diagnosed with peritoneal mesothelioma. We can assist you in finding an expert in your area who can assist you in filing an asbestos lawsuit against the companies that are responsible for your exposure. We can also assist you to get the financial compensation you are entitled to. Start the process by filling out 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 extensive medical history. Doctors will ask patients about their exposure to asbestos and when it happened. A physical examination will be conducted. Initial examinations typically include X-rays and blood tests and CT scans.
Due to the long latency period, peritoneal mesothelioma is often difficult to identify. Patients may experience symptoms like abdominal pain, fever and nausea that are similar to other conditions. These nonspecific symptoms can confuse doctors. Mesothelioma is a rare cancer that can take decades before symptoms show up after exposure to asbestos.
Asbestos fibers that are inhaled or consumed are transported to the stomach lining, known as the peritoneum. Once inside the peritoneum the asbestos fibers' sharp edges irritate the mesothelium. In time the irritation causes inflammation and scar tissue formation. This leads to abnormal cell proliferation and tumors.
Researchers are working to develop methods to detect mesothelioma in its earliest stages. The stage of
mesothelioma lawsuits is the basis for the treatment options.
A mesothelioma specialist can perform paracentesis (percutaneous needle biopsy) to collect a sample for tests in the laboratory. These tests can determine if the cancer cells are epithelioid (epithelioid) or Sarcomatoid (sarcomatoid) or biphasic within the tumor. This information aids doctors create a treatment plan.
Mesothelioma specialists can also assess the mesothelioma stage of a patient. The stage determines the most effective treatment and helps
mesothelioma lawyers know which asbestos companies are liable in mesothelioma cases.
If a mesothelioma specialist analyzes the results of the biopsy the doctor creates a pathology report which contains details about the type mesothelioma. The report may also include the staging system which outlines how the cancer has spread throughout the body. The higher the stage of cancer the less likely a patient is to respond to treatment. Lawyers 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. These fibers irritate the cells and destroy DNA. This leads to the development of tumors. Typically, peritoneal cancer is found in the lining of the abdomen. Peritoneal Mesothelioma has a greater impact on women than pleural mesothelioma however, it is less prevalent.
The symptoms of peritoneal cancer are similar to those seen with digestive disorders like Crohn's and irritable bowel disease and makes it difficult for doctors to recognize. In the beginning, symptoms can be mistaken as normal ailments and may last for months or years before a patient receives an mesothelioma-related diagnosis.
A doctor will also conduct tests of blood and imaging to rule out other diseases or conditions that may cause the same symptoms of mesothelioma. These tests can help to determine the best treatment options.
A biopsy is conducted by a physician to confirm the diagnosis. This is because peritoneal msothelioma occurs in the abdominal liner. A biopsy involves the removal of small amounts of the affected area for examination by pathologists. Biopsies may reveal cancerous cells and determine the mesothelioma type.
If a peritoneal msothelioma has been confirmed doctors will discuss treatment options with patients. The aim of any treatment plan is usually to decrease the size and the number of tumors. Surgery is typically the first line of defense but patients should also discuss the possibility of chemotherapy and immunotherapy.
Contrary to the chest-based treatment for pleural Mesothelioma that is administered via the lungs, peritoneal Mesothelioma treatment is administered via intravenously or orally. Injections of chemotherapy, such as heated intraperitoneal therapy (HIPEC) has helped prolong the life expectancy of many patients. HIPEC was developed by mesothelioma expert Paul Sugarbaker.
Patients who have been diagnosed with peritoneal cancer could be able to bring an
asbestos lawsuit against negligent companies. A mesothelioma lawyer with experience can review a patient's case and suggest legal options. Contact us today to begin. It's free, confidential and there is no commitment. We offer nationwide representation.
Prognosis
Mesothelioma is a rare type of cancer. Because doctors lack experience, many patients are misdiagnosed with other illnesses. A mesothelioma specialist can assist patients with the diagnosis and ensure that they receive the proper treatment.
The only cause that is known for mesothelioma of the peritoneal region is asbestos exposure. When asbestos fibers are breathed in or ingested, they can irritate abdominal tissues and cause cells to change. Over time, this can lead to tumors that form mesothelioma of peritoneum.
The exposure to asbestos typically is a result of jobs in manufacturing or construction.