Peritoneal Mesothelioma Asbestos Symptoms
Peritoneal mesothelioma asbestos symptoms typically affect the digestive system. This is due to asbestos fibers being consumed and are absorbed into the lining of the stomach and peritoneum.
As time passes, these fibers result in mutations to the healthy peritoneal cells. As a result cancerous tumors develop in the peritoneum.
Mesothelioma is a difficult disease to diagnose. Early signs can be confused with other signs like hernias or irritable Bowel Syndrome.
Symptoms
Asbestos fibers can travel through the body when breathed. The fibers may then become trapped in the linings of the abdomen and other organs. This causes inflammation and irritation that 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 mesothelioma occurs when asbestos fibers become trapped in the tissues that line the abdominal cavity as well as other organs. It is the second-most common form of mesothelioma. However it can be difficult for doctors to diagnose because the early symptoms are not specific. They can also be similar to gastrointestinal disorders. Patients suffering from peritoneal cancer typically have stomach pain, fatigue and gastrointestinal issues.
After a physical examination and a review of medical history, and a series of laboratory tests, mesothelioma patients are diagnosed with peritoneal cancer. A CT scan or X-ray can aid in identifying lumps or any other signs of disease. In some instances, mesothelioma doctors will also require a biopsy to get a more accurate diagnosis.
Peritoneal mesothelioma symptoms usually begin in the abdominal area and can result in severe abdominal discomfort, bloating, weight loss, stomach fluid accumulation, nausea, vomiting and other digestive problems. Symptoms may also include chest pain, swelling and fatigue. It is crucial for patients to seek a medical diagnosis in the event of these symptoms as they may be caused by something other than mesothelioma.
Despite the difficulty of diagnosing peritoneal msothelioma patients, they can typically receive the appropriate treatment to prolong their lives. In the majority of cases, treatment is surgery and chemo that is heated.
If you or a loved one have been diagnosed with peritoneal cancer, contact one of our mesothelioma lawyers today to learn more about how we can help. We can help you locate an expert in your area who can help you file an
asbestos lawsuit against the companies responsible for your exposure. We can also ensure you get the financial compensation you're entitled to. Start the process by filling out our no-cost online form. We can help you get the best outcome possible by working with top mesothelioma attorneys.
Diagnosis
To diagnose peritoneal msothelioma, it is important to have an exhaustive medical history. Doctors will ask patients about their
asbestos law exposure and when it happened. A physical exam will be conducted. Blood tests, X-rays, and CT scans are often used in the initial work-up.
Peritoneal mesothelioma is difficult to identify due to its long latency period. Patients may experience symptoms like abdominal discomfort, nausea, and fever that may resemble other ailments. These symptoms that are not specific can confuse doctors. Mesothelioma is a rare type of cancer, and it can take a long time before symptoms show up after exposure to
asbestos claim.
Inhaling or ingestion of
asbestos legal fibers move to the stomach lining called the peritoneum. Asbestos fibers are sharp and irritate mesothelium once they reach the peritoneum. Over time the irritation causes inflammation and scar tissue. Then, it leads to abnormal cell growth and tumors develop.
Researchers are working on ways to detect the disease at its earliest stages. The stage of mesothelioma will determine the treatment options.
A mesothelioma specialist can perform a paracentesis or percutaneous needle biopsy to collect a sample of mesothelioma tumors for lab testing. These tests can identify the type of cancer cells (epithelioid, sarcomatoid or biphasic) within the tumor and aid doctors come up with an appropriate treatment strategy.
Specialists in mesothelioma also determine the stage of the patient. The staging process determines which treatments will be the most effective and help mesothelioma attorneys know which asbestos companies to pursue in mesothelioma lawsuits.
A mesothelioma specialist examines the results of a biopsy they prepare an analysis report that contains details on the type of mesothelioma. The report can also include a staging system that describes how far the cancer has spread in the body. The more advanced the stage of cancer the less likely a patient will respond to treatment. A lawyer can explain what this means for a client's case.
Treatment
Inhalation or swallowing asbestos fibers get encased in the tissue that lines the abdomen and other organs. These fibers damage DNA and can cause irritation to cells. Over time, this leads to the formation of tumors in the lining. Typically, peritoneal cancer is found in the lining that covers the abdomen. Peritoneal Mesothelioma affects more women than pleural mesothelioma but it is less common.
The symptoms of peritoneal cancer are similar to those that are associated with gastrointestinal disorders such as Crohn's disease and irritable bowel syndrome, making it hard for doctors to identify. In the beginning, symptoms can be mistaken as normal ailments and can persist for months or years before a patient receives a mesothelioma diagnosis.
In addition to a thorough medical history, a doctor will conduct imaging and blood tests to rule out other illnesses and conditions that may cause the same symptoms as mesothelioma. These tests can also be used to determine the most suitable treatment options.
A biopsy is performed by a physician to confirm the diagnosis. This is because peritoneal msothelioma occurs in the abdominal lining. A biopsy involves removing small samples of the affected area for examination by pathologists. Biopsies may reveal cancerous cells and identify the mesothelioma type.
If a diagnosis of peritoneal mesothelioma has been established doctors will discuss the options for treatment with the patient. The goal of any treatment plan is generally to decrease the size and number of tumors. Surgery is usually the first option, but patients can also consider chemotherapy and immunotherapy.
In contrast to chest-based therapies for pleural mesothelioma that are administered through the lungs, peritoneal mesothelioma treatments are injected orally or intravenously. Chemotherapy injections, such as heated intraperitoneal therapy (HIPEC) have helped prolong survival for many patients. HIPEC was invented by mesothelioma expert Paul Sugarbaker.
Patients diagnosed with peritoneal mesothelioma could be able to bring an asbestos lawsuit against negligent companies. A mesothelioma attorney can review the case of a patient and recommend legal options. Contact us now to get started. Contact us now. It's free, private, and there's no obligation. We offer nationwide representation.
Prognosis
Mesothelioma cancer is rare. The doctors have limited experience with it, and many patients are wrongly diagnosed as having other diseases. A mesothelioma expert can assist patients with the diagnosis and ensure they receive right treatment.
Asbestos exposure is the sole known cause of peritoneal cancer. Asbestos fibers can cause irritation to abdominal tissues and cell mutations when consumed or inhaled. Over time, this can cause tumors to form mesothelioma in the peritoneum.
Construction or manufacturing work is usually the first area where
asbestos claim exposure begins.