Peritoneal Mesothelioma Asbestos Symptoms
The digestive system is often affected by the symptoms of mesothelioma of the peritoneal region. This is because asbestos fibers get ingested and become embedded in the stomach's lining, called the peritoneum.
As time passes the fibers cause changes in healthy peritoneal cells. In the end, cancerous tumors form in the peritoneum.
Mesothelioma is a difficult condition to diagnose. The initial signs may resemble symptoms of other diseases, like hernia, or irritable bowel syndrome.
Symptoms
Asbestos fibers may travel through the body when inhaled. From there, they can become trapped in the lining of the abdomen or other organs, creating irritation and inflammation that leads to the growth of tumors. This process can take years to develop, and many victims 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, leading to malignant peritoneal melanomas. It is the second most frequent mesothelioma type, however it is difficult to recognize because the early symptoms are not specific and similar to those of digestive disorders. Patients with peritoneal cancer often suffer from stomach pain, fatigue and gastrointestinal issues.
After a physical exam and an examination of medical history and a series tests in the laboratory, mesothelioma patients are diagnosed with peritoneal cancer. A X-ray as well as a CT scan can assist doctors to detect any lumps or indications of illness. In some cases mesothelioma specialists may also order a biopsy to obtain an precise diagnosis.
Peritoneal mesothelioma symptoms typically begin in the abdomen and can result in extreme abdominal pain and weight loss, bloating stomach fluid accumulation nausea, vomiting, and other digestive problems. Other symptoms include fatigue, chest pain and swelling. It is important for victims to seek a medical diagnosis when they have these symptoms as they may be caused by something other than mesothelioma.
Despite the difficulty in diagnosing peritoneal mesothelioma, victims typically receive the appropriate treatment to extend their lives. In most cases, this is done through the use of surgery and chemotherapy that is heated.
If you or someone you love have been diagnosed with peritoneal mesothelioma, contact our mesothelioma lawyers to find out how we can help. We can connect you with mesothelioma specialists in your area, who can assist you in filing a lawsuit against the asbestos companies responsible for your exposure. We can also assist you to get the financial compensation you are entitled to. You can start this process by filling in our free online form. We work with top
mesothelioma lawyers to assist you in obtaining the best possible outcome.
Diagnosis
The first step in identifying peritoneal mesothelioma is to get an exact medical history. Doctors will inquire about the patient's exposure to asbestos and when it happened. A physical examination will be conducted. Blood tests, X-rays, and CT scans are often utilized in the initial check-up.
Because of the long period of latency, peritoneal mesothelioma can be difficult to diagnose. Patients might experience symptoms such as abdominal pain, nausea and fever that are similar to other conditions. These non-specific symptoms can cause confusion for doctors. Mesothelioma is a rare type of cancer and it can take decades before symptoms show up after asbestos exposure.
Inhaling or ingestion of asbestos fibers travel into the stomach lining, known as the peritoneum. Asbestos fibers that are sharp can irritate mesothelium after they reach the peritoneum. Over time the irritation causes inflammation and scar tissue growth. Eventually, this leads to abnormal cell growth, and tumors can develop.
Researchers are working to develop ways to detect the disease early. The stage of
mesothelioma lawsuit determines the treatment options.
A mesothelioma specialist can perform paracentesis (percutaneous needle biopsy) to take the specimen for laboratory testing. These tests can help identify the kind of cancer cells (epithelioid or sarcomatoid) within the tumor and help doctors come up with a treatment strategy.
Mesothelioma specialists also evaluate a patient's stage of
mesothelioma lawsuits. The staging process determines which treatments will be most effective and also helps mesothelioma attorneys know which asbestos companies to hold liable in
mesothelioma lawsuits.
When a mesothelioma expert analyzes the results of a biopsy, he or she creates a pathology document that contains information on the mesothelioma type. The report may also include the staging system which outlines how far the cancer has spread throughout the body. The more advanced the stage, the less likely it is that it will respond to treatment. Lawyers can explain the implications of this to a particular client's case.
Treatment
Inhalation or swallowing, asbestos fibers become embedded in the tissues that line the abdomen and other organs. These fibers damage DNA and irritate cells. In time, this can lead to the formation of tumors within the lining. The majority of the time, peritoneal cancer develops in the lining that covers the abdomen. Peritoneal Mesothelioma is more prevalent in women than pleural Mesothelioma, but it is less common.
The symptoms of peritoneal mesothelioma are similar to symptoms of gastrointestinal conditions like irritable bowel syndrome and Crohn's disease, making it difficult for doctors to recognize the condition. Because of this, early symptoms can be mistaken for normal ailments, and can last for months or years before a patient is diagnosed with a mesothelioma diagnosis.
A doctor will also conduct tests of blood and imaging to rule out any other diseases or conditions that could cause the same symptoms of mesothelioma. These tests can also be used to determine the most effective treatment options.
A biopsy is performed by a doctor to confirm the diagnosis. This is because peritoneal msothelioma occurs in the abdominal liner. A biopsy involves removing small amounts of the affected area to be examined by pathologists. Biopsies can reveal cancerous cells, and can identify the type of Mesothelioma.
If a peritoneal msothelioma has been confirmed, doctors will discuss the treatment options with patients. The purpose of any treatment plan is generally to decrease the size and number of tumors. Surgery is typically the first line of defense, but patients should also discuss the possibility of chemotherapy and immunotherapy.
Contrary to chest-based treatments for pleural mesothelioma, which are administered via the lung, the peritoneal mesothelioma treatment are injected orally or intravenously. The injections of chemotherapy such as heated intraperitoneal therapy (HIPEC) has helped prolong the survival of many patients. HIPEC was invented by mesothelioma expert Paul Sugarbaker.
Individuals with peritoneal asbestosis may be able to bring a lawsuit against negligent asbestos companies. A knowledgeable mesothelioma attorney can review a patient's case and suggest legal options. Contact us now to get started. Contact us now. It's free, confidential and there's no commitment. We offer nationwide representation.
Prognosis
Mesothelioma is a rare cancer. Because doctors aren't experienced, many patients are misdiagnosed with other diseases. Fortunately, a mesothelioma specialist can help with the diagnostic process and help patients receive the right treatment.
The only cause that is known for mesothelioma of the peritoneal region is asbestos exposure. When asbestos fibers are inhaled or ingested, they could irritate abdominal tissues and cause cells to mutate. As time passes, this could lead to tumors that form mesothelioma of peritoneum.