Peritoneal Mesothelioma Asbestos Symptoms
The digestive system is often affected by the symptoms of mesothelioma of the peritoneal region. This is because asbestos fibers are consumed and are absorbed into the stomach's lining and peritoneum.
As time passes, these fibers result in mutations to the healthy peritoneal cells. Tumors that are cancerous develop in the peritoneum as a result.
Mesothelioma is a challenging condition to recognize. Early signs may be confused with other symptoms such as hernias or irritable Bowel Syndrome.
Symptoms
When asbestos fibers are inhaled, they can pass into the lungs and circulate throughout the body. From there, they can become stuck in the abdominal lining or other organs, creating irritation and inflammation that leads to tumor growth. The process can take years to develop and many patients are unaware of their asbestos exposure until too late.
Malignant peritoneal mesothelioma occurs when asbestos fibers get 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 identify as early symptoms are nonspecific. They may also be similar to gastrointestinal conditions. Patients with peritoneal mesothelioma frequently suffer from stomach pain, fatigue and digestive issues.
Mesothelioma sufferers are usually diagnosed with peritoneal mesothelioma following having a physical exam and a medical history review and a series of laboratory tests. A CT scan and an X-ray can aid in identifying lumps or any other signs of illness. In some cases, mesothelioma doctors will also request a biopsy for a more precise diagnosis.
Peritoneal mesothelioma symptoms typically begin in the abdomen and can lead to extreme abdominal pain 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 a medical diagnosis when they have these symptoms, as they could be caused by something other than mesothelioma.
Despite the difficulty in diagnosing peritoneal msothelioma patients can often be treated to prolong their lives. In the majority of cases, this involves the use of surgery and chemotherapy that is heated.
If you or someone you love have been diagnosed with peritoneal mesothelioma, call our mesothelioma lawyers to find out what we can do to help. We can help you find a mesothelioma expert near you who can help you file an asbestos lawsuit against the companies responsible for your exposure. We can also assist you in ensuring that you get the financial compensation you deserve. You can begin this process by filling out our no-cost online form. We can assist you in obtaining the best possible outcome by working with the top mesothelioma lawyers.
Diagnosis
The first step to diagnose mesothelioma of the peritoneal region is to collect an exact medical history. Doctors will inquire with the patient about their asbestos exposure and when it occurred. A physical examination will be performed. Blood tests, X-rays, and CT scans are typically employed in the initial examination.
Peritoneal mesothelioma is a difficult cancer to diagnose because of its long latency period. Patients may experience symptoms like abdominal discomfort, nausea, and fever that resemble other conditions. These symptoms aren't specific and could confuse doctors. Mesothelioma is a rare cancer that can take years to manifest symptoms after asbestos exposure, is a rare disease.
Asbestos fibers inhaled, or consumed move to the stomach lining called the peritoneum. Once in virginia asbestos lawyer , the asbestos fibers are sharp and cause irritation to the mesothelium. This irritation can cause inflammation and scar tissue over time. Eventually, this leads to abnormal cell growth, and tumors can develop.
Researchers are working to develop ways to detect the disease early. Staging mesothelioma is important as it determines the treatment options.
A mesothelioma doctor can perform a paracentesis or percutaneous needle biopsy to collect mesothelioma tumors for lab testing. These tests can reveal the kind of cancer cells (epithelioid biphasic, sarcomatoid, or epithelioid) within the tumor and help doctors come up with an appropriate treatment plan.
Specialists in mesothelioma are able to determine the stage of a patient. The staging process determines which treatments will be most effective and helps mesothelioma lawyers determine which asbestos-related companies to sue in mesothelioma lawsuits.
A mesothelioma specialist examines the results of a biopsy they create a pathology report that includes details about the type of mesothelioma. The report can also include an assessment system that outlines how far the cancer has spread within the body. The more advanced the stage, the less likely it is to respond to treatment. A lawyer can explain the implications of this to specific clients.
Treatment
When inhaled or swallowed asbestos fibers are embedded in the tissue that lines the abdomen and other organs. The fibers harm DNA and 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 surrounds 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 associated with gastrointestinal disorders, such as Crohn's disease and irritable bowel syndrome and makes it difficult for doctors to diagnose. Initial symptoms may be misinterpreted as a sign of other illnesses, and may persist for a long time, or even years before a mesothelioma is identified.
In addition to an extensive medical history, a physician will conduct tests for imaging and bloodwork to rule out other diseases and conditions that may cause the same symptoms as mesothelioma. These tests can also be used to determine the most suitable treatment options.
Since peritoneal mesothelioma can develop in the abdominal lining The doctor will conduct an examination to confirm the diagnosis. A biopsy is the process of removing small amounts of the affected area for examination by pathologists. Biopsies can identify cancerous cells, and identify the type of Mesothelioma.
When a peritoneal Msothelioma diagnosis is confirmed doctors will discuss treatment options with patients. Generally speaking, the aim of the treatment plan is to decrease the size and number of tumors. Surgery is typically the first line of defense, however, patients must also consider the possibility of immunotherapy and chemotherapy.
In contrast to the chest-based treatment for pleural mesothelioma which is administered through the lungs, the treatment for peritoneal Mesothelioma is injected via intravenously or orally. Injections of chemotherapies, like heated intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) have helped to prolong the lives of many patients. HIPEC was developed by mesothelioma expert Paul Sugarbaker.
Patients diagnosed with peritoneal mesothelioma may qualify to bring an asbestos lawsuit against negligent companies. An experienced mesothelioma lawyer can review a patient's case and suggest legal options. Contact us now to begin. It's no cost, it's confidential and there is no obligation. We provide nationwide representation.
Prognosis
Mesothelioma cancer is a rare form of cancer. Because doctors aren't experienced in diagnosing patients, many are mistakenly diagnosed with other illnesses. Fortunately, a mesothelioma specialist can help with the diagnostic process and help patients receive the proper treatment.
Asbestos exposure is the only known cause of peritoneal mesothelioma. Asbestos fibers can cause irritation to abdominal tissues as well as cell changes when inhaled or consumed. This can lead to tumors that develop into mesothelioma in the peritoneum in time.
The exposure to asbestos typically starts with working in manufacturing or construction. These industries can employ asbestos-containing products, such as fireproofing and insulation. Asbestos is also found in household products like roofing tiles and flooring. Even the smallest amounts of exposure put a person at risk for mesothelioma. Because mesothelioma is a chronic disease with a long time to develop it is possible for patients to be diagnosed with peritoneal mesothelioma decades after the initial exposure.
Peritoneal mesothelioma symptoms may be similar to those of other conditions and can be mistaken for a hernia, digestive problems such as Crohn's disease or colitis, or other types of abdominal cancer. Because of this, many patients do not disclose their exposure to asbestos and they do not seek medical attention. Specialists may recommend a biopsy to confirm a diagnosis of mesothelioma. A biopsy is the removal of tiny pieces of tissue that is examined. This test can determine whether the mesothelioma is epithelioid (epidermoid), the sarcomatoid (sarcomatoid) or biphasic.
If mesothelioma has reached an early stage, doctors can remove all the tumors and offer curative treatment. The doctor will also be able to determine whether the cancer has spread within the abdomen. They will then recommend palliative treatments for the patient. For instance paracentesis, which is a procedure to drain fluid from the abdomen.
If a mesothelioma has advanced, the prognosis becomes poorer. The tumors could become resistant to certain treatments and recur. The doctor may recommend a combination of chemotherapy and surgery. Surgery options include cytoreduction, which is hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemo. This combination is more likely to improve the prognosis of a patient than merely chemotherapy alone.