Peritoneal Mesothelioma Asbestos Symptoms
The digestive system is commonly affected by the symptoms of peritoneal mesothelioma. This is because asbestos fibers are ingested and become embedded in the lining of the stomach known as the peritoneum.
Over time the fibers cause mutations in healthy peritoneal cells. Tumors that are cancerous develop in the peritoneum as a result.
The diagnosis of mesothelioma may be a challenge. The initial signs may resemble symptoms of other conditions, such as hernia or IBS.
Symptoms
Asbestos fibers may travel through the body after inhalation. The fibers then become trapped in the linings of the abdomen and other organs. This causes irritation and inflammation, which 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 melanoma develops when asbestos fibers get trapped in the tissues that line the abdominal cavity as well as other organs. It is the second most frequent mesothelioma type. However it is often difficult for doctors to identify because the early symptoms are not specific. They may also be similar to gastrointestinal disorders. Patients with peritoneal cancer frequently have stomach pain, fatigue and gastrointestinal problems.
After a physical examination followed by reviewing medical history and a series of laboratory tests, mesothelioma patients are diagnosed with peritoneal cancer. A CT scan and X-ray can aid in identifying lumps, or other indications of illness. In some instances mesothelioma physicians may require a biopsy to get a more accurate diagnosis.
Peritoneal mesothelioma symptoms typically begin in the abdominal area and can cause extreme abdominal pain as well as bloating, weight loss, stomach fluid accumulation, nausea, vomiting and other digestive issues. Other symptoms include fatigue, chest pain and swelling. It is important for victims to seek a medical diagnosis when they experience these symptoms because they could be caused by something other than mesothelioma.
Despite the difficulty in diagnosing peritoneal mesothelioma, patients are often able to receive the right treatment to extend their lives. In most cases, this involves surgery and heated chemotherapy.
If you or a loved one have been diagnosed with peritoneal cancer, contact our mesothelioma attorneys to learn how we can help. We can assist you in finding an expert in your area who can help you file an asbestos lawsuit against the companies that are responsible for your exposure. We can also assist you in ensuring that you get the financial compensation you are entitled to. Fill out our online form to start the process. We can assist you to get the best possible outcome working with top mesothelioma lawyer attorneys.
Diagnosis
The first step in diagnosing mesothelioma peritoneal is to obtain an accurate medical history. Doctors will inquire about the person's exposure asbestos and when it occurred. A physical examination will be conducted. Initial examinations typically include blood tests and Xrays, as well as CT scans.
Because of the long time of latency, peritoneal cancer can be difficult to diagnose. Patients may experience symptoms such as nausea, abdominal pain and fever that are similar to those of other conditions. These symptoms aren't specific and can cause confusion for doctors. Mesothelioma is a rare type of cancer, and it can take decades for symptoms to appear after asbestos exposure.
Inhaled or ingested asbestos fibers travel to the stomach lining, called the peritoneum. When they reach the peritoneum, the asbestos fibers are sharp and cause irritation to the mesothelium. As time passes this irritation can cause inflammation and scar tissue growth. Eventually, this leads to abnormal cell growth and tumors develop.
There are no FDA-approved screening tests for peritoneal mesothelioma however, researchers are developing ways to identify the disease's early stages. Staging mesothelioma is important as it will determine the treatment options.
A mesothelioma specialist can perform a paracentesis or percutaneous needle biopsy to collect mesothelioma tumors to be tested in the lab. These tests can reveal the type of cancer cells (epithelioid, sarcomatoid or biphasic) within the tumor and help doctors develop a treatment plan.
Mesothelioma specialists also evaluate the mesothelioma stage of a patient. The stage determines the most effective treatment and also helps mesothelioma lawyers understand which asbestos companies are liable in mesothelioma lawsuits.
When a mesothelioma specialist analyzes the results of a biopsy, they prepare an a pathology report which contains details on the type of mesothelioma. The report could also include the staging scale, which indicates how far the cancer has spread within the body. The more advanced the stage of cancer the less likely a patient will respond to treatment. Lawyers can explain the implications of this for specific clients.
Treatment
Inhalation or swallowing, asbestos fibers become embedded in the tissue that lines the abdomen and other organs. These fibers damage DNA and can cause irritation to cells. This causes the formation of tumors. The majority of the time, peritoneal cancer develops in the lining that covers the abdomen. Peritoneal mesothelioma occurs less frequently than pleural mesothelioma. It usually affects women more.
The symptoms of peritoneal cancer are similar to those seen with gastrointestinal disorders such as Crohn's disease and irritable colon disease, making it hard for doctors to diagnose. Because of this, early symptoms can be mistaken for normal ailments and may last for months or years before a patient receives a mesothelioma diagnosis.
A physician will also conduct imaging and blood tests to rule out any other conditions or diseases that may cause mesothelioma-like symptoms. These tests can also be used to determine the best treatment options.
Since peritoneal mesothelioma is a cancer that develops the abdominal lining, a doctor will perform biopsy to confirm a diagnosis. A biopsy involves the removal of small portions of the affected area to be examined by pathologists. Biopsies can reveal cancerous cells, and can identify the type of Mesothelioma.
If a diagnosis of peritoneal cancer is confirmed, doctors will discuss the options for treatment with the patient. The goal of a treatment plan is to minimize the size and quantity of tumors. Surgery is usually the first line of defense, but patients should also discuss the possibility of immunotherapy and chemotherapy.
In contrast to chest-based therapies for pleural mesothelioma, which are administered via the lung, the peritoneal mesothelioma treatment are administered intravenously or orally. Chemotherapies like injections, such as heated intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) have helped to prolong the life of many patients. HIPEC was invented by mesothelioma expert Paul Sugarbaker.
Individuals diagnosed with peritoneal mesothelioma may qualify to bring an asbestos lawsuit against negligent companies. A knowledgeable mesothelioma attorney will evaluate a patient's situation and suggest legal options. Contact us today to get started. It's completely free, confidential and there is no commitment. We provide nationwide representation.
Prognosis
Mesothelioma is a rare cancer. Doctors have limited experience with it, so many patients are misdiagnosed as having other illnesses. Fortunately mesothelioma specialists can assist in the diagnostic process and get patients the right treatment.
The only cause that is known for mesothelioma peritoneal is exposure to asbestos. When asbestos fibers are inhaled or ingested, they could cause irritation to the abdominal tissues and cause cells to mutate. Over time, this can result in tumors that develop into a mesothelioma of the peritoneum.
Construction or manufacturing work is often the first location where asbestos exposure can begin. These industries may utilize asbestos-containing materials like fireproofing and insulation. Asbestos is also found in household products such as roof tiles and flooring. Even the smallest amount of asbestos exposure can cause a person to be at risk of mesothelioma. Because the disease has a long time to develop it is possible for patients to be diagnosed with peritoneal cancer decades after the initial exposure.
Peritoneal Mesothelioma can mimic other conditions. It is often mistaken for hernias or gastrointestinal issues like colitis or Crohn's and other types of abdominal cancers. Because of this, many patients do not disclose their exposure to asbestos, and they don't seek medical treatment. If mesothelioma has been identified, the specialists may recommend a biopsy for a more accurate diagnosis. A biopsy is the removal a small piece of tissue that is examined. This test can determine whether the mesothelioma is epithelioid (epidermoid), the sarcomatoid (sarcomatoid) or biphasic.
If mesothelioma attorney does not have spread, doctors can remove the tumors. They will also provide an effective treatment. The doctor will also be able to determine whether the cancer has spread to the abdomen. They can then prescribe palliative treatment for the patient. For instance paracentesis to remove fluid from the abdomen.
The prognosis is worsened when a mesothelioma has progressed. The tumors could become resistant to certain treatments and recur. The specialist may suggest a combination of chemotherapy and surgery. Surgery options include cytoreduction combined with hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy. This combination is more likely than chemotherapy by itself to improve the prognosis for a patient.