Peritoneal Mesothelioma
A diagnosis of mesothelioma is devastating. But it's important to be proactive about your health and see a doctor if you have any signs.
Mesothelioma affecting the peritoneum occurs much less frequently than more common form that affects the pleural lining of the lung (pleural mesothelioma). It is usually caused by asbestos exposure.
Symptoms
Peritoneal mesothelioma can be described as an aggressive form of asbestos cancer that affects the abdominal cavity's lining. Asbestos is a known factor in this type of cancer. Similar to pleural mesothelioma, most cases of peritoneal cancer are caused by asbestos exposure.
Asbestos is a natural fiber that was previously used in a variety of industries, including construction and manufacturing. When asbestos is broken down it creates dust that can be inhaled or swallowed. Mesothelioma symptoms usually are not evident until 20 to 50 years after exposure to asbestos. Since the initial symptoms of mesothelioma resemble to the symptoms of less severe diseases and patients are often incorrectly diagnosed. This is why they receive a mesothelioma diagnosis at a later time that is more difficult to treat.
Lower abdominal pain is the most common sign of peritoneal mesthelioma. The cancer affects the lining of your abdomen. The pain may be localized or spread throughout your stomach. It may be associated with fatigue, nausea as well as weight loss and difficulty swallowing. Constipation and diarrhea are also common symptoms of peritoneal msothelioma. Both genders can be affected by this condition however, men are more likely to suffer it. This is likely due to the fact that men have more industrial jobs which expose them to asbestos than women.
In addition to asbestos exposure and other asbestos-related substances, several other factors may increase your risk of developing the disease, including gene mutations and exposure to radiation. Other mesothelioma-related factors are being researched.
Mesothelioma is usually malignant, however benign mesothelioma is reported in a few cases. Contrary to malignant mesothelioma the mesothelioma isn't related to asbestos and does not affect the tissues of your body.
Asbestos exposure increases your chances of developing this disease, because it causes irritation to cells that surround organs. The cells that are irritated can become cancerous, leading to mesothelioma lawyer. The asbestos-related nature of many mesothelioma types is a common factor, however each type has its own distinct risk factors. Pleural mesothelioma has the highest likelihood of being associated with asbestos exposure while peritoneal and pericardial mesothelioma have more limited relationships with asbestos.
Diagnosis
Like pleural mesothelioma, the mesothelioma of the peritoneal region forms in the lining of the abdomen. The asbestos fibers that people swallow or inhale pass through the body, and then get trapped in the stomach lining (peritoneum). These asbestos fibers can cause irritation and inflammation over time. This can lead to genetic damage and the cells grow into tumors in the peritoneum or nearby organs.
It is important to see a mesothelioma specialist doctor. They have years of experience treating this rare cancer. They also know how to help patients survive longer after receiving a cancer diagnosis.
The first step in the diagnosis of peritoneal mesothelioma is to determine if you have a history of exposure to asbestos. Asbestos is most commonly exposed by people who work in shipbuilding, construction or electrical work.
Mesothelioma has an extended period of latency which means that the signs are not always clear. It is not uncommon for patients to be misdiagnosed. Many symptoms of peritoneal mesothelioma are similar to signs of other illnesses, including stomach pain and swelling nausea, tiredness, nausea and an unproven loss of weight. Asbestos victims may also have trouble remembering the specifics of their exposure to asbestos.
Asbestos victims who are diagnosed with mesothelioma of the peritoneal region can seek compensation to pay for the treatment costs. Many victims have received substantial compensation from bankrupt asbestos companies. These funds can be used to help patients and their family members get the care needed to live longer after an diagnosis of peritoneal mesothelioma lawyer.
A physician may recommend an CT to confirm the diagnosis and rule out any other problems out. The scans can show if tumors have spread to other parts of the pelvic or abdominal region. Peritoneal mesothelioma patients can benefit from a variety of treatment options including surgery, chemotherapy and radiation therapy. The most effective treatment for mesothelioma of the peritoneal region is to begin treatment as soon as possible following the first symptoms.
Treatment
When asbestos fibers are consumed or inhaled, they reach the lining of the abdomen (peritoneum). The fibers irritate mesothelial cell membranes, and eventually trigger mutations that result in cancerous tumours. Peritoneal mesothelioma has a lower incidence than pleural mesothelioma but is still an extremely rare and deadly cancer. The majority of people diagnosed with peritoneal mesothelioma are men and it is more likely to be affecting people over 60.
Asbestos is the sole known cause of peritoneal mesothelioma. This type of mesothelioma can be caused by asbestos particles released into the air during workplaces, like shipyards and power plants. These particles may also get into the body's lymphatic system and travel to the abdomen. After they reach the abdomen, the particles can settle into the peritoneum, where they may cause irritation to mesothelial cells lining the stomach and intestines, as well as the liver.
Patients with peritoneal melanoma can often benefit from surgical treatments, chemotherapy, and immunotherapy. The type and severity depends on the extent of the tumor. Patients and their families need to consult a mesothelioma lawsuits specialist about the best treatment options for their particular situation.
Mesothelioma is a complicated illness, and the symptoms might not show up for years. This is why mesothelioma specialists recommend regular medical tests to identify potential early signs of the disease. This includes bloodwork and imaging tests like CT scans and X-rays which show the size of the tumor. These tests can also be used to look for biomarkers, which help doctors distinguish between different kinds of mesothelioma.
Doctors can also determine the length of time the patient has been exposed to asbestos and whether they are at risk of developing a peritoneal or pleural mesothelioma. This information can assist patients receive compensation from asbestos producers through mesothelioma lawsuits. Veterans with peritoneal mesothelioma or pleural mesothelioma may also receive disability benefits and health care from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. To learn more about these and other resources for veterans, request a no-cost copy of the mesothelioma resource manual. The guide also includes stories of other mesothelioma patients.
The following is a list of preventatives.
The primary method to avoid peritoneal mesothelioma is to avoid asbestos exposure. People who work with asbestos or have a family member who is exposed should inform their doctor, as they might be at risk of developing mesothelioma. Those who were exposed to asbestos in the past should be sure to discuss any symptoms with their doctor. A physician can help manage symptoms and check for mesothelioma-related symptoms.
Peritoneal mesothelioma develops when a person inhale or swallows asbestos fibers that are scattered around. The fibers move through bloodstreams and eventually into the lining of the abdomen known as the peritoneum. Once they reach peritoneum fibers can cause irritation to cells and cause damage. Over time, damaged cell develop into tumors that expand. When tumors develop they can create abdominal pressure and excessive fluid buildup. The peritoneum becomes thicker and tumors begin to form. They may are then spread to other abdominal organs.
Symptoms of peritoneal mesothelioma may not appear until 20 to 50 years after the time a person first was exposed to asbestos. Asbestos exposure is only the one known reason for this cancer. Asbestos is a mineral that occurs naturally was once used in many industrial and construction processes. Its strength and resistance to heat made it an ideal material for a wide range of products, including insulation roofing, brakes and shingles. In the United States, asbestos was used most frequently from the 1930s until the beginning of the 1980s.
Mesothelioma develops by tiny asbestos fibers that get into the body and irritate mesothelial tissue. Exposure can be caused by asbestos mining, handled or removed from a structure or when people breathe in dust from the removal of asbestos materials. The highest risk is for those who have handled asbestos under these conditions.
Exposure to asbestos outside of work can also cause peritoneal cancer. Studies have demonstrated that a person's risk of developing mesothelioma is increased with each year they are exposed to asbestos. In a case-control research study in Los Angeles and New York, doctors compared the occupations listed on the death certificates of the men who died from peritoneal mesothelioma lawsuit to their interviews with their next-of-kin.