Peritoneal Mesothelioma Asbestos Symptoms
Peritoneal mesothelioma asbestos symptoms often affect the digestive system. This is due to asbestos fibers being consumed and then absorbed in a lining of the stomach called the peritoneum.
In time the fibers cause mutations in healthy peritoneal cells. Cancerous tumors develop in the peritoneum as a result.
san diego asbestos lawsuit of mesothelioma may be a bit difficult. Early signs may be confused with symptoms of other conditions like hernias, or irritable Bowel syndrome.
Symptoms
When asbestos fibers are inhaled, they can enter the lungs and circulate throughout the body. From there, they may get stuck in the lining of the abdomen or other organs, creating inflammation and irritation that can lead to the growth of tumors. The process can take years to develop and many victims are unaware of their asbestos exposure until it is too late.
Asbestos fibers can become trapped in the tissues that line the abdominal cavity, or other organs, causing malignant peritoneal melanomas. It is the second most prevalent mesothelioma type, however it can be difficult to recognize because the early symptoms are nonspecific and similar to those of gastrointestinal diseases. Patients with peritoneal mesothelioma often have stomach pain, fatigue and digestive issues.
Mesothelioma victims are typically diagnosed with peritoneal mesothelioma after undergoing a physical examination and a medical history review and an array of laboratory tests. An X-ray or CT scan can assist doctors to find any lumps or indications of disease. In some cases mesothelioma patients, doctors will also require a biopsy to obtain a more precise diagnosis.
Peritoneal Mesothelioma symptoms usually start in the abdomen and may cause extreme abdominal discomfort, bloating and weight loss. They can also trigger nausea, vomiting, and other digestive issues. The symptoms can also include chest pain, swelling, and fatigue. If these symptoms are present it is essential to seek medical attention since they could be triggered by other conditions.
Despite the difficulties of diagnosing peritoneal mesothelioma, victims can often receive the proper treatment to prolong their lives. In most 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 learn more about how we can assist. We can assist you in finding an expert in your area who can assist you in filing an asbestos lawsuit against asbestos-related companies that are responsible for your exposure. We can also help ensure that you receive the financial settlement you're entitled to. Start the process by filling out our no-cost online form. We work with top mesothelioma attorneys and can assist you in obtaining the best possible outcome.
Diagnosis
The first step in diagnosing mesothelioma peritoneal is to obtain an complete medical history. Doctors will inquire about the person's exposure asbestos and the time it occurred. They may also conduct a physical exam. Blood tests, X-rays and CT scans are commonly used in the initial work-up.
Due to the long latency period, peritoneal mesothelioma is often difficult to identify. Patients may experience symptoms like abdominal pain, fever and nausea that are similar to other conditions. These symptoms that are not specific can cause confusion for doctors. Mesothelioma is a rare cancer that can take years to show symptoms following exposure to asbestos is a rare disease.
Asbestos fibers inhaled or consumed travel into the stomach lining known as the peritoneum. Once inside the peritoneum the asbestos fibers are sharp and irritate the mesothelium. This irritation causes inflammation and scar tissue over time. In the end, this causes abnormal cell growth and tumors forming.
Researchers are working on methods to detect the disease early. The importance of identifying mesothelioma early is that it will determine the treatment options.
A mesothelioma specialist can perform paracentesis (percutaneous needle biopsy) to take a sample for tests in the laboratory. These tests can reveal whether the cancer cells are epithelioid (epithelioid), sarcomatoid (sarcomatoid) or biphasic within the tumor. This information helps doctors develop a treatment plan.
Specialists in mesothelioma also determine the stage of the patient. The staging process determines which treatments will be most effective and also helps mesothelioma lawyers determine which asbestos companies to hold liable in mesothelioma lawsuits.
When a mesothelioma expert analyzes the results from a biopsy and creates a pathology document that includes information about the mesothelioma type. The report can also include an assessment system that outlines how far the cancer has spread within the body. The more advanced the stage of cancer, the less likely the patient will be able to respond to treatment. Lawyers can explain the implications of this to the particular case of a client.
Treatment
Asbestos fibers are inhaled or consumed and are absorbed in the tissue that lines the abdomen and other organs. They damage DNA and irritate cells. In time, this can lead to the development of tumors within the lining. Typically, peritoneal cancer develops in the lining of the abdomen. Peritoneal Mesothelioma affects more women than pleural mesothelioma but is less common.
The symptoms of peritoneal cancer are similar to those seen with gastrointestinal disorders, such as Crohn's disease and irritable colon disease and makes it difficult for doctors to diagnose. In the beginning, symptoms can be mistaken for normal ailments and can persist for months or years before a patient receives a mesothelioma diagnosis.
A doctor may also perform tests of blood and imaging to rule out any other conditions or diseases that may cause the same symptoms of mesothelioma. These tests can be used to determine the best treatment options.
Since peritoneal mesothelioma can develop in the abdominal lining A doctor will conduct a biopsy to confirm a diagnosis. A biopsy involves the removal of small portions of the affected area to be examined by pathologists. Biopsies can detect cancerous cells as well as identify the type of mesothelioma.
If a diagnosis of peritoneal mesothelioma has been confirmed, doctors will discuss options for treatment with the patient. The purpose of any treatment plan is usually to reduce the size and the 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, which are administered through the lungs, peritoneal mesothelioma treatments are injected orally or intravenously. Injections of chemotherapy such as heated intraperitoneal therapy (HIPEC) has helped prolong the life expectancy of many patients. HIPEC is a method that was invented by mesothelioma pioneer Paul Sugarbaker.
Individuals diagnosed with peritoneal mesothelioma may be eligible to file a lawsuit against negligent asbestos companies. A mesothelioma lawyer with experience will review the case of a patient and recommend legal options. Contact us today to get started. Contact us today. It's completely free, confidential, and there's no obligation. We provide nationwide representation.
Prognosis
Mesothelioma cancer is a rare form of cancer. Because doctors have limited experience with the disease, many patients are misdiagnosed with other diseases. A mesothelioma expert can help patients with the diagnosis and ensure they receive the right treatment.
Asbestos exposure is only the one known cause of peritoneal mesothelioma. Asbestos fibers can cause irritation of abdominal tissues as well as cell changes when inhaled or consumed. This can lead to tumors that form mesothelioma in the peritoneum in time.
The exposure to asbestos usually is a result of work in construction or manufacturing. These industries can utilize asbestos-containing materials including fireproofing, insulation. Asbestos is also found in household products, such as roofing tiles and flooring. Even small amounts of asbestos exposure could cause a person to be at risk of developing mesothelioma. Because mesothelioma has a long latency period, victims can sometimes be diagnosed with peritoneal mesothelioma decades after the initial exposure.
Peritoneal Mesothelioma can mimic other conditions. It is often mistaken for hernias, gastrointestinal issues such as colitis or Crohn's and other forms of abdominal cancers. Many patients don't report their asbestos exposure and do not seek medical attention. Doctors may suggest a biopsy to confirm the diagnosis of mesothelioma. A biopsy involves the removal of the smallest piece of tissue that is examined. This test can determine whether the mesothelioma has epithelioid (epidermoid), the sarcomatoid (sarcomatoid) or biphasic.
If mesothelioma does not have spread it is possible to remove the tumors. They will also offer a curative treatment. The doctor will also be able to determine if the cancer has spread to the abdomen. They can then prescribe palliative treatments for the patient. For example paracentesis to remove abdominal fluid.
The prognosis is worsened when a mesothelioma has progressed. This is because the cancer may become resistant to certain treatments, and they may develop a recurrence. The specialist may suggest a combination of surgery and chemotherapy. The surgical options include cytoreduction surgery along with hyperthermic intraperitoneal therapy. This combination is more likely to improve the prognosis of a patient than merely chemotherapy alone.