Peritoneal Mesothelioma Asbestos Symptoms
Peritoneal mesothelioma asbestos signs typically affect the digestive system. This is because asbestos fibers are inhaled and then become a part of the stomach’s lining and peritoneum.
In time, these fibers cause changes in healthy peritoneal cells. As a result cancerous tumors develop in the peritoneum.
Mesothelioma is a difficult condition to recognize. The early signs can be similar to symptoms of other conditions like hernia, or irritable bowel syndrome.
Symptoms
Asbestos fibers may travel through the body when breathed. They can then become stuck in the lining of the abdomen or other organs, creating irritation and inflammation that leads to tumor growth. This process can take years to develop and many patients are unaware of their Groves Asbestos Law Firm exposure until too late.
Asbestos fibers can become trapped in the tissue lining the abdominal cavity or other organs, causing malignant peritoneal melanoma. It is the second most prevalent mesothelioma type, however it can be difficult to recognize because the early symptoms aren’t specific and are similar to those of gastrointestinal diseases. Patients with peritoneal cancer often experience fatigue, stomach pain and gastrointestinal problems.
After a physical exam and reviewing medical history, and a series of laboratory tests, mesothelioma sufferers are diagnosed with peritoneal cancer. A CT scan and an X-ray may help doctors identify lumps or any other signs of disease. In certain cases doctors who treat mesothelioma may also request a biopsy to get a more accurate diagnosis.
Peritoneal mesothelioma symptoms generally start in the abdominal region and can result in severe abdominal discomfort, bloating, weight loss, fluid buildup in the belly, nausea, vomiting and other digestive issues. Symptoms may also include chest pain, swelling, and fatigue. It is essential for patients to seek a medical diagnosis in the event of these symptoms, as they could be caused by something other than mesothelioma.
Despite the difficulty in diagnosing patients with peritoneal msothelioma, they can typically receive the appropriate treatment to prolong their lives. In most cases, the treatment involves surgery and chemo treatment that is heated.
Contact our mesothelioma attorneys to learn how we can assist you if you or a family member has been diagnosed with peritoneal msothelioma. We can connect you to mesothelioma specialists near you and assist you in bringing a suit against the asbestos companies responsible for your exposure. We can also ensure you receive the financial settlement you’re entitled to. Complete our online form to start the process. We can assist you to get the best possible outcome by working with top mesothelioma attorneys.
Diagnosis
To diagnose peritoneal msothelioma, it is crucial to have a an exhaustive medical history. Doctors will inquire about the person’s exposure asbestos and the time it occurred. They also conduct a physical exam. Blood tests, X-rays, and CT scans are commonly used in the initial work-up.
Because of the long period of latency, peritoneal mesothelioma can be difficult to recognize. Patients may experience symptoms like abdominal discomfort, nausea, and fever that may resemble other ailments. These nonspecific symptoms can confuse doctors. Mesothelioma is a rare form of cancer that can take years to manifest symptoms following exposure to asbestos, is a rare disease.
Asbestos fibers inhaled, or consumed travel to the stomach lining called the peritoneum. Once in the peritoneum, the vandalia asbestos law firm fibers’ sharp edges irritate the mesothelium. This irritation leads to inflammation and scar tissue over time. This leads to abnormal cell growth and tumors.
Researchers are working on methods to detect mesothelioma early. The stage of mesothelioma is the basis for the treatment options.
A mesothelioma expert can perform a paracentesis or percutaneous needle biopsy to take a sample of mesothelioma tumors to be tested in the lab. These tests can help identify the kind of cancer cells (epithelioid, sarcomatoid or biphasic) within the tumor and help doctors develop the best treatment plan.
Specialists in mesothelioma can also determine the stage of a patient. Staging determines which treatments might be most effective and also helps mesothelioma lawyers know which asbestos companies to hold liable in mesothelioma lawsuits.
When a mesothelioma doctor analyzes the results of a biopsy, they prepare an a pathology report which contains details about the type of mesothelioma. The report can also include the staging system which outlines how far the cancer has spread within the body. The higher the stage is, the less likely it is to respond to treatment. A lawyer can explain what this means for a client’s case.
Treatment
Asbestos fibers are inhaled or eaten and then absorbed in the tissue that lines the abdomen and other organs. They damage DNA and irritate cells. As time passes, this leads to the formation of tumors within the lining. Typically, peritoneal mesothelioma develops in the lining of the abdomen known as the peritoneum. 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 identify. Because of this, early symptoms can be mistaken for normal ailments and may last for months or years before a patient receives the mesothelioma diagnosis.
In addition to an extensive medical history, a doctor will conduct bloodwork and imaging tests to rule out other illnesses and conditions that could trigger the same symptoms as mesothelioma. These tests can also be used to determine the most effective treatment options.
Since peritoneal mesothelioma can develop in the abdominal lining A doctor will conduct a biopsy to confirm a diagnosis. A biopsy is the removal of small amounts of tissue from the affected area to be examined by pathologists. Biopsies can detect cancerous cells and identify the type of mesothelioma.
If a diagnosis of peritoneal mesothelioma has been confirmed, doctors will discuss the options for treatment with the patient. The goal of the treatment plan is to reduce the size and number of tumors. Surgery is typically the first line of defense however, patients should also talk about the possibility of chemotherapy and immunotherapy.
In contrast to the chest-based treatment for pleural Mesothelioma which is administered through the lungs, peritoneal Mesothelioma treatment is administered either intravenously or orally. Chemotherapies like injections, such as heated intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) have helped to prolong the lives of many patients. HIPEC is a method that was invented by mesothelioma pioneer Paul Sugarbaker.
Patients diagnosed with peritoneal mesothelioma may be eligible to file a lawsuit against negligent asbestos companies. A knowledgeable mesothelioma attorney will review the case of a patient and recommend legal options. Contact us now to get started. It’s completely free, confidential and there is no obligation. We provide nationwide representation.
Prognosis
Mesothelioma cancer is extremely rare. The doctors have limited experience dealing with it, which means that many patients are wrongly diagnosed as having other diseases. A mesothelioma expert can assist patients with the diagnosis and ensure they receive the right treatment.
Asbestos exposure is the sole known cause of peritoneal mesthelioma. When asbestos fibers are breathed in or consumed, they may cause irritation to abdominal tissues and cause cells to alter. This may cause tumors to develop mesothelioma within the peritoneum over time.
Construction or manufacturing work is usually the first area where asbestos exposure begins. These industries may utilize materials that contain asbestos, for example, insulation and fireproofing. Asbestos is also present in household items such as flooring and roofing tiles. Even the smallest amounts of exposure can put a person at risk of developing mesothelioma. Because mesothelioma has a long latency period, victims can sometimes be diagnosed with peritoneal mesothelioma years after the initial exposure.
Peritoneal Mesothelioma can mimic other conditions. It is often mistaken for hernias, digestive problems like Crohn’s or colitis and other types of abdominal cancers. This is why many patients don’t report their exposure to south williamsport asbestos attorney and they do not seek medical attention. Doctors may suggest a biopsy to confirm a diagnosis of mesothelioma. A biopsy is the process of removing only a small amount of affected tissue for testing. This test will reveal whether the mesothelioma has epithelioid (epidermoid), Sarcomatoid (sarcomatoid) or biphasic.
If mesothelioma has not spread and the doctors are able to remove the tumors. They will also provide an effective treatment. The specialist can also determine whether the cancer has spread within the abdomen. They may then recommend palliative treatment for the patient. For example paracentesis to remove fluid from the abdomen.
The odds of survival are worse when mesothelioma is advanced. The tumors could become resistant to certain treatments and may recur. The doctor may recommend a combination of chemotherapy and surgery. The surgical options include cytoreduction surgery combined with hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy. This combination is more likely than chemotherapy alone to improve the outlook of the patient.