20 Myths About Peritoneal Mesothelioma Asbestos: Dispelled
Peritoneal Mesothelioma Asbestos Symptoms
Peritoneal mesothelioma asbestos symptoms typically affect the digestive system. This is because asbestos fibers are taken in and are then embedded in a lining of the stomach, known as the peritoneum.
Over time, these fibers cause changes in healthy peritoneal cells. As a result cancerous tumors develop in the peritoneum.
The diagnosis of mesothelioma can be a bit difficult. The initial signs may resemble symptoms of other diseases, like hernia or IBS.
Signs and symptoms
When asbestos fibers are breathed in, they can enter the lungs and travel throughout the body. The fibers can then get stuck in the linings of the abdomen and other organs. This causes inflammation and irritation that results in the development of tumors. This process can take a long time to develop and many victims are unaware of their asbestos exposure until it's too late.
Malignant peritoneal mesothelioma occurs when asbestos fibers get trapped in the tissue that lines the abdominal cavity as well as other organs. It is the second most frequent mesothelioma. However, it is difficult to identify because the initial symptoms are nonspecific and similar to those of digestive disorders. Patients with peritoneal mesothelioma often have stomach pain, fatigue and digestive issues.
Mesothelioma sufferers are usually diagnosed with peritoneal mesothelioma following having a physical exam, a medical history review and an array of laboratory tests. A CT scan and X-ray can help doctors detect lumps, or other indications of illness. In some instances mesothelioma specialists may also order a biopsy to obtain a more precise diagnosis.
Peritoneal mesothelioma symptoms generally begin in the abdomen and can cause extreme abdominal pain, weight loss, bloating, fluid buildup in the belly nausea, vomiting, and other digestive issues. Other symptoms include fatigue, chest pain and swelling. When these symptoms occur, it is important to seek medical attention as they could be caused by other illnesses.
Despite the difficulty of diagnosing peritoneal mesothelioma lawyer, patients can often receive the proper treatment to prolong their lives. In the majority of cases, treatment is surgery and chemo treatment that is heated.
If you or a loved one have been diagnosed with peritoneal cancer, contact one of our mesothelioma lawyers today to learn how we can assist. We can help you locate a mesothelioma expert near you who can assist you in filing an asbestos lawsuit against the companies responsible for your exposure. We can also help ensure that you receive the financial settlement you deserve. You can start this process by filling out our no-cost online form. We can assist you to get the best possible outcome working with top mesothelioma attorneys.
Diagnosis
The first step in identifying mesothelioma peritoneal is to obtain an exact medical history. Doctors will ask about the person's exposure asbestos and when it occurred. They also conduct a physical exam. Initial examinations typically include X-rays and blood tests, as well as CT scans.
Peritoneal mesothelioma can be difficult to identify because of its long period of latency. Patients may experience symptoms such as nausea, abdominal pain and fever that are similar to those of other conditions. These symptoms that are not specific can confuse doctors. mesothelioma attorney, a rare cancer that can take years to manifest symptoms following exposure to asbestos, is a rare disease.
Inhaling or eating asbestos fibers travel into the stomach lining, known as the peritoneum. Asbestos fibers that are sharp irritate mesothelium after they reach the peritoneum. Over time this irritation can cause inflammation and scar tissue formation. Then, it leads to abnormal cell growth and tumors develop.
There are no FDA-approved screening tests for mesothelioma of the peritoneum, but researchers are working on developing ways to identify the disease in its early stages. Staging mesothelioma is important as it determines treatment options.
A mesothelioma specialist may perform paracentesis (percutaneous needle biopsy) to take samples for tests in the laboratory. These tests can determine if the cancerous cells are epithelioid (epithelioid) or sarcomatoid (sarcomatoid) or biphasic within the tumor. This information helps doctors develop the treatment plan.
Specialists in mesothelioma also determine the stage of a patient. Staging determines which treatments might 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 of the biopsy and creates a pathology document that includes information about the type of mesothelioma. The report may also include an assessment scale that reveals how the cancer has spread throughout the body. The higher the stage of cancer the less likely a patient will respond to treatment. A lawyer can explain the significance of this for a client's case.
Treatment
Asbestos fibers can be breathed in or consumed and are absorbed 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 development of tumors in the lining. The majority of the time, peritoneal mesothelioma lawsuit is found in the abdomen's lining called the peritoneum. Peritoneal Mesothelioma affects more women than pleural mesothelioma however, it is less prevalent.
The symptoms of peritoneal mesothelioma are similar to those of gastrointestinal diseases like irritable bowel disorder and Crohn's disease, which makes it difficult for doctors to identify the condition. Early symptoms can be misinterpreted as a sign of other illnesses and can last for months or even years before a mesothelioma is identified.
In addition to a thorough medical history, a doctor will run tests for imaging and bloodwork to rule out other diseases and conditions that could cause the same symptoms as mesothelioma. These tests will help to determine the best treatment options.
A biopsy is conducted by a physician to confirm the diagnosis. This is because peritoneal msothelioma occurs in the abdominal liner. A biopsy is the process of removing small amounts of the affected area for examination by pathologists. Biopsies can reveal cancerous cells and identify the type of mesothelioma.
If a diagnosis of peritoneal mesothelioma has been confirmed, doctors will discuss options for treatment with the patient. Generally speaking, the aim of the treatment plan is to decrease the size and amount of tumors. Surgery is typically the first line of defense, however, patients must also consider the possibility of immunotherapy and chemotherapy.
Contrary to the chest-based treatment for pleural mesothelioma which is administered via the lungs, peritoneal Mesothelioma treatment is injected either intravenously or orally. Chemotherapy injections, such as heated intraperitoneal therapy (HIPEC), helped extend the life expectancy of many patients. HIPEC is a method that was invented by mesothelioma pioneer Paul Sugarbaker.
Patients diagnosed with peritoneal mesothelioma could be able to bring a lawsuit against negligent asbestos companies. An attorney for mesothelioma can analyze the case of a patient and suggest legal options. Contact us now to get started. It is free, confidential and there is no obligation. We offer nationwide representation.
Prognosis
Mesothelioma cancer is extremely rare. Because doctors aren't experienced with the disease, many patients are misdiagnosed with other diseases. A mesothelioma specialist can assist patients identify the cause and ensure they receive the appropriate treatment.
The only known cause of mesothelioma of the peritoneal region is asbestos exposure. Asbestos fibers can cause irritation to abdominal tissues and cell mutations when consumed or inhaled. This can cause tumors to develop mesothelioma within the peritoneum in time.
The exposure to asbestos usually begins with working in manufacturing or construction. These industries could use asbestos-containing materials, such as fireproofing and insulation. Asbestos is also present in household items such as flooring and roof tiles. Even small amounts of exposure to asbestos can put a person in danger of mesothelioma. Because mesothelioma has an extended latency period patients may be diagnosed with peritoneal cancer decades after the initial exposure.
Peritoneal Mesothelioma may mimic other diseases. It is often mistaken for hernias, digestive issues such as colitis or Crohn's and other types of abdominal cancers. Many patients don't disclose their asbestos exposure, and don't seek medical care. Specialists may recommend a biopsy to confirm the diagnosis of mesothelioma. A biopsy involves the removal of the smallest piece of tissue to be examined. This procedure will reveal the stage of mesothelioma as well as whether it is epithelioid biphasic, or sarcomatoid.
If mesothelioma does not have spread, doctors can remove the tumors. They can also provide an option for curative treatment. The doctor will also be able to determine if the cancer has been able to spread to the abdomen. They can then prescribe palliative care for the patient, such as paracentesis to drain the fluid from the abdomen.
When a mesothelioma is advanced the chances of survival are less. This is because the tumors can become resistant to certain treatments and may be recurred. The doctor might recommend a combination of surgery and chemotherapy. Surgery options include cytoreduction, which is hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemo. This combination is more likely to improve a patient's prognosis than chemotherapy on its own.