20 Myths About Peritoneal Mesothelioma Asbestos: Debunked
Peritoneal Mesothelioma Asbestos Symptoms
Peritoneal mesothelioma asbestos symptoms typically affect the digestive system. This is because asbestos fibers are ingested and become embedded in the stomach's lining and peritoneum.
Over time these fibers can cause mutations in healthy peritoneal cells. As a result cancerous tumors develop in the peritoneum.
The diagnosis of mesothelioma can be a challenge. The early signs may be confused with symptoms of other conditions such as hernias or irritable Bowel Syndrome.
Signs and symptoms
When asbestos fibers are inhaled they can enter the lungs and travel throughout the body. They can then get 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 asbestos exposure until too late.
Malignant peritoneal mesothelioma is a condition that occurs asbestos fibers become trapped in the tissues that line the abdominal cavity as well as other organs. It is the second most prevalent type of mesothelioma, but it can be difficult to identify because the initial symptoms are not specific and similar to symptoms of gastrointestinal diseases. Patients with peritoneal cancer often have stomach pain, fatigue and gastrointestinal issues.
Mesothelioma victims are typically diagnosed with peritoneal cancer 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 identify any lumps or other signs of illness. In certain cases mesothelioma physicians may require a biopsy to get a more accurate diagnosis.
Peritoneal mesothelioma symptoms usually begin in the abdominal area and can lead to severe abdominal pain and weight loss, bloating swelling of the belly nausea, vomiting, and other digestive problems. Other symptoms include fatigue, chest pain and swelling. If symptoms like these occur, it is important that patients seek medical attention as they could be triggered by other conditions.
Despite the difficulties in diagnosing patients with peritoneal msothelioma, they can often be treated to prolong their lives. In the majority of cases, this involves the use of surgery and chemotherapy that is heated.
If you or someone you love have been diagnosed with peritoneal cancer, contact our mesothelioma lawyers to find out how we can assist. We can connect you to a mesothelioma specialist near you who can assist you in bringing a suit against the asbestos-related companies responsible for your exposure. We can also ensure you get the financial compensation you are entitled to. You can start this process by filling out our no-cost online form. We can assist you in obtaining the best outcome possible by working with the best mesothelioma lawyers.
Diagnosis
The first step to diagnose mesothelioma peritoneal is to obtain an accurate medical history. Doctors will inquire about the patient's exposure to asbestos and when it occurred. They may also conduct a physical examination. Blood tests, X-rays and CT scans are typically utilized in the initial check-up.
Peritoneal mesothelioma can be difficult to recognize because of its long period of latency. Patients may be afflicted by symptoms like nausea, abdominal pain, and fever that are similar to other conditions. These symptoms that are not specific can confuse doctors. Mesothelioma is a rare type of cancer that can take a long time before symptoms show up after exposure to asbestos.
Asbestos fibers that are inhaled or consumed are transported to the stomach lining, known as the peritoneum. Once in the peritoneum, the sharp asbestos fibers cause irritation to the mesothelium. In time this irritation can cause inflammation and scar tissue formation. Eventually, this leads to abnormal cell growth and tumors forming.
Researchers are working on ways to detect the disease at its earliest stages. The importance of identifying mesothelioma early is that it will determine the treatment options.
A mesothelioma expert can conduct a paracentesis or percutaneous needle biopsy to collect 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 aid doctors determine a treatment strategy.
Specialists in mesothelioma lawsuit also determine the stage of the patient. The stage determines the most effective treatment and helps mesothelioma lawyers know which asbestos companies are liable in mesothelioma cases.
When a mesothelioma specialist analyzes the results of a biopsy they produce a pathology report that includes specifics about the kind of mesothelioma. The report can also include the staging system which outlines how far the cancer has spread throughout the body. The more advanced the stage is, the less likely it will respond to treatment. A lawyer can explain the implications of this to specific clients.
Treatment
Asbestos fibers can be inhaled or eaten and then absorbed in the tissues lining the abdomen and other organs. These fibers can cause irritation to cells and damage DNA. This can lead to the development of tumors. The majority of the time, peritoneal mesothelioma is found in the lining of the abdomen known as the peritoneum. Peritoneal mesothelioma occurs less frequently than pleural mesothelioma, and typically affects women more.
The symptoms of peritoneal cancer are similar to symptoms of gastrointestinal disorders such as irritable bowel syndrome and Crohn's disease, making it difficult for doctors to identify the condition. Early symptoms can be misinterpreted as other conditions, and may persist for months or even years before mesothelioma is diagnosed.
In addition to a thorough medical history, a physician will perform imaging and blood tests to rule out other illnesses and conditions that could trigger the same symptoms as mesothelioma. These tests will aid in determining the most effective treatment options.
A biopsy is conducted by a doctor to confirm the diagnosis. This is because peritoneal msothelioma occurs in the abdominal lining. A biopsy is the removal of small portions of the affected area to be examined by pathologists. Biopsies can detect cancerous cells as well as identify the mesothelioma type.
After a peritoneal msothelioma is confirmed doctors will discuss treatment options with patients. The purpose of any treatment plan is usually to reduce the size and the number of tumors. Surgery is often the first option, but patients can also look into chemotherapy and immunotherapy.
Unlike the chest-based treatments for pleural mesothelioma that are administered via the lung, the peritoneal mesothelioma treatment are administered either intravenously or orally. Chemotherapies like injections, such as heated intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC), have helped to prolong the life of many patients. HIPEC is a technique that was developed by mesothelioma pioneer Paul Sugarbaker.
Individuals diagnosed with peritoneal mesothelioma lawsuits could be able to bring a lawsuit against negligent asbestos companies. A mesothelioma attorney can review the case of a patient and suggest legal options. Contact us today to get started. Contact us now. It's completely free, confidential and there's no commitment. We offer nationwide representation.
Prognosis
Mesothelioma is a rare cancer. Because doctors have limited experience in diagnosing patients, many are mistakenly diagnosed with other illnesses. Fortunately mesothelioma specialists can assist in the diagnostic process and help patients receive the appropriate treatment.
The only known cause of mesothelioma of the peritoneal region is asbestos exposure. When asbestos fibers are breathed in or ingested, they could cause irritation to the tissues of the abdomen and cause cells to alter. This can cause tumors to develop mesothelioma within the peritoneum in time.
Manufacturing or construction work is often the first location where asbestos exposure begins. These industries may employ asbestos-containing products, such as fireproofing and insulation. Asbestos is also found in household products, such as roofing tiles and flooring. Even small amounts of exposure to asbestos can cause a person to be at risk of mesothelioma. Because mesothelioma is a chronic disease with a long latency period, victims can sometimes be diagnosed with peritoneal mesothelioma decades after their initial exposure.
Peritoneal mesothelioma symptoms could resemble those of other conditions and be mistaken for a hernia, digestive problems such as colitis or Crohn's disease, or other types of abdominal cancer. Many patients do not declare their asbestos exposure and don't seek medical attention. Doctors may suggest a biopsy to confirm a diagnosis of mesothelioma. A biopsy is the removal a small piece of tissue to be examined. This procedure can help determine the stage of mesothelioma, and if it is epithelioid, biphasic, or sarcomatoid.
If the mesothelioma is in an early stage doctors can remove all of the tumors and offer an effective treatment. The doctor will also be able to determine if the cancer has spread within the abdomen. They may then recommend palliative treatment for the patient. For example, paracentesis to drain abdominal fluid.
If mesothelioma progresses, the prognosis becomes poorer. The tumors could become resistant to treatment and recur. The doctor might suggest 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 merely chemotherapy alone.