25 Surprising Facts About Peritoneal Mesothelioma Asbestos
Peritoneal Mesothelioma Asbestos Symptoms
The digestive system is often affected by the symptoms of mesothelioma of the peritoneal region. This is because asbestos fibers are taken in and are then embedded within the lining of your stomach known as the peritoneum.
In time the fibers cause changes in healthy peritoneal cells. In the end tumors that are cancerous develop in the peritoneum.
The diagnosis of mesothelioma can be difficult. Early signs can be confused with other signs such as hernias or irritable Bowel Syndrome.
Symptoms
When asbestos fibers are inhaled, they can enter the lungs and travel throughout the body. From there, they can get trapped in the lining of the abdomen or other organs, causing inflammation and irritation that can lead to the growth of tumors. The process can take years to develop, and most victims do not know that they have asbestos exposure until it is too late.
Malignant peritoneal mesothelioma is a condition that occurs asbestos fibers are trapped in the tissue that lines the abdominal cavity and other organs. It is the second most prevalent type of mesothelioma, but it is difficult to identify because the initial symptoms aren't specific and are similar to those of digestive disorders. Patients with peritoneal mesothelioma frequently experience stomach pain, fatigue and digestive issues.
Mesothelioma victims are typically diagnosed with peritoneal mesothelioma following conducting a physical examination, a medical history review and several laboratory tests. A CT scan and X-ray may help doctors identify lumps or other signs of disease. In certain cases doctors who treat mesothelioma will also order a biopsied to get a more accurate diagnosis.
Peritoneal mesothelioma symptoms typically start in the abdominal region and can lead to extreme abdominal pain and weight loss, bloating fluid buildup in the belly, nausea, vomiting and other digestive problems. Other symptoms include chest pain, fatigue and swelling. It is important for victims to seek medical attention when they experience these symptoms because they could be caused by something other than mesothelioma.
Despite the difficulties in diagnosing patients with peritoneal msothelioma, they can typically receive the appropriate treatment to prolong their lives. In the majority of cases, treatment is surgery and heated chemo.
Contact our mesothelioma lawyers to find out how we can help you if you or a family member has been diagnosed with peritoneal mesothelioma. We can assist you in finding an expert in mesothelioma near you who can assist you in filing an asbestos lawsuit against the companies responsible for your exposure. We can also ensure you receive the financial compensation you deserve. Fill out our online form to begin the process. We work with top mesothelioma attorneys and can help you secure the best possible outcome.
Diagnosis
To diagnose peritoneal msothelioma, it is important to have a complete medical history. Doctors will inquire about the person's exposure asbestos and when it happened. A physical examination will be conducted. Initial examinations typically include blood tests and Xrays and CT scans.
Due to the long latency period, peritoneal mesothelioma can be difficult to diagnose. Patients may experience symptoms like abdominal discomfort, nausea, and fever that are similar to other conditions. These symptoms that are not specific could confuse doctors. Mesothelioma is a rare cancer, and it can take years for symptoms to appear after exposure to asbestos.
Asbestos fibers inhaled or consumed move to the stomach lining called the peritoneum. When they reach the peritoneum, the asbestos fibers are sharp and cause irritation to the mesothelium. Over time, this irritation causes inflammation and scar tissue formation. In the end, this causes abnormal cell growth and tumors develop.
There are no FDA-approved screenings for peritoneal mesothelioma, however, researchers are developing methods to detect the disease in its earliest stages. The stage of mesothelioma is the basis for the treatment options.
A mesothelioma specialist can perform a paracentesis or percutaneous needle biopsy to collect mesothelioma tumours for laboratory testing. These tests can reveal the kind of cancer cells (epithelioid or sarcomatoid) within the tumor and aid doctors come up with a treatment strategy.
Specialists in mesothelioma can also determine the stage of the patient. Staging determines which treatments might be most effective and helps mesothelioma attorneys know which asbestos companies to hold liable in mesothelioma lawsuits.
When a mesothelioma lawyer expert reviews the results from the biopsy the doctor creates a pathology report which contains details about the mesothelioma type. The report can also include the staging system which outlines how the cancer has spread throughout the body. The more advanced the stage of cancer is, the less likely the patient will be able to respond to treatment. Lawyers can explain the implications of this for a particular client's case.
Treatment
When swallowed or inhaled asbestos fibers get encased in the tissue that lines the abdomen and other organs. They damage DNA and cause irritation to cells. As time passes, this leads to the development of tumors within the lining. The majority of the time, peritoneal cancer develops in the lining of the abdomen. Peritoneal mesothelioma is rarer than pleural mesothelioma, and typically affects women more.
The symptoms of peritoneal cancer are similar to symptoms of gastrointestinal diseases such as irritable bowel syndrome and Crohn's disease. This makes it difficult for doctors to diagnose the condition. As a result, early symptoms can be mistaken as normal ailments and may last for months or even years before a patient receives a mesothelioma diagnosis.
A doctor may also perform imaging and blood tests to rule out other diseases or conditions that could trigger mesothelioma-like symptoms. These tests can also be used to determine the most effective treatment options.
A biopsy is conducted by a doctor to confirm the diagnosis. This is because peritoneal Msothelioma can be found in the abdominal liner. A biopsy is the process of removing small samples of the affected area to be examined by pathologists. Biopsies can reveal cancerous cells, and can identify the type of Mesothelioma.
If a diagnosis of peritoneal mesothelioma lawsuit is confirmed doctors will discuss options for treatment with the patient. Generally speaking, the aim of a treatment plan is to decrease the size and amount of tumors. Surgery is often the first option, but patients can also consider chemotherapy and immunotherapy.
Contrary to chest-based treatments for pleural mesothelioma which are administered through the lung, peritoneal mesothelioma treatments are administered intravenously or orally. Chemotherapies like injections, such as heated intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) have helped to prolong the life of many patients. HIPEC was developed by mesothelioma expert Paul Sugarbaker.
Individuals diagnosed with peritoneal mesothelioma may qualify to bring a lawsuit against negligent asbestos companies. A knowledgeable mesothelioma attorney will evaluate a patient's situation and suggest legal options. Contact us now to get started. Contact us now. It's free, confidential, and there's no obligation. We provide nationwide representation.
Prognosis
Mesothelioma cancer is rare. Doctors have limited experience with it, so many patients are misdiagnosed as having other illnesses. Fortunately mesothelioma specialists can help with the diagnostic process and get patients the right treatment.
Asbestos exposure is the sole known cause of peritoneal mesothelioma. Asbestos fibers can cause irritation to the abdominal tissues and cell mutations when consumed or inhaled. In time, this may lead to tumors that form a mesothelioma of the peritoneum.
Construction or manufacturing work is often the first place where asbestos exposure starts. These industries may use asbestos-containing materials including fireproofing, insulation. Asbestos can also be present in household items, such as flooring and roof tiles. Even low levels of asbestos exposure could put someone at risk of mesothelioma. Due to the long period of latency patients may be diagnosed with peritoneal mesothelioma for a long time after their initial exposure.
Peritoneal mesothelioma symptoms may appear similar to other diseases and could be mistaken for hernias, gastrointestinal issues like Crohn's disease or colitis, or other forms of abdominal cancer. Many patients do not declare their asbestos exposure and don't seek medical care. Doctors may suggest a biopsy to confirm a diagnosis of mesothelioma. A biopsy involves the removal of a small piece of tissue to be examined. This procedure can reveal whether the mesothelioma has epithelioid (epidermoid), sarcomatoid (sarcomatoid) or biphasic.
If mesothelioma does not have spread it is possible to remove the tumors. They will also provide an option for curative treatment. The specialist can also determine if the cancer has been able to spread to the abdomen. They can then prescribe palliative treatment for the patient. For example, paracentesis to drain abdominal fluid.
The odds of survival are worse when a mesothelioma has progressed. The tumors could become resistant to treatment and recur. The doctor might recommend the combination of surgery and chemotherapy. Surgery options include cytoreduction along with hyperthermic intraperitoneal therapy. This combination is more likely to improve a patient's outlook than chemotherapy on its own.