The 10 Most Scariest Things About Peritoneal Mesothelioma Asbestos
Peritoneal Mesothelioma Asbestos Symptoms
The digestive system is often affected by the symptoms of peritoneal mesothelioma. This is because asbestos fibers are ingested, and become embedded in a lining of the stomach known as the peritoneum.
Over time, these fibres result in mutations to the healthy peritoneal cell. In the end cancerous tumors develop in the peritoneum.
The diagnosis of mesothelioma may be a challenge. Early signs may be confused with other symptoms like hernias, or irritable Bowel Syndrome.
Symptoms
When asbestos fibers are inhaled, they can pass into the lungs and then travel throughout the body. From there, they may be trapped in the lining of the abdomen or other organs, creating inflammation and irritation that eventually leads to tumor growth. This process can take a long time to develop, and many victims are unaware of their asbestos exposure until too late.
Asbestos fibers can become trapped in the tissue lining the abdominal cavity or other organs, causing malignant peritoneal melanomas. It is the second most common mesothelioma type, however it is difficult to identify because the initial symptoms aren't specific and are similar to those of digestive diseases. Patients with peritoneal cancer often experience fatigue, stomach pain and gastrointestinal issues.
After a physical exam and reviewing medical history and a series of tests in the laboratory, mesothelioma patients are diagnosed with peritoneal cancer. A CT scan or X-ray can help doctors detect lumps, or other indications of disease. In some cases mesothelioma physicians may order a biopsy to obtain a more precise diagnosis.
Peritoneal mesothelioma symptoms typically begin in the abdomen and can lead to extreme abdominal discomfort and weight loss, bloating fluid buildup in the belly, nausea, vomiting and other digestive issues. The symptoms can also include chest pain, swelling, and fatigue. If symptoms like these occur, it is important to seek medical attention as they could be triggered by other conditions.
Despite the difficulty of diagnosing peritoneal msothelioma patients can often be treated to prolong their lives. In the majority of cases, treatment involves surgery and chemo treatment that is heated.
If you or someone you love have been diagnosed with peritoneal cancer, contact our mesothelioma attorneys to learn what we can do to help. We can help you find an expert in mesothelioma near you who can assist you in filing a lawsuit against asbestos companies that are responsible for your exposure. We can also assist you in ensuring that you receive the financial compensation that you deserve. You can start this process by filling in our free online form. We can assist you in obtaining the best outcome possible by working with top mesothelioma attorneys.
Diagnosis
The first step in identifying mesothelioma of the peritoneal region is to collect an complete medical history. Doctors will inquire with the patient about their asbestos exposure and the date it occurred. A physical examination will be conducted. Blood tests, X-rays, and CT scans are commonly used in the initial work-up.
Due to the lengthy period of latency, peritoneal mesothelioma can be difficult to recognize. Patients may experience symptoms such as nausea, abdominal pain, and fever that are similar to other conditions. These nonspecific symptoms may cause confusion for doctors. Mesothelioma is a rare type of cancer, and it can take years before symptoms show up after exposure to asbestos.
Inhaling or ingestion of asbestos fibers move to the stomach lining, known as the peritoneum. Once in the peritoneum, the asbestos fibers are sharp and irritate the mesothelium. Over time, this irritation causes inflammation and scar tissue. This leads to abnormal cell growth and tumors.
There are no FDA-approved screenings for peritoneal mesothelioma, however, researchers are finding ways to detect the disease's early stages. The importance of identifying mesothelioma early is that it determines the treatment options.
A mesothelioma specialist can perform paracentesis (percutaneous needle biopsy) to take samples for lab testing. These tests can help identify the kind of cancer cells (epithelioid, sarcomatoid or biphasic) within the tumor, and assist doctors to come up with an appropriate treatment strategy.
Mesothelioma specialists also evaluate a patient's stage of mesothelioma lawsuit. The stage determines the most effective treatment and helps mesothelioma lawyers know which asbestos-related companies are responsible in mesothelioma suits.
A mesothelioma specialist examines the results of a biopsy, they prepare an analysis report that contains details about the type of mesothelioma. The report could also include an assessment system that outlines how the cancer has spread in the body. The higher the stage is, the less likely it is that it will respond to treatment. Lawyers can explain what this means for a client's case.
Treatment
When inhaled or swallowed asbestos fibers are embedded in the tissues that line the abdomen and other organs. These fibers damage DNA and cause irritation to cells. This causes the formation of tumors. Typically, peritoneal mesothelioma forms in the lining of the abdomen called the peritoneum. Peritoneal mesothelioma is rarer than pleural mesothelioma and usually affects women more.
The symptoms of peritoneal mesothelioma are similar to symptoms of gastrointestinal disorders like irritable bowel disorder and Crohn's disease, which makes it difficult for doctors to recognize the condition. As a result, early symptoms can be mistaken for normal ailments, and can last for months or years before a patient is diagnosed with a mesothelioma diagnosis.
In addition to a thorough medical history, a physician will run tests for imaging and bloodwork to rule out other diseases and conditions that could trigger the same symptoms as mesothelioma. These tests can aid in determining the best treatment options.
Because peritoneal mesothelioma lawsuit develops in the abdominal lining The doctor will conduct an examination to confirm the diagnosis. A biopsy is the process of removing small amounts of tissue from the affected area to be examined by pathologists. Biopsies can reveal cancerous cells, and can determine the type of Mesothelioma.
When a peritoneal Msothelioma diagnosis is confirmed, doctors will discuss the treatment options with patients. The goal of any treatment plan is generally to decrease the size and the number of tumors. Surgery is often the first option, however patients can also look into chemotherapy and immunotherapy.
In contrast to the chest-based treatment for pleural mesothelioma which is administered via the lungs peritoneal Mesothelioma treatment is injected intravenously or orally. The injections of chemotherapy like heated intraperitoneal therapy (HIPEC) has helped prolong the life expectancy of many patients. HIPEC is a procedure innovated by mesothelioma pioneer Paul Sugarbaker.
Individuals suffering from peritoneal cancer may be eligible to bring a lawsuit against negligent asbestos companies. A mesothelioma attorney can review the case of a patient and recommend legal options. Contact us today to get started. It's free, confidential and there is no obligation. We offer nationwide representation.
Prognosis
Mesothelioma is a rare type of cancer. Doctors have limited experience with it, and many patients are wrongly diagnosed as having other diseases. Fortunately, a mesothelioma specialist can help with the diagnostic process and help patients receive the appropriate treatment.
Asbestos exposure is the sole known cause of peritoneal cancer. Asbestos fibers can cause irritation of the abdominal tissues and cell changes when inhaled or consumed. Over time, this can lead to tumors that form mesothelioma in the peritoneum.
Exposure to asbestos often begins with working in manufacturing or construction. These industries could employ materials that contain asbestos, such as insulation and fireproofing. Asbestos can also be present in household items like flooring and roof tiles. Even the smallest amounts of exposure put a person at risk of developing mesothelioma. Because mesothelioma is a chronic disease with a long time to develop it is possible for patients to 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, gastrointestinal issues like Crohn's disease or colitis, or other types of abdominal cancer. This is why many patients do not disclose their exposure to asbestos and they don't seek medical care. Specialists may recommend a biopsy to confirm a diagnosis of mesothelioma. A biopsy involves the removal of only a small amount of affected tissue for testing. This procedure can reveal 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 provide curative treatment. The specialist can also determine if the cancer has spread within the abdomen. They may then recommend palliative treatments for the patient. For instance paracentesis, which is a procedure to drain fluid from the abdomen.
If a mesothelioma has advanced, the prognosis becomes poorer. The tumors may become resistant to certain treatments and may recur. The doctor may suggest an amalgamation of chemotherapy and surgery. Surgical options include cytoreduction surgery combined with hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy. This combination is more likely than chemotherapy by itself to improve the prognosis for a patient.