Peritoneal Mesothelioma Asbestos Symptoms
Peritoneal mesothelioma asbestos symptoms often affect the digestive system. This is because asbestos fibers are consumed and then absorbed in the lining of the stomach, known as the peritoneum.
As time passes, these fibers cause mutations to healthy peritoneal cells. As a result, cancerous tumors form in the peritoneum.
The diagnosis of mesothelioma can be a challenge. Early signs may be confused with other signs like hernias or irritable Bowel Syndrome.
Signs and symptoms
When asbestos fibers are inhaled, they can enter the lungs and then travel throughout the body. The fibers can then get trapped in the linings the abdomen and other organs. This causes inflammation and irritation that leads to tumor development. The process can take years to develop and many victims are unaware of their asbestos exposure until it is too late.
Asbestos fibers may get caught in the tissues that line the abdominal cavity, or other organs, which can cause malignant peritoneal melanomas. It is the second most frequent form of mesothelioma. However, it can be difficult for doctors to identify since the first symptoms aren't specific. It is also possible that they are similar to gastrointestinal conditions. Patients with peritoneal mesothelioma often experience stomach pain, fatigue and gastrointestinal problems.
Mesothelioma patients are usually diagnosed with peritoneal mesothelioma following undergoing a physical examination, a medical history review and a series of tests performed by a laboratory. A CT scan or X-ray may help doctors identify lumps, or other indications of disease. In some cases, mesothelioma doctors will also order a biopsy to obtain an accurate diagnosis.
Peritoneal mesothelioma symptoms usually begin in the abdominal area and can result in severe abdominal discomfort and weight loss, bloating fluid buildup in the belly, nausea, vomiting and other digestive problems. Other symptoms include chest pain, fatigue and swelling. If these symptoms are present it is essential to seek medical attention because they could be caused by other illnesses.
Despite the difficulty of diagnosing peritoneal msothelioma patients can often be treated to prolong their lives. In the majority of cases, the treatment involves surgery and chemo treatment that is heated.
Contact our mesothelioma lawyers today to learn more about how we can help you if you or a loved one has been diagnosed with peritoneal mesothelioma. We can help you locate an expert in your area who can help you file an asbestos lawsuit against asbestos-related companies that are responsible for your exposure. We can also help you get the financial compensation you deserve. Complete our online form to begin the process. We can help you get the best outcome possible by working with the top mesothelioma lawyers.
Diagnosis
To diagnose peritoneal Msothelioma it is crucial to have a an exhaustive medical history. Doctors will inquire with the patient about their exposure to asbestos and when it happened. They will also conduct a physical exam. Blood tests, X-rays and CT scans are typically utilized in the initial check-up.
Because of the long period of latency, peritoneal mesothelioma is often difficult to identify. Patients may be afflicted by symptoms like nausea, abdominal pain and fever that are similar to those of other conditions. These non-specific symptoms can confuse doctors. Mesothelioma is a rare form of cancer that can take years to manifest symptoms after asbestos exposure, is a rare illness.
Inhaling or ingestion of asbestos fibers travel to the stomach lining called the peritoneum. asheville asbestos law firm are sharp and irritate mesothelium after they reach the peritoneum. As time passes, this irritation causes inflammation and scar tissue growth. In the end, this causes abnormal cell growth, and tumors can develop.
Researchers are working to develop methods to detect mesothelioma at its earliest stages. The stage of mesothelioma is the basis for the treatment options.
A mesothelioma expert can perform paracentesis (percutaneous needle biopsy) to collect the specimen for lab testing. These tests can help identify the kind of cancer cells (epithelioid, sarcomatoid or biphasic) within the tumor, and assist doctors to develop a treatment plan.
Mesothelioma specialists can also determine a patient's stage of mesothelioma. 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 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 throughout the body. The higher the stage the more likely it is to respond to treatment. Lawyers can explain the implications of this for the particular case of a client.
Treatment
When swallowed or inhaled asbestos fibers are embedded in the tissues that line the abdomen and other organs. The fibers cause irritation to cells and damage DNA. This can lead to the development of tumors. Typically, peritoneal cancer develops in the lining of the abdomen. Peritoneal mesothelioma is less common than pleural mesothelioma, and typically affects women more.
The symptoms of peritoneal cancer are similar to those that are associated with gastrointestinal disorders such as Crohn's disease and irritable bowel syndrome, making it hard for doctors to diagnose. Early symptoms can be misinterpreted as a sign of other illnesses and can last for a long time, or even years before a mesothelioma is diagnosed.
In addition to an extensive medical history, a physician will run imaging and blood tests to rule out other diseases and conditions that may cause 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 perform an examination to confirm the diagnosis. A biopsy is the process of removing small amounts of the affected area to be examined by pathologists. Biopsies may reveal cancerous cells and determine the type of mesothelioma.
If a peritoneal msothelioma has been confirmed doctors will discuss treatment options with patients. The goal of any treatment plan is typically to decrease the size and number of tumors. Surgery is usually the first line of defense however, patients should also talk about the possibility of chemotherapy and immunotherapy.
In contrast to chest-based therapies for pleural mesothelioma that are administered via the lung, peritoneal mesothelioma treatments are administered either intravenously or orally. The injections of chemotherapy such as heated intraperitoneal therapy (HIPEC) have helped prolong the survival of many patients. HIPEC was invented by mesothelioma expert Paul Sugarbaker.
Patients diagnosed with peritoneal mesothelioma may be eligible to file a lawsuit against negligent asbestos companies. An attorney for mesothelioma can analyze the case of a patient and recommend legal options. Contact us today to begin. It's completely absolutely free, and confidential, and there is no commitment. We offer nationwide representation.
Prognosis
Mesothelioma cancer is a rare form of cancer. Because doctors lack experience in diagnosing patients, many are mistakenly diagnosed with other diseases. Fortunately, a mesothelioma specialist can assist in the diagnostic process and help patients receive the proper treatment.
The only known cause of mesothelioma peritoneal is exposure to asbestos. When asbestos fibers are inhaled or consumed, they may irritate abdominal tissues and cause cells to mutate. As time passes, this could cause tumors to form mesothelioma in the peritoneum.
Manufacturing or construction work is usually the first area where asbestos exposure begins. These industries can employ materials that contain asbestos, for example, insulation and fireproofing. Asbestos is also found in household products, such as flooring and roof tiles. Even low levels of asbestos exposure could cause a person to be at risk of mesothelioma. Because the disease has a long time to develop patients may be diagnosed with peritoneal mesothelioma years after the initial exposure.
Peritoneal Mesothelioma may mimic other diseases. It is often mistaken for hernias or gastrointestinal issues like colitis or Crohn's and other types of abdominal cancer. Because of this, many patients don't report their exposure to asbestos and they don't seek medical attention. A biopsy may be recommended by a specialist to confirm the diagnosis of mesothelioma. A biopsy involves the removal of tiny pieces of tissue to be tested. This procedure will reveal the stage of mesothelioma and if it is epithelioid, sarcomatoid or biphasic.
If mesothelioma has reached an early stage doctors can remove all the tumors and provide curative treatment. The specialist can also determine whether the cancer has spread to the abdomen. They will then recommend palliative care for the patient. For instance, paracentesis to drain abdominal fluid.
The prognosis is worsened when a mesothelioma has progressed. The reason for this is that the tumors are able to become resistant to certain treatments and may develop a recurrence. The specialist may recommend an amalgamation of chemotherapy and surgery. The surgical options include cytoreduction surgery combined with hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy. This combination is more likely than chemotherapy by itself to improve the outlook of patients.