Peritoneal Mesothelioma Asbestos: The Good The Bad And The Ugly
Peritoneal Mesothelioma Asbestos Symptoms
The digestive system is commonly affected by the symptoms of mesothelioma of the peritoneal region. This is because asbestos fibers get ingested and become embedded in the lining of the stomach, called the peritoneum.
In time, these fibers cause mutations to healthy peritoneal cells. As a result cancerous tumors develop in the peritoneum.
Mesothelioma is a challenging condition to diagnose. The early signs can be similar to symptoms of other conditions, such as hernia or irritable bowel syndrome.
Symptoms
Asbestos fibers can travel through the body after inhalation. The fibers then become trapped 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 years to develop, and many victims are unaware of their asbestos exposure until too late.
Malignant peritoneal melanoma develops when asbestos fibers become trapped in the tissue that lines the abdominal cavity and other organs. It is the second most frequent mesothelioma type. However it can be difficult for doctors to diagnose because the early symptoms are not specific. They can also be similar to gastrointestinal conditions. Patients suffering from peritoneal cancer typically have stomach pain, fatigue and gastrointestinal problems.
After a physical examination and reviewing medical history and a series laboratory tests, mesothelioma attorney sufferers are diagnosed with peritoneal cancer. A X-ray and a CT scan can help doctors identify any lumps or other symptoms of disease. In some cases mesothelioma specialists may also require a biopsy to get an precise diagnosis.
Peritoneal Mesothelioma Symptoms usually begin in the abdomen and may cause extreme abdominal discomfort, bloating, and weight loss. They can also trigger nausea, vomiting, and other digestive issues. The symptoms can also include chest pain, swelling, and fatigue. When these symptoms occur, it is important that patients seek medical attention as they may be caused by other ailments.
Despite the difficulty of diagnosing peritoneal cancer, patients typically receive the appropriate treatment to extend their lives. In most cases, treatment involves surgery and chemo treatment that is heated.
If you or a loved one have been diagnosed with peritoneal mesothelioma, call our mesothelioma attorneys to learn more about what we can do to help. We can connect you to mesothelioma specialists in your area and assist you in filing a lawsuit against the asbestos companies that are responsible for your exposure. We can also help you receive the financial compensation that you deserve. You can start this process by filling out our no-cost online form. We partner with the top mesothelioma lawyers to help you secure the best possible outcome.
Diagnosis
To diagnose peritoneal Msothelioma it is essential to take a an extensive medical history. Doctors will ask the patient about their exposure to asbestos and when it happened. A physical examination will be conducted. Initial examinations typically include blood tests and X-rays and CT scans.
Due to the lengthy time of latency, peritoneal cancer can be difficult to recognize. Patients might experience symptoms such as abdominal pain, nausea and fever that are similar to those of other conditions. These symptoms aren't specific and could confuse doctors. mesothelioma attorney is a rare cancer, and it can take years before symptoms show up after exposure to asbestos.
Inhaled or ingested asbestos fibers move to the stomach lining called the peritoneum. Once inside the peritoneum the sharp asbestos fibers can cause irritation to the mesothelium. In time, this irritation causes inflammation and scar tissue growth. Eventually, this leads to abnormal cell growth and tumors develop.
There are no FDA-approved screening tests for peritoneal mesothelioma but researchers are working on finding ways to detect the disease's early stages. The importance of identifying mesothelioma early is that it determines the treatment options.
A mesothelioma expert can perform paracentesis (percutaneous needle biopsy) to collect samples for lab testing. These tests can reveal whether the cancer cells are epithelioid (epithelioid) or sarcomatoid (sarcomatoid) or biphasic within the tumor. This information can help doctors develop the treatment plan.
Mesothelioma specialists can also determine a patient's stage of mesothelioma. It determines which treatment options will be most effective and also helps mesothelioma lawyers determine which asbestos companies to pursue in mesothelioma lawsuits (related web site).
When a mesothelioma specialist analyzes the results of a biopsy they prepare a pathology report that includes specifics about the kind of mesothelioma. The report may also contain the staging scale, which indicates how the cancer has spread throughout the body. The higher the stage of cancer is, the less likely the patient is to respond to treatment. A lawyer can explain what this means in a client's situation.
Treatment
Asbestos fibers are inhaled or eaten and then absorbed in the tissue lining the abdomen and other organs. These fibers damage DNA and irritate cells. Over time, this leads to the development of tumors within the lining. Typically, peritoneal cancer is found in the lining that surrounds the abdomen. Peritoneal Mesothelioma is more prevalent in women than pleural Mesothelioma, however, it is less prevalent.
The symptoms of peritoneal cancer are similar to those associated with digestive disorders like Crohn's disease and irritable colon disease, making it hard for doctors to diagnose. Early symptoms can be mistaken for other ailments, and may persist for a long time, or even years before a mesothelioma diagnosis is made.
A doctor will also conduct tests on blood and imaging to rule out other conditions or diseases that may cause the same symptoms as mesothelioma. These tests will also aid in determining the most effective treatment options.
Because peritoneal mesothelioma develops in the abdominal lining, a doctor will perform an examination to confirm the diagnosis. A biopsy is the process of removing small samples of the affected area for examination by pathologists. Biopsies are able to reveal cancerous cells, and can identify the type of Mesothelioma.
After a peritoneal msothelioma is confirmed, doctors will discuss the treatment options with patients. The goal of a treatment plan is to reduce the size and number of tumors. Surgery is often the first option, but patients can also look into chemotherapy and immunotherapy.
Contrary to chest-based treatment for pleural mesothelioma which is administered via the lungs, the treatment for peritoneal Mesothelioma is injected either intravenously or orally. Chemotherapy injections like heated intraperitoneal therapy (HIPEC) has helped prolong survival for many patients. HIPEC is a technique that was developed by mesothelioma pioneer Paul Sugarbaker.
Patients who have been diagnosed with peritoneal cancer may qualify to bring a lawsuit against negligent asbestos companies. A knowledgeable mesothelioma attorney will evaluate a patient's situation and recommend legal options. Contact us now to begin. It is free, confidential and there is no obligation. We offer nationwide representation.
Prognosis
Mesothelioma cancer is rare. Because doctors lack experience in diagnosing patients, many are mistakenly diagnosed as having other illnesses. Fortunately mesothelioma specialists can assist in the diagnostic process and provide patients with the proper treatment.
The only cause that is known for mesothelioma of the peritoneal region is asbestos exposure. Asbestos fibers can cause irritation of abdominal tissues as well as cell mutations when inhaled or consumed. This can lead to tumors that develop mesothelioma within the peritoneum over time.
Construction or manufacturing work is often the first place where asbestos exposure starts. These industries could employ asbestos-containing products like fireproofing and insulation. Asbestos is also found in household items such as roof tiles and flooring. Even very low levels of exposure can put a person at risk for mesothelioma. Because mesothelioma is a chronic disease with an extended latency period, victims can sometimes be diagnosed with peritoneal mesothelioma decades after the initial exposure.
Peritoneal mesothelioma symptoms can be similar to those of other diseases and could be mistaken for hernias, gastrointestinal issues like colitis or Crohn's disease, or other types of abdominal cancer. Because of this, many patients don't report their exposure to asbestos and they don't seek medical attention. If mesothelioma has been identified doctors may recommend the procedure of a biopsy to make an precise diagnosis. A biopsy involves the removal of a small piece of tissue to be examined. This test can determine whether the mesothelioma is epithelioid (epidermoid), sarcomatoid (sarcomatoid) or biphasic.
If mesothelioma isn't spreading it is possible to remove the tumors. They can also provide an option for curative treatment. The doctor will also be able to determine if the cancer has spread to the abdomen. They will then recommend palliative treatments for the patient. For example paracentesis, which is a procedure to drain fluid from the abdomen.
The prognosis is worsened when a mesothelioma has advanced. This is because the cancer may become resistant to certain treatments and may be recurred. The specialist may suggest a combination of surgery and chemotherapy. Surgery options include cytoreduction along with hyperthermic intraperitoneal therapy. This combination is more likely than chemotherapy alone to improve the prognosis for the patient.