Peritoneal Mesothelioma Asbestos: The Good The Bad And The Ugly
Peritoneal Mesothelioma Asbestos Symptoms
The digestive system is frequently affected by the symptoms of peritoneal mesothelioma. This is because asbestos fibers are taken in and are then embedded within the lining of your stomach known as the peritoneum.
In time, these fibers cause changes to healthy peritoneal cells. In the end tumors that are cancerous develop in the peritoneum.
Mesothelioma is a challenging condition to diagnose. Early signs can be confused with symptoms of other conditions like hernias or irritable Bowel syndrome.
Symptoms
Asbestos fibers can move through the body when inhaled. From there, they can become trapped in the abdominal lining or other organs, causing inflammation and irritation that eventually leads to the growth of tumors. This process can take a long time to develop and many victims are unaware of their asbestos exposure until it's too late.
Asbestos fibers can get trapped in the tissue lining the abdominal cavity or other organs, leading to malignant peritoneal melanomas. It is the second-most common form of mesothelioma. However it can be difficult for doctors to recognize because the early symptoms are not specific. They may also be similar to gastrointestinal conditions. Patients with peritoneal cancer frequently experience fatigue, stomach pain and gastrointestinal issues.
Mesothelioma patients are usually diagnosed with peritoneal cancer after undergoing a physical examination as well as a medical history check and a series of tests performed by a laboratory. An X-ray or CT scan can assist doctors to identify any lumps or other signs of disease. In certain instances, doctors who treat mesothelioma may also request a biopsy to make a more precise diagnosis.
Peritoneal mesothelioma symptoms typically begin in the abdomen and can lead to extreme abdominal discomfort and weight loss, bloating, swelling of the belly, nausea, vomiting and other digestive problems. Other symptoms include chest pain, fatigue and swelling. If these symptoms are present it is essential that patients seek medical attention since they could be caused by other ailments.
Despite the difficulty of diagnosing peritoneal mesothelioma, victims can often receive the proper treatment to prolong their lives. In the majority of cases, this involves surgical treatment and heated chemotherapy.
If you or someone you love have been diagnosed with peritoneal cancer, contact one of our mesothelioma lawyers today to learn more about what we can do to help. We can connect you to mesothelioma specialists in your area who can assist you in bringing a suit against the asbestos companies responsible for your exposure. We can also help ensure that you get the financial compensation you're entitled to. Start the process by filling out our free online form. We can assist you in obtaining the best possible outcome by working with the top mesothelioma lawyers.
Diagnosis
The first step in identifying peritoneal mesothelioma is to get an accurate medical history. Doctors will inquire with the patient about their exposure to asbestos and when it happened. They will also conduct a physical exam. Initial tests typically include blood tests and Xrays and CT scans.
Peritoneal mesothelioma is a difficult cancer to diagnose due to its lengthy period of latency. Patients may experience symptoms like abdominal pain, fever and nausea that are similar to other conditions. These nonspecific symptoms may cause confusion for doctors. Mesothelioma is a rare cancer, and it can take years for symptoms to manifest after asbestos exposure.
Inhaling or eating asbestos fibers move to the stomach lining, known as the peritoneum. Asbestos fibers are sharp and irritate mesothelium when they reach the peritoneum. This irritation can cause inflammation and scar tissue over time. This causes abnormal cell growth and tumors.
Researchers are working to develop methods to detect mesothelioma early. The stage of mesothelioma is the basis for the treatment options.
A mesothelioma specialist can perform paracentesis (percutaneous needle biopsy) to collect a sample for tests in the laboratory. These tests will reveal if the cancerous cells are epithelioid (epithelioid), the sarcomatoid (sarcomatoid) or biphasic within the tumor. This information aids doctors create an appropriate treatment plan.
Specialists in mesothelioma also determine the stage of a patient. Staging determines which treatments might be most effective and also helps mesothelioma lawyers determine which asbestos companies to hold liable in mesothelioma lawsuits.
When a mesothelioma expert analyzes the results of a biopsy and creates a pathology document which contains details about the mesothelioma type. The report may also contain a staging scale that indicates how far the cancer has spread across the body. The more advanced the stage of cancer, the less likely the patient will respond to treatment. Lawyers can explain the implications of this for a particular client's case.
Treatment
When inhaled or swallowed asbestos fibers are embedded in the tissues that line the abdomen and other organs. The fibers cause irritation to cells and cause DNA damage. This can lead to the development of tumors. The majority of the time, peritoneal cancer develops in the lining that surrounds the abdomen. Peritoneal Mesothelioma affects more women than pleural mesothelioma however, it is less prevalent.
The symptoms of peritoneal cancer are similar to those associated with gastrointestinal disorders, such as Crohn's disease and irritable colon disease, making it hard for doctors to diagnose. In the beginning, symptoms can be mistaken for normal ailments and can persist for months or years before a patient is given an mesothelioma-related diagnosis.
In addition to an extensive medical history, a physician will conduct bloodwork and imaging tests to rule out other diseases and conditions that could trigger the same symptoms as mesothelioma. These tests can also be used to determine the best treatment options.
Since peritoneal mesothelioma is a cancer that develops the abdominal lining, a doctor will perform a biopsy to confirm a diagnosis. A biopsy is the process of removing small portions of the affected area to be examined by pathologists. Biopsies can reveal cancerous cells, and determine the type of Mesothelioma.
When a peritoneal Msothelioma diagnosis is confirmed doctors will discuss treatment options with patients. The aim of any treatment plan is usually to reduce the size and number of tumors. Surgery is typically the first line of defense but patients should also discuss the possibility of chemotherapy and immunotherapy.
Contrary to the chest-based treatment for pleural Mesothelioma that is administered via the lungs, the treatment for peritoneal Mesothelioma is injected either intravenously or orally. The injections of chemotherapy like heated intraperitoneal therapy (HIPEC) has helped prolong the survival of many patients. HIPEC is a technique that was developed by mesothelioma pioneer Paul Sugarbaker.
Individuals diagnosed with peritoneal mesothelioma could be able to bring an asbestos lawsuit against negligent companies. A mesothelioma lawyer with experience will evaluate a patient's situation and recommend legal options. Contact us now to begin. Contact us today. It's free, private, and there's no obligation. We provide nationwide representation.
Prognosis
Mesothelioma cancer is extremely rare. Because doctors lack experience with the disease, many patients are misdiagnosed with other diseases. A mesothelioma expert can assist patients identify the cause and ensure that they receive the right treatment.
Asbestos exposure is only the one known cause of peritoneal mesothelioma attorneys. When asbestos fibers are inhaled or ingested, they could irritate the abdominal tissues and cause cells to alter. As time passes, this could result in tumors that develop into mesothelioma lawsuits of peritoneum.
Manufacturing or construction is often the first location where asbestos exposure begins. These industries can employ asbestos-containing products, such as fireproofing and insulation. Asbestos is also found in household products, such as flooring and roofing tiles. Even very low levels of exposure can put someone at risk for mesothelioma. Because of the long time of latency, victims may be diagnosed with peritoneal msothelioma many decades after their first exposure.
Peritoneal mesothelioma symptoms can appear similar to other conditions and be mistaken for a hernia, digestive issues such as colitis or Crohn's disease or other types of abdominal cancer. A lot of patients do not disclose their asbestos exposure, and do not seek medical attention. When mesothelioma is detected, the specialists may recommend an examination for a more accurate diagnosis. A biopsy is the removal tiny pieces of tissue that is examined. This test will reveal whether the mesothelioma is epithelioid (epidermoid), Sarcomatoid (sarcomatoid) or biphasic.
If the mesothelioma is at an early stage, doctors can remove all of the tumors and offer curative treatment. The doctor can also determine whether the cancer has spread to the abdomen. They may then recommend palliative treatments for the patient, for example paracentesis, which drains the fluid from the abdomen.
When a mesothelioma is advanced the chances of survival are less. The reason for this is that the tumors may become resistant to certain treatments and can recur. The doctor may recommend a combination of surgery and chemotherapy. The surgical options include cytoreduction surgery combined with hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy. This combination is more likely than chemotherapy alone to improve the prognosis of the patient.