"Ask Me Anything": Ten Responses To Your Questions About Peritoneal Mesothelioma Asbestos
Peritoneal Mesothelioma Asbestos Symptoms
Peritoneal mesothelioma asbestos symptoms often affect the digestive system. This is because asbestos fibers are consumed and then absorbed within the lining of your stomach called the peritoneum.
In time these fibers can cause mutations in healthy peritoneal cells. As a result tumors that are cancerous develop in the peritoneum.
Mesothelioma is a challenging condition to recognize. Early signs may be confused with other symptoms like hernias, or irritable Bowel Syndrome.
Symptoms
Asbestos fibers can move through the body when breathed. The fibers then become trapped in the linings of the abdomen and other organs. This can cause inflammation and irritation, which results in the development of tumors. This process can take years to develop and many victims are unaware of their asbestos exposure until it's too late.
Asbestos fibers may get caught in the tissues that line the abdominal cavity, or other organs, causing malignant peritoneal melanomas. It is the second most common mesothelioma type. However it can be difficult for doctors to identify because the early symptoms are not specific. It is also possible that they are similar to digestive disorders. Patients suffering from peritoneal mesothelioma typically have stomach pain, fatigue and digestive issues.
After a physical exam, an examination of medical history and a series tests in the laboratory, mesothelioma patients are diagnosed with peritoneal cancer. A X-ray and a CT scan can help doctors find any lumps or signs of illness. In some instances mesothelioma physicians may require a biopsy to get a more precise diagnosis.
Peritoneal Mesothelioma symptoms typically begin in the abdomen and may cause extreme abdominal discomfort, bloating and weight loss. They may also cause nausea and vomiting as well as other digestive issues. The symptoms can also include chest pain, swelling, and fatigue. If symptoms like these occur it is crucial that victims seek medical attention as they may be caused by other ailments.
Despite the difficulties in diagnosing patients with peritoneal msothelioma, they can often receive the right treatment to prolong their lives. In most cases, the treatment involves surgery and heated chemo.
If you or someone you love have been diagnosed with peritoneal mesothelioma, contact our mesothelioma attorneys lawyers to learn more about what we can do to help. We can connect you with mesothelioma specialists near you and assist you in bringing a lawsuit against the asbestos companies that are responsible for your exposure. We can also help you get the financial compensation you are entitled to. You can start this process by filling out our no-cost online form. We can assist you in obtaining the best possible outcome by working with the best mesothelioma lawyers.
Diagnosis
To diagnose peritoneal Msothelioma it is essential to take a a complete medical history. Doctors will inquire about the person's exposure asbestos and when it happened. They will also conduct a physical exam. Initial work-ups often include X-rays and blood tests and CT scans.
Peritoneal mesothelioma attorneys is difficult to identify due to its long period of latency. Patients may experience symptoms such as abdominal nausea, fever and pain that may resemble other ailments. These symptoms aren't specific and can confuse doctors. Mesothelioma is a rare cancer that can take years to show symptoms following exposure to asbestos is a rare condition.
Asbestos fibers that are inhaled or consumed travel to the stomach lining, known as the peritoneum. Asbestos fibers that are sharp irritate mesothelium once they reach the peritoneum. As time passes this irritation can cause inflammation and scar tissue formation. This causes abnormal cell growth and tumors.
There are no FDA-approved screening tests for peritoneal mesothelioma however, researchers are developing methods to detect the disease in its early stages. The stage of mesothelioma determines the treatment options.
A mesothelioma expert can perform paracentesis (percutaneous needle biopsy) to collect samples for laboratory testing. These tests can reveal the kind of cancer cells (epithelioid or sarcomatoid) within the tumor and aid doctors come up with an appropriate treatment plan.
Mesothelioma specialists also evaluate the stage of mesothelioma a patient is. The stage determines the most effective treatment and helps mesothelioma lawyers know which asbestos companies are accountable in mesothelioma lawsuits.
A mesothelioma specialist examines the results of a biopsy they produce an a pathology report which contains details about the type of mesothelioma. The report may also contain an assessment scale that reveals how far the cancer has spread within the body. The higher the stage, the less likely it is to respond to treatment. Lawyers can explain the implications of this to specific clients.
Treatment
Asbestos fibers can be breathed in or consumed and are absorbed in the tissue lining the abdomen and other organs. These fibers irritate the cells and destroy DNA. As time passes, this leads to the development of tumors within the lining. Typically, peritoneal mesothelioma develops in the lining of the abdomen called the peritoneum. Peritoneal mesothelioma occurs less frequently 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 colon disease and makes it difficult for doctors to diagnose. As a result, early symptoms can be mistaken as normal ailments, and can last for months or even years before a patient is given a mesothelioma diagnosis.
In addition to an extensive medical history, a doctor will run imaging and blood tests to rule out other illnesses and conditions that may cause 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 conduct biopsy to confirm a diagnosis. A biopsy is the process of removing small amounts of tissue from the affected area to be examined by pathologists. Biopsies can detect cancerous cells and identify the type of mesothelioma.
After a peritoneal msothelioma is confirmed, doctors will discuss the treatment options with patients. The goal of the treatment plan is to minimize the size and quantity of tumors. Surgery is usually the first line of defense however, patients must also consider the possibility of chemotherapy and immunotherapy.
Contrary to the chest-based treatment for pleural Mesothelioma that is administered via the lungs, peritoneal Mesothelioma treatment is injected intravenously or orally. Chemotherapies that are injected, such as heated intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) have been able to prolong the lives of many patients. HIPEC was developed by mesothelioma expert Paul Sugarbaker.
Individuals diagnosed with peritoneal mesothelioma could be able to bring a lawsuit against negligent asbestos companies. An experienced mesothelioma lawyer will review the case of a patient and suggest legal options. Contact us today to begin. It's free, confidential and there is no commitment. We offer nationwide representation.
Prognosis
Mesothelioma cancer is rare. Doctors have limited experience dealing with it, which means that many patients are misdiagnosed as having other illnesses. A mesothelioma expert can help patients with the diagnosis and ensure that they receive the appropriate treatment.
Asbestos exposure is the sole known cause of peritoneal mesothelioma. When asbestos fibers are breathed in or ingested, they can cause irritation to the tissues of the abdomen and cause cells to mutate. This can lead to tumors that develop mesothelioma within the peritoneum in time.
Construction or manufacturing work is often the first location where asbestos exposure starts. These industries can utilize asbestos-containing materials like fireproofing and insulation. Asbestos may also be found in household items like flooring and roof tiles. Even the smallest amounts of exposure can put a person at risk of developing mesothelioma. Due to the long latency period of the disease the victims could be diagnosed with peritoneal msothelioma several decades after their first exposure.
Peritoneal Mesothelioma can mimic other conditions. It is often mistaken for hernias, digestive problems like Crohn's or colitis, and other types of abdominal cancer. Because of this, many patients don't report their exposure to asbestos, and they do not seek medical care. If mesothelioma has been identified experts may suggest the procedure of a biopsy to make an precise diagnosis. A biopsy involves removing just a small portion of affected tissue for testing. This test will reveal 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 a curative treatment. The doctor will also be able to determine if the cancer has spread inside the abdomen. They will then recommend palliative treatment for the patient. For example, paracentesis to drain abdominal fluid.
When a mesothelioma is advanced, the prognosis becomes poorer. The cancers can become resistant to certain treatment and then recur. The specialist may suggest a combination of chemotherapy and surgery. Surgery options include cytoreduction with hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy. This combination is more likely than chemotherapy on its own to improve the outlook of patients.