20 Myths About Peritoneal Mesothelioma Asbestos: Dispelled
Peritoneal Mesothelioma Asbestos Symptoms
The digestive system is often affected by the symptoms of mesothelioma peritoneal. This is due to asbestos fibers being consumed and then absorbed in a lining of the stomach known as the peritoneum.
Over time these fibers can cause changes in healthy peritoneal cells. Cancerous tumors grow in the peritoneum as a result.
Mesothelioma is a difficult disease to identify. The initial signs may resemble symptoms of other conditions like hernia, or irritable bowel syndrome.
Symptoms
When asbestos fibers are inhaled they can be absorbed into the lungs and then travel throughout the body. From there, they may be trapped in the abdominal lining or other organs, creating irritation and inflammation that leads to the growth of tumors. This process can take decades to develop, and many sufferers are unaware that they are exposed to asbestos until it is too late.
Asbestos fibers may get caught in the tissue that lines the abdominal cavity or other organs, which can cause malignant peritoneal melanoma. It is the second-most common form of mesothelioma. However it is often difficult for doctors to diagnose as early symptoms are nonspecific. It is also possible that they are similar to gastrointestinal conditions. Patients suffering from peritoneal mesothelioma typically suffer from stomach pain, fatigue and digestive problems.
Mesothelioma patients are usually diagnosed with peritoneal mesothelioma after having a physical exam, a medical history review and several tests performed by a laboratory. A CT scan or X-ray may help doctors identify lumps, or other indications of illness. In some instances, mesothelioma doctors will also request a biopsy for an precise diagnosis.
Peritoneal mesothelioma symptoms generally begin in the abdomen and can lead to extreme abdominal discomfort, bloating, weight loss, fluid buildup in the belly, nausea, vomiting and other digestive problems. Other symptoms include fatigue, chest pain and swelling. If symptoms like these occur it is essential that patients seek medical attention since they may be caused by other ailments.
Despite the difficulty of diagnosing patients with peritoneal msothelioma, they can often receive the right treatment 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 how we can assist you if you or someone in your family has been diagnosed with peritoneal mesothelioma. We can assist you in finding a mesothelioma expert near you who can assist you in filing an asbestos lawsuit against the companies responsible for your exposure. We can also help ensure that you receive the financial compensation you deserve. Complete our online form to start the process. We partner with the top mesothelioma lawyers and can assist you in obtaining the most favorable possible outcome.
Diagnosis
To diagnose peritoneal msothelioma, it is important to have an extensive medical history. Doctors will ask patients about their exposure to asbestos and when it happened. They may also conduct a physical exam. Initial examinations typically include X-rays and blood tests and CT scans.
Because of the long latency period, peritoneal mesothelioma can be difficult to recognize. Patients may experience symptoms like abdominal nausea, fever and pain that may resemble other ailments. These symptoms aren't specific and can cause confusion for doctors. Mesothelioma is a rare type of cancer, and it can take a long time before symptoms show up after exposure to asbestos.
Inhaled or ingested asbestos fibers move into the stomach lining, known as the peritoneum. Once in the peritoneum, the asbestos fibers are sharp and can cause irritation to the mesothelium. As time passes the irritation causes inflammation and scar tissue formation. This causes abnormal cell proliferation and tumors.
There are no FDA-approved screening tests for mesothelioma of the peritoneum, but researchers are working on finding ways to detect the disease in its early stages. The stage of mesothelioma will determine the treatment options.
A mesothelioma doctor can perform a paracentesis or percutaneous needle biopsy to collect a sample of mesothelioma tumors for lab testing. These tests can reveal the type of cancer cells (epithelioid or sarcomatoid) within the tumor and aid doctors determine the best treatment strategy.
Mesothelioma specialists can also assess a patient's stage of mesothelioma. It determines which treatment options will be the most effective and help mesothelioma attorneys know which asbestos companies to pursue in mesothelioma lawsuits, sources,.
When a mesothelioma expert reviews the results of an examination the doctor creates a pathology document that contains information on the type mesothelioma. The report may also contain a staging scale that indicates how the cancer has spread within the body. The more advanced the stage is, the less likely it is to respond to treatment. A lawyer can explain what this means for the client's case.
Treatment
Asbestos fibers can be inhaled or ingested and become embedded in the tissue that lines the abdomen and other organs. They damage DNA and can cause irritation to cells. This can lead to the development of tumors. Typically, peritoneal cancer develops in the lining of the abdomen. Peritoneal Mesothelioma affects more women than pleural mesothelioma but is less common.
The symptoms of peritoneal cancer are similar to those that are associated with digestive disorders like Crohn's disease and irritable colon disease, making it hard for doctors to identify. As a result, early 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 a thorough medical history, a physician will run bloodwork and imaging tests to rule out other illnesses and conditions that may cause the same symptoms as mesothelioma. These tests can aid in determining the most effective treatment options.
A biopsy is carried out by a physician to confirm the diagnosis. This is because peritoneal msothelioma occurs in the abdominal lining. A biopsy is the process of removing small samples of the affected area to be examined by pathologists. Biopsies can detect cancerous cells and determine the mesothelioma type.
If a diagnosis of peritoneal mesothelioma has been confirmed, doctors will discuss options for treatment with the patient. The goal of any treatment plan is generally to decrease the size and quantity of tumors. Surgery is typically the first line of defense but patients should also discuss the possibility of chemotherapy and immunotherapy.
In contrast to the chest-based treatment for pleural Mesothelioma which is administered through the lungs peritoneal Mesothelioma treatment is administered via intravenously or orally. Chemotherapies like injections, such as heated intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC), have helped to prolong the lives of many patients. HIPEC is a procedure innovated by mesothelioma pioneer Paul Sugarbaker.
Individuals with peritoneal asbestosis may be eligible to sue negligent asbestos companies. A mesothelioma lawyer with experience will review the case of a patient and recommend legal options. Contact us today to start. It's completely free, confidential and there is no obligation. We offer nationwide representation.
Prognosis
Mesothelioma is a rare type of cancer. Because doctors aren't experienced with the disease, many patients are misdiagnosed as having other illnesses. Fortunately, a mesothelioma specialist can assist in the diagnostic process and provide patients with the right treatment.
Asbestos exposure is the sole known cause of peritoneal cancer. When asbestos fibers are inhaled or consumed, they may irritate abdominal tissues and cause cells to mutate. This may cause tumors to develop into mesothelioma in the peritoneum over time.
Manufacturing or construction is often the first location where asbestos exposure begins. These industries may employ asbestos-containing products, such as fireproofing and insulation. Asbestos is also present in household products, such as flooring and roof tiles. Even low levels of exposure can put a person at risk for mesothelioma. Because mesothelioma lawsuit is a chronic disease with a long time to develop it is possible for patients to be diagnosed with peritoneal mesothelioma decades after the initial exposure.
Peritoneal Mesothelioma can mimic other diseases. It is often mistaken for hernias, gastrointestinal problems like Crohn's or colitis and other types of abdominal cancer. Due to this, a lot of patients do not report their exposure to asbestos, and they do not seek medical treatment. Doctors may suggest a biopsy to confirm a diagnosis of mesothelioma. A biopsy involves the removal of the smallest piece of tissue that is examined. This test will reveal whether the mesothelioma attorney is epithelioid (epidermoid), sarcomatoid (sarcomatoid) or biphasic.
If mesothelioma has not spread, doctors can remove the tumors. They will also offer an option for curative treatment. The specialist can also determine whether the cancer has spread inside the abdomen. They can then prescribe palliative care for the patient, such as paracentesis, which drains the fluid from the abdomen.
When a mesothelioma is advanced and the prognosis is less favorable, it becomes more difficult to treat. The cancers can become resistant to treatment and then recur. The doctor might recommend an amalgamation of chemotherapy and surgery. Surgical options include cytoreduction surgery with hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy. This combination is more likely than chemotherapy on its own to improve the outlook of a patient.