Peritoneal Mesothelioma Asbestos Symptoms
The digestive system is frequently affected by the symptoms of mesothelioma of the peritoneal region. This is due to asbestos fibers being inhaled and then become a part of the lining of the stomach known as the peritoneum.
In time, these fibers cause changes in healthy peritoneal cells. As San Leandro asbestos attorneys that are cancerous develop in the peritoneum.
The diagnosis of mesothelioma may be difficult. Early signs may be confused with other symptoms like hernias or irritable Bowel Syndrome.
Signs and symptoms
Asbestos fibers may travel through the body when inhaled. The fibers can then get trapped in the linings the abdomen and other organs. This can cause inflammation and irritation that leads to tumor development. This process can take decades to develop, and a lot of victims are unaware that they are exposed to asbestos until it is 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 common form of mesothelioma. However it is often difficult for doctors to recognize because the early symptoms are not specific. They can also be similar to gastrointestinal disorders. Patients with peritoneal mesothelioma frequently experience stomach pain, fatigue, and digestive problems.
After a physical exam, reviewing medical history and a series tests in the laboratory, mesothelioma patients are diagnosed with peritoneal cancer. A CT scan or X-ray can help doctors detect lumps or any other signs of illness. In certain cases mesothelioma physicians may order a biopsy to obtain an precise diagnosis.
Peritoneal Mesothelioma symptoms usually start in the abdomen and can cause severe abdominal discomfort, bloating, and weight loss. They may also cause nausea, vomiting, and other digestive issues. Other symptoms include chest pain, fatigue and swelling. When these symptoms occur it is essential to seek medical attention because they could be caused by other conditions.
Despite the difficulty of diagnosing peritoneal mesothelioma, victims are often able to receive the right treatment to prolong their lives. In most cases, the treatment involves surgery and chemo that is heated.
If you or a loved one have been diagnosed with peritoneal mesothelioma, call our mesothelioma attorneys to learn how we can help. We can connect you to mesothelioma specialists near you and assist you in bringing a suit against the asbestos-related companies responsible for your exposure. We can also ensure you get the financial compensation you're entitled to. You can start this process by filling out our no-cost online form. We have a strong relationship with mesothelioma attorneys and can assist you in obtaining the most favorable possible outcome.
Diagnosis
The first step to diagnose peritoneal mesothelioma is to get an exact medical history. Doctors will inquire with the patient about their asbestos exposure and when it occurred. A physical exam will be conducted. Blood tests, X-rays, and CT scans are typically used in the initial work-up.
Because of the long period of latency, peritoneal mesothelioma can be difficult to recognize. Patients might experience symptoms such as nausea, abdominal pain, and fever that are similar to those of other conditions. These nonspecific symptoms can confuse doctors. Mesothelioma is a rare cancer, and it can take years for symptoms to appear after asbestos exposure.
Asbestos fibers inhaled, or consumed move to the stomach lining, known as the peritoneum. Asbestos fibers are sharp and irritate mesothelium after they reach the peritoneum. In time this irritation can cause inflammation and scar tissue formation. In the end, this causes abnormal cell growth, and tumors can develop.
There are no FDA-approved screening tests for mesothelioma of the peritoneum, however, researchers are developing methods to detect the disease's early stages. The importance of identifying mesothelioma early is that it determines treatment options.
A mesothelioma specialist can perform paracentesis (percutaneous needle biopsy) to take the specimen for laboratory testing. These tests can identify the kind of cancer cells (epithelioid biphasic, sarcomatoid, or epithelioid) within the tumor, and assist doctors to determine a treatment plan.
Mesothelioma specialists also evaluate the mesothelioma stage of a patient. The stage determines the most effective treatments and also helps mesothelioma lawyers understand which asbestos companies are liable in mesothelioma lawsuits.
When a mesothelioma expert reviews the results of the biopsy, he or she creates a pathology document that contains information on the type of mesothelioma. The report may also include an assessment scale that reveals how far the cancer has spread throughout the body. The more advanced the stage is, the less likely it will respond to treatment. A lawyer can explain what this means in a client's situation.
Treatment
When swallowed or inhaled, asbestos fibers become embedded in the tissues that line the abdomen and other organs. These fibers can cause irritation to cells and destroy DNA. This causes the formation of tumors. Typically, peritoneal mesothelioma forms in the lining of the abdomen called the peritoneum. Peritoneal mesothelioma occurs less frequently than pleural mesothelioma. It usually affects women more.
Symptoms of peritoneal mesothelioma are similar to those of gastrointestinal disorders like irritable bowel syndrome and Crohn's disease, which makes it difficult for doctors to recognize the condition. As a result, early symptoms can be mistaken for normal ailments and may last for months or even years before a patient is diagnosed with the mesothelioma diagnosis.
In addition to a thorough medical history, a doctor will perform bloodwork and imaging tests to rule out other illnesses and conditions that could trigger the same symptoms as mesothelioma. These tests will aid in determining the most effective treatment options.
A biopsy is performed by a physician to confirm the diagnosis. This is because peritoneal msothelioma occurs in the abdominal liner. A biopsy involves the removal of small samples of the affected area to be examined by pathologists. Biopsies can identify cancerous cells and identify 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 typically to reduce the size and quantity of tumors. Surgery is usually the first line of defense however, patients must also consider the possibility of immunotherapy and chemotherapy.
Contrary to the chest-based treatment for pleural mesothelioma which is administered via the lungs peritoneal Mesothelioma treatment is administered either intravenously or orally. Chemotherapies that are injected, such as heated intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC), have helped to prolong the life of many patients. HIPEC was invented by mesothelioma expert Paul Sugarbaker.
Patients suffering from peritoneal asbestosis may be eligible to sue negligent asbestos companies. A mesothelioma lawyer can evaluate the case of a patient and suggest legal options. Contact us today to begin. It is free, confidential and there is no obligation. We provide nationwide representation.
Prognosis
Mesothelioma cancer is rare. Because doctors lack experience with the disease, many patients are misdiagnosed with other diseases. A mesothelioma specialist can assist patients identify the cause and ensure they receive the appropriate treatment.
Asbestos exposure is the only known cause of peritoneal mesothelioma. Asbestos fibers can cause irritation to abdominal tissues as well as cell mutations when inhaled or consumed. This can cause tumors to form mesothelioma in the peritoneum in time.
The exposure to asbestos typically begins with work in construction or manufacturing. These industries can utilize materials that contain asbestos, such as insulation and fireproofing. Asbestos is also present in household products such as flooring and roofing tiles. Even low levels of exposure can put a person at risk for mesothelioma. Because mesothelioma is a chronic disease with an extended latency period it is possible for patients to be diagnosed with peritoneal cancer decades after their initial exposure.
Peritoneal mesothelioma symptoms could resemble those of 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 declare their asbestos exposure and do not seek medical attention. If mesothelioma has been identified doctors may recommend a biopsy for a more precise diagnosis. A biopsy is the removal tiny pieces of tissue to be tested. This procedure will reveal the stage of mesothelioma, and whether it is epithelioid sarcomatoid or biphasic.
If mesothelioma has reached an early stage doctors can remove all of the tumors and offer an effective treatment. The doctor can also determine if the cancer has expanded to the abdomen. They can then prescribe palliative treatment for the patient. For example, paracentesis to drain abdominal fluid.
The odds of survival are worse when a mesothelioma has advanced. This is because the tumors are able to become resistant to certain treatments and can recur. The doctor may suggest a combination of chemotherapy and surgery. Surgery options include cytoreduction with hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemo. This combination is more likely than chemotherapy alone to improve the prognosis for a patient.