The Ugly Facts About Peritoneal Mesothelioma Asbestos
Peritoneal Mesothelioma Asbestos Symptoms
The digestive system is commonly affected by the symptoms of peritoneal mesothelioma. This is because asbestos fibers are ingested, and become embedded within the lining of your stomach, known as the peritoneum.
In time, these fibers trigger mutations in healthy peritoneal cells. As a result tumors that are cancerous develop in the peritoneum.
The diagnosis of mesothelioma can be a challenge. The early signs may be confused with symptoms of other conditions like hernias, or irritable Bowel Syndrome.
Signs and symptoms
Asbestos fibers can travel through the body when breathed. From there, they may become trapped in the abdominal lining or other organs, creating irritation and inflammation that leads to tumor growth. The process can take years to develop and many patients are unaware of their asbestos exposure until it is too late.
Malignant peritoneal mesothelioma occurs when asbestos fibers are trapped in the tissues that line the abdominal cavity and other organs. It is the second most frequent mesothelioma. However it is often difficult for doctors to diagnose since the first symptoms aren't specific. It is also possible that they are similar to digestive disorders. Patients suffering from peritoneal mesothelioma typically experience stomach pain, fatigue, and digestive problems.
After a physical exam followed by an examination of medical history and a series tests in the laboratory, mesothelioma patients are diagnosed with peritoneal cancer. A X-ray as well as a CT scan can help doctors find any lumps or indications of illness. In certain cases, doctors who treat mesothelioma will also require a biopsy to make a more precise diagnosis.
Peritoneal mesothelioma symptoms generally start in the abdominal region and can lead to extreme abdominal discomfort and weight loss, bloating swelling of the belly, nausea, vomiting and other digestive problems. Symptoms may also include chest pain, swelling and fatigue. When these symptoms occur it is essential that victims seek medical attention because they could be caused by other conditions.
Despite the difficulties in diagnosing peritoneal msothelioma patients can typically receive the appropriate treatment to prolong their lives. In most cases, this requires surgery and heated chemotherapy.
Contact our mesothelioma attorneys to find out how we can help you if someone in your family has been diagnosed with peritoneal mesothelioma. We can help you connect with a mesothelioma specialist near you, who can assist you in bringing a lawsuit against the asbestos companies responsible for your exposure. We can also assist you in ensuring that you get the financial compensation you deserve. Start the process by filling out our free online form. We can help you get the best possible outcome working with top mesothelioma attorneys.
Diagnosis
The first step in diagnosing peritoneal mesothelioma is to get an complete medical history. Doctors will ask patients about their asbestos exposure and when it occurred. A physical exam will be conducted. Initial tests typically include blood tests and X-rays and CT scans.
Due to the lengthy time of latency, peritoneal cancer can be difficult to diagnose. Patients may be afflicted by symptoms like abdominal pain, nausea and fever that are similar to other illnesses. These nonspecific symptoms may confuse doctors. Mesothelioma is a rare cancer that can take years to manifest symptoms following exposure to asbestos, is a rare condition.
Asbestos fibers inhaled or consumed move to the stomach lining called the peritoneum. Asbestos fibers that are sharp can irritate mesothelium after they reach the peritoneum. Over time this irritation can cause inflammation and scar tissue. Eventually, this leads to abnormal cell growth, and tumors can develop.
Researchers are working on ways to detect the disease in its earliest stages. The importance of identifying mesothelioma early is that it determines treatment options.
A mesothelioma lawsuit specialist can perform paracentesis (percutaneous needle biopsy) to collect a sample for tests in the laboratory. These tests can reveal whether the cancer cells are epithelioid (epithelioid), Sarcomatoid (sarcomatoid) or biphasic within the tumor. This information helps doctors develop a treatment plan.
Mesothelioma specialists can also determine the mesothelioma stage of a patient. The staging process determines which treatments will be most effective and also helps mesothelioma lawyers know which asbestos-related companies to sue in mesothelioma lawsuits.
When a mesothelioma expert reviews the results of the biopsy and creates a pathology report that contains information on the type mesothelioma. The report could also include an assessment system that outlines how far the cancer has spread within the body. The higher the stage of cancer is, the less likely the patient will be able to respond to treatment. A lawyer can explain the implications of this to specific clients.
Treatment
When inhaled or swallowed asbestos fibers are embedded in the tissue that lines the abdomen and other organs. These fibers can cause irritation to cells and cause DNA damage. In time, this can lead to the development of tumors in the lining. The majority of the time, peritoneal cancer develops in the lining of the abdomen. Peritoneal Mesothelioma has a greater impact on women than pleural mesothelioma however, it is less prevalent.
The symptoms of peritoneal mesothelioma are similar to those of gastrointestinal disorders like irritable bowel disorder and Crohn's disease, which makes it difficult for doctors to identify the condition. Early symptoms can be misinterpreted as other conditions, and may persist for months or even years before a mesothelioma is identified.
A doctor will also conduct imaging and blood tests to rule out other diseases or conditions that could trigger mesothelioma-like symptoms. These tests will aid in determining the most effective treatment options.
Since peritoneal mesothelioma can develop in the abdominal lining A doctor will conduct 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 are able to reveal cancerous cells, and identify the type of Mesothelioma.
If a diagnosis of peritoneal cancer has been confirmed doctors will discuss options for treatment with the patient. Generally speaking, the aim of a treatment plan is to decrease the size and quantity of tumors. Surgery is usually the first option, however patients can also consider chemotherapy and immunotherapy.
Contrary to chest-based treatment for pleural Mesothelioma which is administered through the lungs peritoneal Mesothelioma treatment is administered via intravenously or orally. Injections of chemotherapy such as heated intraperitoneal therapy (HIPEC) have helped prolong the life expectancy of many patients. HIPEC was invented by mesothelioma expert Paul Sugarbaker.
Individuals suffering from peritoneal cancer may be eligible to bring a lawsuit against negligent asbestos companies. A mesothelioma attorney can review the case of a patient and recommend legal options. Contact us today to get started. Contact us now. It's free, private, and there's no obligation. We offer nationwide representation.
Prognosis
Mesothelioma is a rare cancer. Because doctors have limited experience with the disease, many patients are misdiagnosed with other diseases. Fortunately, a mesothelioma specialist can help with the diagnostic process and provide patients with the right treatment.
Asbestos exposure is the only known cause of peritoneal cancer. Asbestos fibers can cause irritation of abdominal tissues as well as cell changes when inhaled or consumed. This can lead to tumors that develop mesothelioma lawyers within the peritoneum over time.
The exposure to asbestos usually is a result of working in manufacturing or construction. These industries may employ products that contain asbestos, for example, insulation and fireproofing. Asbestos is also found in household products such as roof tiles and flooring. Even the smallest amounts of exposure put a person at risk for mesothelioma. Because of the long period of latency, victims may be diagnosed with peritoneal mesothelioma lawyer for a long time after their initial exposure.
Peritoneal mesothelioma lawyer symptoms can appear similar to other diseases and could be mistaken for a hernia digestive issues such as Crohn's disease or colitis, or other forms of abdominal cancer. Because of this, many patients do not disclose their exposure to asbestos, and they don't seek medical care. When mesothelioma is detected, the specialists may recommend an examination for a more accurate diagnosis. A biopsy involves the removal of just a small portion of affected tissue for testing. This procedure can help determine the stage of mesothelioma, and whether it is epithelioid sarcomatoid or biphasic.
If mesothelioma does not have spread it is possible to remove the tumors. They will also provide an option for curative treatment. The specialist can also determine whether the cancer has spread within the abdomen. They may then recommend palliative care for the patient, for example paracentesis, which drains the abdominal fluid.
The outlook for patients is worse when a mesothelioma has progressed. The tumors could become resistant to treatment and recur. The doctor may recommend a combination of chemotherapy and surgery. Surgical options include cytoreduction surgery combined with hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy. This combination is more likely to improve a patient's outlook than chemotherapy alone.