How To Beat Your Boss On Peritoneal Mesothelioma Asbestos
Peritoneal Mesothelioma Asbestos Symptoms
The digestive system is commonly affected by the symptoms of mesothelioma of the peritoneal region. This is due to asbestos fibers being consumed and then absorbed within the lining of your stomach called the peritoneum.
As time passes these fibers can cause mutations in healthy peritoneal cells. As a result tumors that are cancerous develop in the peritoneum.
Mesothelioma is a difficult condition to identify. The early signs can resemble symptoms of other conditions, like hernia or IBS.
Symptoms
When asbestos fibers are breathed in, they can enter the lungs and circulate throughout the body. From there, they can get trapped in the abdominal lining or other organs, causing inflammation and irritation that can lead to the growth of tumors. The process can take years to develop and many victims are unaware of their asbestos exposure until it's too late.
Malignant peritoneal mesothelioma occurs when asbestos fibers get trapped in the tissue that lines the abdominal cavity as well as other organs. It is the second most common mesothelioma. However, it can be difficult to diagnose because early symptoms are nonspecific and similar to symptoms of gastrointestinal conditions. Patients suffering from peritoneal mesothelioma typically have stomach pain, fatigue and gastrointestinal problems.
Mesothelioma victims are typically diagnosed with peritoneal mesothelioma following undergoing a physical examination as well as a medical history check and an array of tests performed by a laboratory. A X-ray and a CT scan can assist doctors to identify any lumps or other signs of disease. In certain cases, doctors who treat mesothelioma will also order a biopsied to make a more precise diagnosis.
Peritoneal mesothelioma symptoms usually start in the abdominal region and can cause severe abdominal pain as well as weight loss, bloating stomach fluid accumulation, nausea, vomiting and other digestive issues. Other symptoms include chest pain, fatigue and swelling. It is crucial for patients to seek medical advice when they have these symptoms as they may be caused by something other than mesothelioma.
Despite the difficulty of diagnosing peritoneal cancer, patients typically receive the appropriate treatment to extend their lives. In most cases, this is done through surgical treatment and heated chemotherapy.
If you or someone you love have been diagnosed with peritoneal cancer, contact our mesothelioma attorneys to learn how we can assist. We can help you connect with mesothelioma specialists in your area, who can assist you in filing a lawsuit against the asbestos companies that are responsible for your exposure. We can also assist you in ensuring that you get the financial compensation you deserve. Complete our online form to start the process. We can assist you to get the best possible outcome working with top mesothelioma attorneys.
Diagnosis
The first step to diagnose mesothelioma of the peritoneal region is to collect an accurate medical history. Doctors will inquire about the patient's exposure to asbestos and when it happened. A physical examination will be performed. Blood tests, X-rays and CT scans are often used in the initial work-up.
Due to the lengthy period of latency, peritoneal mesothelioma can be difficult to diagnose. Patients may experience symptoms such as abdominal pain, fever and nausea that are similar to other conditions. These non-specific symptoms can confuse doctors. Mesothelioma is a rare type of cancer and it can take a long time for symptoms to manifest after asbestos exposure.
Asbestos fibers inhaled, or consumed move into the stomach lining known as the peritoneum. Asbestos fibers that are sharp can irritate mesothelium when they reach the peritoneum. In time this irritation can cause inflammation and scar tissue. This causes abnormal cell proliferation and tumors.
There are no FDA-approved screening tests for peritoneal mesothelioma however, researchers are finding ways to detect the disease's early stages. Staging mesothelioma is important as it will determine the treatment options.
A mesothelioma specialist may perform paracentesis (percutaneous needle biopsy) to collect a sample for lab testing. These tests can identify the kind of cancer cells (epithelioid biphasic, sarcomatoid, or epithelioid) within the tumor and help doctors come up with an appropriate treatment plan.
Mesothelioma specialists can also assess a patient's stage of mesothelioma. It determines which treatment options will be most effective and helps mesothelioma attorneys know which asbestos companies to pursue in mesothelioma lawsuits.
If a mesothelioma specialist analyzes the results of an examination and creates a pathology record that contains information on the mesothelioma type. The report may also include an assessment scale that reveals how far the cancer has spread throughout the body. The higher the stage, the less likely it is that it will respond to treatment. A lawyer can explain the significance of this for the client's case.
Treatment
When inhaled or swallowed, asbestos fibers become embedded in the tissues that line the abdomen and other organs. The fibers harm DNA and irritate cells. Over time, this leads to the formation of tumors within the lining. Typically, peritoneal cancer is found in the lining that covers the abdomen. Peritoneal Mesothelioma affects more women than pleural mesothelioma however, it is less prevalent.
Symptoms of peritoneal mesothelioma are similar to those of gastrointestinal disorders like irritable bowel disorder and Crohn's disease. This makes it difficult for doctors to identify the condition. Because of this, early symptoms can be mistaken as normal ailments and may last for months or years before a patient is diagnosed with a mesothelioma diagnosis.
In addition to a thorough medical history, a physician will run imaging and blood 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 most effective treatment options.
Since peritoneal mesothelioma is a cancer that develops the abdominal lining A doctor will conduct an examination to confirm the diagnosis. A biopsy involves the removal of small amounts of the affected area to be examined by pathologists. Biopsies may reveal cancerous cells as well as identify the type of mesothelioma.
If a diagnosis of peritoneal cancer has been established doctors will discuss options for treatment with the patient. The purpose of any treatment plan is typically to decrease the size and quantity of tumors. Surgery is usually 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, peritoneal Mesothelioma treatment is injected intravenously or orally. Injections of chemotherapies, like heated intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC), have helped to prolong the lives of many patients. HIPEC was developed by mesothelioma expert Paul Sugarbaker.
Individuals diagnosed with peritoneal mesothelioma lawyer could be able to file an asbestos lawsuit against negligent companies. A mesothelioma attorney can review the case of a patient and recommend legal options. Contact us today to begin. It's completely free, confidential and there is no obligation. We provide nationwide representation.
Prognosis
Mesothelioma is a rare cancer. Because doctors aren't experienced, many patients are misdiagnosed with other diseases. A mesothelioma expert can assist patients with the diagnosis and ensure they receive appropriate treatment.
Asbestos exposure is the only known cause of peritoneal mesthelioma. Asbestos fibers can cause irritation to abdominal tissues and cell changes when inhaled or consumed. As time passes, this could cause tumors to form mesothelioma in the peritoneum.
Manufacturing or construction work is often the first place where asbestos exposure can begin. These industries may use asbestos-containing materials like fireproofing and insulation. Asbestos may also be found in household items, such as flooring and roof tiles. Even very low levels of exposure put a person at risk for mesothelioma. Because the disease has a long time to develop, victims can sometimes be diagnosed with peritoneal cancer decades after the initial exposure.
Peritoneal mesothelioma symptoms may appear similar to other diseases and could be mistaken for hernias, digestive problems such as colitis or Crohn's disease, or other forms of abdominal cancer. This is why many patients don't 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 is the removal the smallest piece of tissue to be examined. This procedure can help determine the stage of mesothelioma and if it is epithelioid, biphasic, or sarcomatoid.
If the mesothelioma is at an early stage, doctors can remove all of the tumors and provide curative treatment. The specialist can also determine if the cancer has spread to the abdomen. They can then prescribe palliative treatments for the patient. For instance paracentesis to remove abdominal fluid.
The outlook for patients is worse when mesothelioma is advanced. This is because the cancer are able to become resistant to certain treatments and may recur. The doctor may recommend a combination of chemotherapy and surgery. Options for surgery include cytoreduction and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy. This combination is more likely to improve a patient's outlook than merely chemotherapy alone.