Peritoneal Mesothelioma Asbestos Symptoms

The digestive system is frequently affected by the symptoms of mesothelioma peritoneal. This is because asbestos fibers get consumed and are absorbed into the lining of the stomach, called the peritoneum.

Over time, these fibers trigger mutations in healthy peritoneal cells. In the end tumors that are cancerous develop in the peritoneum.

The diagnosis of mesothelioma can be a challenge. The early signs may be confused with other symptoms like hernias or irritable Bowel Syndrome.

Symptoms

When asbestos fibers are inhaled, they can be absorbed into the lungs and travel throughout the body. From there, they may get trapped in the lining of the abdomen or other organs, causing irritation and inflammation that leads to the growth of tumors. The process can take years to develop and many patients are unaware of their asbestos exposure until too late.

Malignant peritoneal melanoma develops when asbestos fibers are 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 not specific and similar to those of digestive disorders. Patients with peritoneal mesothelioma often have stomach pain, fatigue, and digestive problems.

After a physical exam followed by reviewing medical history and a series laboratory tests, mesothelioma patients are diagnosed with peritoneal cancer. A X-ray and a CT scan can assist doctors to identify any lumps or other indications of disease. In some cases, mesothelioma doctors will also order a biopsy to obtain a more precise diagnosis.

Peritoneal mesothelioma symptoms generally start in the abdominal region and can cause extreme abdominal discomfort and weight loss, bloating fluid buildup in the belly, nausea, vomiting and other digestive problems. Other symptoms include chest pain, fatigue and swelling. If symptoms like these occur it is crucial to seek medical attention since they could be triggered by other illnesses.

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, this requires surgery and heated chemotherapy.

If you or a loved one have been diagnosed with peritoneal mesothelioma, call our mesothelioma attorneys to find out what we can do to help. We can help you connect with mesothelioma specialists in your area and assist you in filing a lawsuit against the asbestos companies that are responsible for your exposure. We can also help ensure that you receive the financial settlement you're entitled to. You can start this process by filling out our free online form. We can help you get the best possible outcome by working with top mesothelioma attorneys.

Diagnosis

The first step to diagnose peritoneal mesothelioma is to get an exact medical history. Doctors will ask the patient about their asbestos exposure and when it occurred. A physical examination will be performed. Initial work-ups often include blood tests and X-rays and CT scans.

Because of the long period of latency, peritoneal mesothelioma attorney can be difficult to recognize. Patients may experience symptoms like abdominal pain, fever and nausea that resemble other conditions. These nonspecific symptoms can confuse doctors. Mesothelioma is a rare cancer and it can take years before symptoms show up after asbestos exposure.

Inhaling or ingestion of asbestos fibers travel to the stomach lining called the peritoneum. Asbestos fibers that are sharp can irritate mesothelium when they reach the peritoneum. In time, this irritation causes inflammation and scar tissue formation. This leads to abnormal cell proliferation and tumors.

Researchers are working to develop methods to detect mesothelioma in its earliest stages. Staging mesothelioma is important as it will determine the treatment options.

A mesothelioma expert can perform a paracentesis or percutaneous needle biopsy to collect mesothelioma tumors for lab testing. These tests can reveal whether the cancer cells are epithelioid (epithelioid) or Sarcomatoid (sarcomatoid) or biphasic within the tumor. This information aids doctors create the treatment plan.

Specialists in mesothelioma can also determine the stage of a patient. The stage determines the most effective treatment and helps mesothelioma lawyers know which asbestos companies are liable in mesothelioma suits.

When a mesothelioma specialist analyzes the results of a biopsy they prepare a pathology report that includes details about the type of mesothelioma. The report can also include an assessment system that outlines how far the cancer has spread throughout the body. The higher the stage is, the less likely it will respond to treatment. Lawyers can explain the significance of this in a client's situation.

Treatment

When swallowed or inhaled asbestos fibers get encased in the tissue that lines the abdomen and other organs. They damage DNA and cause irritation to cells. As time passes, this leads to the formation of tumors within the lining. Typically, peritoneal cancer is found in the lining that surrounds the abdomen. Peritoneal Mesothelioma is more prevalent in women than pleural Mesothelioma, but it is less common.

Symptoms of peritoneal mesothelioma are similar to symptoms of gastrointestinal conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome and Crohn's disease, making it difficult for doctors to diagnose the condition. Initial symptoms may be misinterpreted as other conditions and can last for months or even years before mesothelioma attorney is identified.

In addition to a thorough medical history, a doctor will run bloodwork and imaging tests to rule out other illnesses and conditions that could trigger the same symptoms as mesothelioma. These tests will also aid in determining the best treatment options.

Since peritoneal mesothelioma is a cancer that develops the abdominal lining, a doctor will perform an examination to confirm the diagnosis. A biopsy involves removing small amounts of the affected area for examination by pathologists. Biopsies can reveal cancerous cells and determine the type of Mesothelioma.

If a diagnosis of peritoneal cancer is confirmed doctors will discuss the options for treatment with the patient. The goal of a treatment plan is to reduce the size and quantity of tumors. Surgery is often the first option, but patients can also look into chemotherapy and immunotherapy.

Unlike the chest-based treatments for pleural mesothelioma which are administered via the lung, peritoneal mesothelioma treatments are injected orally or intravenously. Chemotherapies like injections, such as heated intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC), have helped to prolong the life of many patients. HIPEC is a technique that was developed by mesothelioma pioneer Paul Sugarbaker.

Patients diagnosed with peritoneal mesothelioma lawsuits could be able to file an asbestos lawsuit against negligent companies. A knowledgeable mesothelioma attorney can review a patient's case and suggest legal options. Contact us today to begin. It's completely no cost, it's confidential and there is no commitment. We provide nationwide representation.

Prognosis

Mesothelioma cancer is a rare form of cancer. Because doctors aren't experienced in diagnosing patients, many are mistakenly diagnosed as having other illnesses. Fortunately mesothelioma specialists can aid in the diagnosis process and help patients receive the proper treatment.

The only known cause of mesothelioma peritoneal is exposure to asbestos. When asbestos fibers are breathed in or consumed, they may cause irritation to abdominal tissues and cause cells to alter. As time passes, this could cause tumors to form mesothelioma in the peritoneum.

Exposure to asbestos often starts with jobs in manufacturing or construction. These industries could employ asbestos-containing products like fireproofing and insulation. Asbestos may also be found in household products, such as flooring and roof tiles. Even low levels of exposure put a person at risk for mesothelioma. Because mesothelioma has a long time to develop patients may be diagnosed with peritoneal mesothelioma decades after the initial exposure.

Peritoneal mesothelioma symptoms may be similar to those of other diseases and could be mistaken for a hernia, gastrointestinal issues like colitis or Crohn's disease or other forms of abdominal cancer. Many patients don't report their asbestos attorneys exposure and don't seek medical attention. If mesothelioma has been identified doctors may recommend an examination for a more precise diagnosis. A biopsy is the removal of tiny pieces of tissue to be tested. This procedure can reveal whether the mesothelioma is epithelioid (epidermoid), Sarcomatoid (sarcomatoid) or biphasic.

If mesothelioma isn't spreading and the doctors are able to remove the tumors. They will also offer an option for curative treatment. The doctor will also be able to determine whether the cancer has spread inside the abdomen. They will then recommend palliative treatment for the patient. For example paracentesis, which is a procedure to drain abdominal fluid.

The outlook for patients is worse when a mesothelioma has progressed. The tumors could become resistant to certain treatment and may recur. The doctor may suggest a combination of surgery and chemotherapy. The surgical options include cytoreduction surgery combined with hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy. This combination is more likely than chemotherapy alone to improve the prognosis of a patient.