Peritoneal Mesothelioma Asbestos Symptoms

Peritoneal mesothelioma asbestos symptoms often affect the digestive system. This is due to asbestos fibers being taken in and are then embedded in the lining of the stomach called the peritoneum.

As time passes, these fibers cause mutations to healthy peritoneal cell. Tumors that are cancerous develop in the peritoneum as a result.

The diagnosis of mesothelioma may be difficult. Early signs may be confused with other signs like hernias, or irritable Bowel syndrome.

Signs and symptoms

Asbestos fibers can travel through the body after inhalation. The fibers may then become trapped in the linings the abdomen and other organs. This causes inflammation and irritation, which leads to tumor development. The process can take years to develop and many victims are unaware of their asbestos exposure until it's too late.

Malignant peritoneal melanoma develops when asbestos fibers get trapped in the tissue that lines the abdominal cavity and other organs. It is the second most common mesothelioma. However, it can be difficult to identify because the initial symptoms aren't specific and are similar to those of digestive conditions. Patients suffering from peritoneal mesothelioma typically suffer from stomach pain, fatigue, and gastrointestinal issues.

After a physical examination and a review of medical history and a series laboratory tests, mesothelioma sufferers are diagnosed with peritoneal cancer. A CT scan and an X-ray can help doctors detect lumps or other signs of illness. In some instances mesothelioma physicians may request a biopsy for a more precise diagnosis.

Peritoneal mesothelioma symptoms generally begin in the abdominal area and can cause severe abdominal pain and bloating, weight loss, swelling of the belly nausea, vomiting, and other digestive issues. Other symptoms include fatigue, chest pain and swelling. It is essential for patients to seek a medical diagnosis in the event of these symptoms because they could be caused by something other than mesothelioma.

Despite the difficulty in diagnosing peritoneal mesothelioma, patients can often receive the proper treatment to extend their lives. In most cases, this requires the use of surgery and chemotherapy 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 an expert in your area who can help you file an asbestos lawsuit against the companies that are responsible for your exposure. We can also assist you in ensuring that you get the financial compensation you are entitled to. Fill out our online form to begin the process. We can help you get the best outcome possible by working with the best mesothelioma lawyers.

Diagnosis

The first step in identifying mesothelioma of the peritoneal region is to collect an complete medical history. Doctors will ask patients about their asbestos exposure and when it occurred. They may also conduct a physical exam. Initial tests typically include blood tests and Xrays and CT scans.

Because of the long latency period, peritoneal mesothelioma can be difficult to recognize. Patients may experience symptoms such as abdominal nausea, fever and pain that resemble other conditions. These nonspecific symptoms can cause confusion for doctors. Mesothelioma is a rare cancer that can take a long time before symptoms show up after asbestos exposure.

Inhaling or eating asbestos fibers travel to the stomach lining, called the peritoneum. Asbestos fibers that are sharp can irritate mesothelium once they reach the peritoneum. As time passes the irritation causes inflammation and scar tissue formation. Then, it leads to abnormal cell growth and tumors forming.

There are no FDA-approved screening tests for mesothelioma of the peritoneum, however, researchers are finding ways to detect the disease's early stages. The stage of mesothelioma is the basis for the treatment options.

A mesothelioma doctor can perform a paracentesis or percutaneous needle biopsy to take a sample of mesothelioma tumors to be tested in the lab. These tests can identify the kind of cancer cells (epithelioid or sarcomatoid) within the tumor and help doctors come up with an appropriate treatment plan.

Specialists in mesothelioma are able to determine the stage of a patient. The stage determines the most effective treatments and helps mesothelioma lawyers know which asbestos companies are accountable in mesothelioma lawsuits.

A mesothelioma specialist examines the results of a biopsy they create an analysis report that contains details on the type of mesothelioma. The report may also include the staging scale, which indicates how far the cancer has spread within the body. The more advanced the stage the more likely it is that it will respond to treatment. A lawyer can explain the implications of this for the particular case of a client.

Treatment

Asbestos fibers are inhaled or ingested and become embedded in the tissues lining the abdomen and other organs. These fibers irritate the cells and cause DNA damage. This causes the formation of tumors. Typically, peritoneal cancer is found in the lining that surrounds the abdomen. Peritoneal mesothelioma is rarer than pleural mesothelioma, and typically affects women more.

The symptoms of peritoneal cancer are similar to those seen with gastrointestinal disorders, such as Crohn's and irritable bowel disease and makes it difficult for doctors to diagnose. Early symptoms can be misinterpreted as a sign of other illnesses, and may persist for a long time, or even years before mesothelioma diagnosis is made.

A doctor may also perform tests on blood and imaging to rule out any other conditions or diseases that could trigger the same symptoms as mesothelioma. These tests can aid in determining the best treatment options.

Since peritoneal mesothelioma can develop in the abdominal lining The doctor will conduct a biopsy to confirm a diagnosis. A biopsy is the removal of small samples from the affected area to be examined by pathologists. Biopsies can detect cancerous cells as well as identify the type of mesothelioma.

If a diagnosis of peritoneal mesothelioma has been established, doctors will discuss the options for treatment with the patient. Generally speaking, the aim of the treatment plan is to minimize the size and amount of tumors. Surgery is usually the first option, but patients may also consider chemotherapy and immunotherapy.

Contrary to the chest-based treatment for pleural Mesothelioma which is administered through the lungs, peritoneal Mesothelioma treatment is injected either intravenously or orally. Chemotherapies that are injected, 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 diagnosed with peritoneal mesothelioma may qualify to file an asbestos lawsuit against negligent companies. An attorney for mesothelioma can analyze the case of a patient and suggest legal options. Contact us now to get started. Contact us now. It's free, confidential and there's no commitment. We offer nationwide representation.

Prognosis

Mesothelioma cancer is extremely rare. Because doctors lack experience with the disease, many patients are misdiagnosed with other illnesses. Fortunately, a mesothelioma specialist can assist in the diagnostic process and get patients the appropriate treatment.

Asbestos exposure is the only known cause of peritoneal mesothelioma. When asbestos law fibers are inhaled or ingested, they can cause irritation to abdominal tissues and cause cells to alter. As time passes, this could cause tumors to form mesothelioma of peritoneum.

The exposure to asbestos typically begins with working in manufacturing or construction. These industries could use materials that contain asbestos, such as insulation and fireproofing. Asbestos can also be present in household products, such as flooring and roof tiles. Even very low levels of exposure can put someone at risk for mesothelioma. Because mesothelioma has a long latency period patients may be diagnosed with peritoneal mesothelioma decades after the initial exposure.

Peritoneal Mesothelioma can mimic other diseases. It is often mistaken for hernias, gastrointestinal issues like colitis or Crohn's and other forms of abdominal cancer. Due to this, a lot of patients don't report their exposure to asbestos, and they don't seek medical treatment. When mesothelioma is detected experts may suggest a biopsy for a more accurate diagnosis. A biopsy is the removal of the smallest piece of tissue that is examined. This procedure can reveal if the mesothelioma is epithelioid (epidermoid), the sarcomatoid (sarcomatoid) or biphasic.

If the mesothelioma is at an early stage doctors can remove all of the tumors and provide curative treatment. The doctor can also determine if the cancer has spread inside the abdomen. They can then prescribe palliative treatments for the patient, such as paracentesis to drain the abdominal fluid.

If a mesothelioma has advanced and the prognosis is less favorable, it becomes more difficult to treat. This is because the tumors can become resistant to certain treatments and can be recurred. The specialist may recommend a combination of chemotherapy and surgery. Surgical options include cytoreduction surgery with hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy. This combination is more likely than chemotherapy by itself to improve the prognosis for patients.