Peritoneal Mesothelioma Asbestos: The Good The Bad And The Ugly
Peritoneal Mesothelioma Asbestos Symptoms
Peritoneal mesothelioma asbestos symptoms often affect the digestive system. This is because asbestos fibers are inhaled and then become a part of the lining of the stomach and peritoneum.
Over time these fibers can trigger mutations in healthy peritoneal cells. In the end, cancerous tumors form in the peritoneum.
The diagnosis of mesothelioma attorney can be a bit difficult. Early signs may be confused with other symptoms like hernias, or irritable Bowel Syndrome.
Signs and symptoms
Asbestos fibers can travel through the body after inhalation. They can then become trapped in the abdominal lining or other organs, causing inflammation and irritation that can lead to tumor growth. This process can take years to develop, and many victims are unaware of their asbestos exposure until too late.
Malignant peritoneal mesothelioma occurs when asbestos fibers become trapped in the tissues that line the abdominal cavity and other organs. It is the second most common mesothelioma. However, it can be difficult for doctors to identify since the first symptoms aren't specific. It is also possible that they are similar to digestive disorders. Patients with peritoneal mesothelioma often have stomach pain, fatigue, and digestive issues.
Mesothelioma sufferers are usually diagnosed with peritoneal cancer after undergoing a physical examination and a medical history review and an array of laboratory tests. A CT scan and an X-ray can aid in identifying lumps or other signs of illness. In certain cases mesothelioma physicians may order a biopsy to obtain an precise diagnosis.
Peritoneal Mesothelioma symptoms typically begin in the abdomen and may cause severe abdominal discomfort, bloating and weight loss. They may also cause nausea and vomiting, as well as other digestive issues. Other symptoms include chest pain, fatigue and swelling. It is important for victims to seek medical advice when they experience these symptoms as they may be caused by something other than mesothelioma attorney.
Despite the difficulty of diagnosing patients with peritoneal msothelioma, they can often receive the right treatment to prolong their lives. In most cases, this involves surgical treatment and heated chemotherapy.
If you or someone you love have been diagnosed with peritoneal cancer, contact our mesothelioma lawyers to learn more about what we can do to help. We can connect you to mesothelioma specialists near you who can assist you in bringing a suit against the asbestos companies that are responsible for your exposure. We can also help you get the financial compensation you deserve. Complete our online form to begin the process. We can assist you in obtaining the best outcome possible by working with the best mesothelioma lawyers.
Diagnosis
The first step to diagnose mesothelioma of the peritoneal region is to collect an complete medical history. Doctors will ask about the person's exposure to asbestos and when it occurred. They may also conduct a physical examination. X-rays, blood tests and CT scans are typically used in the initial work-up.
Due to the lengthy latency period, peritoneal mesothelioma can be difficult to diagnose. Patients may experience symptoms such as abdominal discomfort, nausea, and fever that are similar to other conditions. These symptoms that are not specific can cause confusion for doctors. Mesothelioma is a rare cancer and it can take a long time for symptoms to manifest after exposure to asbestos.
Inhaling or ingestion of asbestos fibers travel to the stomach lining, known as the peritoneum. Once inside the peritoneum the sharp asbestos fibers can cause irritation to the mesothelium. Over time, this irritation causes inflammation and scar tissue formation. This leads to abnormal cell growth and tumors.
There are no FDA-approved screenings for peritoneal mesothelioma, but researchers are working on developing ways to identify the disease in its early stages. The stage of mesothelioma will determine the treatment options.
A mesothelioma expert can perform paracentesis (percutaneous needle biopsy) to collect a sample for tests in the laboratory. These tests can determine if the cancerous cells are epithelioid (epithelioid) or Sarcomatoid (sarcomatoid) or biphasic within the tumor. This information helps doctors develop a treatment plan.
Specialists in mesothelioma can also determine the stage of the patient. The stage determines the most effective treatments and helps mesothelioma lawyers know which asbestos companies are liable in mesothelioma lawsuits.
When a mesothelioma specialist analyzes the results of a biopsy they produce an a pathology report which contains specifics about the kind of mesothelioma. The report may also include an assessment scale that reveals how far the cancer has spread throughout the body. The higher the stage of cancer, the less likely the patient will respond to treatment. A lawyer can explain the implications of this to specific clients.
Treatment
Asbestos fibers are inhaled or eaten and then absorbed in the tissue that lines the abdomen and other organs. These fibers damage DNA and irritate cells. This leads to the development of tumors. The majority of the time, peritoneal mesothelioma is found in the lining of the abdomen called the peritoneum. Peritoneal mesothelioma occurs less frequently than pleural mesothelioma. It usually affects women more.
The symptoms of peritoneal mesothelioma are similar to those of gastrointestinal diseases like irritable bowel syndrome and Crohn's disease, which makes it difficult for doctors to diagnose the condition. Because of this, early symptoms are mistaken for normal ailments, and can last for months or even years before a patient receives a mesothelioma diagnosis.
In addition to a thorough medical history, a doctor will conduct bloodwork and imaging tests to rule out other illnesses and conditions that could cause the same symptoms as mesothelioma. These tests can also be used to determine the most effective treatment options.
A biopsy is conducted by a doctor to confirm the diagnosis. This is due to the fact that peritoneal msothelioma can in the abdominal lining. A biopsy is the process of removing small portions of the affected area for examination by pathologists. Biopsies are able to reveal cancerous cells and identify the type of Mesothelioma.
After a peritoneal msothelioma is confirmed doctors will discuss treatment options with patients. The goal of any treatment plan is generally to decrease the size and the number of tumors. Surgery is often the first option, however patients can also look into chemotherapy and immunotherapy.
Contrary to the chest-based treatment for pleural Mesothelioma which is administered via the lungs, the treatment for peritoneal Mesothelioma is administered intravenously or orally. Injections of chemotherapies, like heated intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) have been able to extend survival for many patients. HIPEC was developed by mesothelioma expert Paul Sugarbaker.
Patients who have been diagnosed with peritoneal cancer may qualify to file an asbestos lawsuit against negligent companies. An experienced mesothelioma lawyer will review the case of a patient and suggest legal options. Contact us today to start. Contact us now. It's completely free, confidential and there's absolutely no obligation. We offer nationwide representation.
Prognosis
Mesothelioma cancer is rare. Because doctors aren't experienced with the disease, many patients are misdiagnosed with other diseases. A mesothelioma expert can assist patients to diagnose the disease and ensure they receive the appropriate treatment.
Asbestos exposure is only the one known cause of peritoneal cancer. When asbestos fibers are breathed in or consumed, they may cause irritation to the tissues of the abdomen and cause cells to change. This can lead to tumors that develop into mesothelioma in the peritoneum in time.
Manufacturing or construction work is often the first location where asbestos exposure starts. These industries could utilize materials that contain asbestos, such as insulation and fireproofing. Asbestos can also be present in household items, such as roofing tiles and flooring. Even low levels of asbestos exposure can cause a person to be at risk of mesothelioma. Because of the lengthy period of latency patients may be diagnosed with peritoneal msothelioma many decades after their initial exposure.
Peritoneal Mesothelioma can mimic other diseases. It is often mistaken for hernias or gastrointestinal issues such as colitis or Crohn's, and other types of abdominal cancers. A lot of patients do not report their asbestos exposure and don't seek medical attention. A biopsy may be recommended by a specialist to confirm a diagnosis of mesothelioma. A biopsy is the process of removing just a small portion of affected tissue to test. This procedure can reveal whether the mesothelioma is epithelioid (epidermoid), the sarcomatoid (sarcomatoid) or biphasic.
If the mesothelioma is at an early stage, doctors can remove all the tumors and provide the best treatment. The doctor will also be able to determine if the cancer has spread inside the abdomen. They may then recommend palliative treatment for the patient, for example paracentesis, which drains the abdominal fluid.
If mesothelioma progresses and the prognosis is less favorable, it becomes more difficult to treat. The reason for this is that the tumors are able to become resistant to certain treatments and may be recurred. The doctor may suggest the combination of surgery and chemotherapy. The surgical options include cytoreduction surgery along with hyperthermic intraperitoneal therapy. This combination is more likely to improve a patient's outlook than merely chemotherapy alone.