Peritoneal Mesothelioma Asbestos: The Good The Bad And The Ugly
Peritoneal Mesothelioma Asbestos Symptoms
The digestive system is frequently affected by the symptoms of peritoneal mesothelioma. This is due to asbestos fibers being taken in and are then embedded within the lining of your stomach called the peritoneum.
As time passes the fibers cause mutations in healthy peritoneal cells. As a result tumors that are cancerous develop in the peritoneum.
Mesothelioma is a difficult condition to diagnose. The early signs may be confused with other symptoms such as hernias or irritable Bowel syndrome.
Symptoms
Asbestos fibers can travel through the body after inhalation. From there, they can become stuck in the lining of the abdomen or other organs, creating inflammation and irritation that can lead to tumor growth. This process can take a long time 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 type. However it can be difficult for doctors to recognize as early symptoms are nonspecific. It is also possible that they are similar to gastrointestinal disorders. Patients with peritoneal mesothelioma frequently experience stomach pain, fatigue and gastrointestinal problems.
After a physical exam, an examination of medical history and a series of laboratory tests, mesothelioma patients are diagnosed with peritoneal cancer. A CT scan and X-ray can aid in identifying lumps, or other indications of disease. In some instances mesothelioma physicians may require a biopsy to get an precise diagnosis.
Peritoneal mesothelioma symptoms generally begin in the abdomen and can lead to severe abdominal discomfort, 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 to seek medical attention since they could be caused by other ailments.
Despite the difficulties of diagnosing peritoneal mesothelioma, patients are often able to receive the right treatment to extend their lives. In the majority of cases, treatment involves surgery and heated chemo.
If you or a loved one have been diagnosed with peritoneal mesothelioma, call our mesothelioma attorneys to find out how we can help. We can assist you in finding an expert in your area who can help you file an asbestos lawsuit against the companies responsible for your exposure. We can also help you receive the financial compensation that you deserve. Complete our online form to start the process. We can assist you in obtaining the best outcome possible by working with top mesothelioma attorneys.
Diagnosis
The first step in diagnosing mesothelioma of the peritoneal region is to collect an accurate medical history. Doctors will inquire about the patient's exposure to asbestos and the time it occurred. A physical exam will be conducted. Blood tests, X-rays and CT scans are typically used in the initial work-up.
Due to the lengthy latency period, peritoneal mesothelioma can be difficult to recognize. Patients may experience symptoms like abdominal nausea, fever and pain that may resemble other ailments. These symptoms aren't specific and could confuse doctors. Mesothelioma is a rare cancer that can take years to show symptoms following exposure to asbestos is a rare condition.
Inhaling or eating asbestos fibers move to the stomach lining called the peritoneum. Asbestos fibers that are sharp can irritate mesothelium after they reach the peritoneum. As time passes this irritation can cause inflammation and scar tissue formation. Then, it leads to abnormal cell growth, and tumors can develop.
There are no FDA-approved screening tests for peritoneal mesothelioma 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 expert can perform a paracentesis or percutaneous needle biopsy to collect a sample of mesothelioma tumors to be tested in the lab. These tests can determine if the cancer cells are epithelioid (epithelioid) or Sarcomatoid (sarcomatoid) or biphasic within the tumor. This information aids doctors to 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 accountable in mesothelioma cases.
When a mesothelioma expert analyzes the results of a biopsy the doctor creates a pathology document which contains details about the type of mesothelioma lawsuits. The report may also include an assessment system that outlines how far the cancer has spread within the body. The higher the stage of cancer the less likely a patient will be able to respond to treatment. Lawyers can explain the significance of this in a client's situation.
Treatment
Asbestos fibers can be breathed in or consumed and are absorbed in the tissue lining the abdomen and other organs. These fibers irritate the cells and damage DNA. This can lead to the development of tumors. Typically, peritoneal cancer is found in the lining of the abdomen. Peritoneal mesothelioma lawyers occurs less frequently than pleural mesothelioma and usually affects women more.
Symptoms of peritoneal mesothelioma are similar to symptoms of gastrointestinal disorders such as irritable bowel syndrome and Crohn's disease. This makes it difficult for doctors to diagnose the condition. Because of this, early symptoms are mistaken for normal ailments and may last for months or even years before a patient receives a mesothelioma diagnosis.
A physician will also conduct imaging and blood tests to rule out any other conditions or diseases that may cause mesothelioma-like symptoms. These tests can be used to determine the most effective treatment options.
A biopsy is conducted by a physician to confirm the diagnosis. This is due to the fact that peritoneal msothelioma can in the abdominal liner. A biopsy involves removing small amounts of the affected area for examination by pathologists. Biopsies can identify cancerous cells, and can determine the type of Mesothelioma.
Once a peritoneal mesothelioma diagnosis is confirmed, doctors will discuss options for treatment with the patient. The purpose of any treatment plan is typically to reduce the size and number of tumors. Surgery is often the first option, however patients can also look into chemotherapy and immunotherapy.
In contrast to chest-based therapies for pleural mesothelioma which are administered via the lung, peritoneal mesothelioma treatments are administered either intravenously or orally. Chemotherapy injections, such as heated intraperitoneal therapy (HIPEC), helped extend the life expectancy of many patients. HIPEC was invented by mesothelioma expert Paul Sugarbaker.
Individuals suffering from peritoneal cancer could be able to bring a lawsuit against negligent asbestos companies. An experienced mesothelioma lawyer will evaluate a patient's situation and suggest legal options. Contact us today to get started. Contact us now. It's free, confidential and there's absolutely no obligation. We provide nationwide representation.
Prognosis
Mesothelioma is a rare cancer. Doctors aren't familiar dealing with it, which means that many patients are mistakenly diagnosed with other illnesses. A mesothelioma expert can help patients identify the cause and ensure they receive appropriate treatment.
Asbestos exposure is the sole known cause of peritoneal mesothelioma. When asbestos fibers are breathed in or ingested, they can cause irritation to abdominal tissues and cause cells to change. This can cause tumors to develop mesothelioma within the peritoneum in time.
Manufacturing or construction is usually the first area where asbestos exposure can begin. These industries can use asbestos-containing materials, such as fireproofing and insulation. Asbestos is also present in household products such as flooring and roof tiles. Even low levels of exposure to asbestos can cause a person to be at risk of developing mesothelioma. Because the disease has a long latency period, victims can sometimes be diagnosed with peritoneal mesothelioma decades after their initial exposure.
Peritoneal mesothelioma symptoms can resemble those of other conditions and be mistaken for hernias, digestive problems such as colitis or Crohn's disease, or other forms of abdominal cancer. This is why many patients do not disclose their exposure to asbestos, and they don't seek medical attention. A biopsy may be recommended by a specialist to confirm a diagnosis of mesothelioma. A biopsy is the removal of the smallest piece of tissue to be tested. This test can determine if the mesothelioma is epithelioid (epidermoid), Sarcomatoid (sarcomatoid) or biphasic.
If mesothelioma has reached an early stage doctors can remove all of the tumors and provide curative treatment. The specialist can also determine if the cancer has been able to spread to the abdomen. They can then prescribe palliative treatments for the patient, for example paracentesis, which drains the abdominal fluid.
If a mesothelioma has advanced the chances of survival are less. This is because the cancer are able to become resistant to certain treatments, and they may recur. The specialist may suggest a combination of chemotherapy and surgery. Surgical options include cytoreduction surgery along with hyperthermic intraperitoneal therapy. This combination is more likely than chemotherapy alone to improve the prognosis for a patient.