20 Myths About Peritoneal Mesothelioma Asbestos: Debunked

Peritoneal Mesothelioma Asbestos Symptoms

The digestive system is often affected by the symptoms of mesothelioma of the peritoneal region. This is because asbestos fibers are ingested, and become embedded in a lining of the stomach called the peritoneum.

As time passes these fibers can cause changes in healthy peritoneal cells. As a result tumors that are cancerous develop in the peritoneum.

The diagnosis of mesothelioma can be difficult. The early signs can resemble symptoms of other conditions, such as hernia or IBS.

Symptoms

Asbestos fibers can travel through the body when breathed. From there, they can be stuck in the abdominal lining or other organs, creating inflammation and irritation that can lead to the growth of tumors. The process can take years to develop, and most victims do not know that they are exposed to asbestos until it is 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 form of mesothelioma. However, it can be difficult for doctors to diagnose as early symptoms are nonspecific. They may also be similar to gastrointestinal conditions. Patients with peritoneal cancer often suffer from stomach pain, fatigue and gastrointestinal issues.

After a physical examination followed by reviewing medical history and a series of laboratory tests, mesothelioma sufferers are diagnosed with peritoneal cancer. A X-ray as well as a CT scan can assist doctors to identify any lumps or other indications of illness. In certain instances doctors who treat mesothelioma will also require a biopsy to get a more accurate diagnosis.

Peritoneal mesothelioma symptoms usually begin in the abdominal area and can result in extreme abdominal discomfort, weight loss, bloating fluid buildup in the belly nausea, vomiting, and other digestive problems. Other symptoms include chest pain, fatigue and swelling. It is important for victims to seek medical advice when they have these symptoms because they could be caused by something other than mesothelioma.

Despite the difficulty in diagnosing patients with peritoneal msothelioma, they can typically receive the appropriate treatment to prolong their lives. In most cases, treatment is surgery and heated chemo.

Contact our mesothelioma attorneys to find out how we can help you if a loved one has been diagnosed with peritoneal mesothelioma. We can assist you in finding an expert in your area who can help you file a lawsuit against asbestos companies that are responsible for your exposure. We can also help you get the financial compensation you deserve. You can start this process by filling in our free online form. We can assist you to get the best possible outcome by working with top mesothelioma attorneys.

Diagnosis

The first step in diagnosing mesothelioma peritoneal is to obtain an complete medical history. Doctors will ask patients about their asbestos exposure and the date it happened. They will also conduct a physical exam. Initial tests typically include blood tests and Xrays, as well as CT scans.

Peritoneal mesothelioma can be difficult to diagnose due to its long period of latency. Patients may be afflicted by symptoms like nausea, abdominal pain, and fever that are similar to other illnesses. These symptoms aren't specific and can confuse doctors. Mesothelioma is a rare form of cancer that can take years to show symptoms following exposure to asbestos is a rare disease.

Inhaling or eating asbestos fibers move to the stomach lining known as the peritoneum. Asbestos fibers are sharp and irritate mesothelium after they reach the peritoneum. This irritation causes scar tissue and inflammation over time. Eventually, this 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 in its early stages. The stage of mesothelioma will determine the treatment options.

A mesothelioma specialist can perform paracentesis (percutaneous needle biopsy) to collect samples for lab testing. These tests can identify the kind of cancer cells (epithelioid biphasic, sarcomatoid, or epithelioid) within the tumor and help doctors develop an appropriate treatment plan.

Specialists in mesothelioma can also determine the stage of the patient. It determines which treatment options will be most effective and also helps mesothelioma lawyers determine which asbestos-related companies to sue in mesothelioma lawsuits.

When a mesothelioma specialist analyzes the results of a biopsy they produce an analysis report that contains specifics about the kind of mesothelioma. The report could also include the staging scale, which indicates how far the cancer has spread across the body. The more advanced the stage of cancer the less likely a patient will respond to treatment. Lawyers can explain the implications of this for a particular client's case.

Treatment

Inhalation or swallowing asbestos fibers are embedded in the tissues that line the abdomen and other organs. These fibers can cause irritation to cells and cause DNA damage. As time passes, this leads to the development of tumors in the lining. Typically, peritoneal mesothelioma develops in the lining of the abdomen known as the peritoneum. Peritoneal mesothelioma occurs less frequently than pleural mesothelioma, and typically affects women more.

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

In addition to an extensive medical history, a physician will conduct imaging and blood tests to rule out other diseases and conditions that may cause the same symptoms as mesothelioma. These tests will help to determine the best treatment options.

Since peritoneal mesothelioma is a cancer that develops the abdominal lining, a doctor will perform biopsy to confirm a diagnosis. A biopsy involves the removal of small portions of the affected area for examination by pathologists. Biopsies may reveal cancerous cells as well as identify the type of mesothelioma.

If a peritoneal msothelioma has been confirmed, doctors will discuss the treatment options with patients. The goal of the treatment plan is to minimize the size and quantity of tumors. Surgery is usually the first option, but patients may also consider chemotherapy and immunotherapy.

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

Patients who have been diagnosed with peritoneal cancer could be able to file a lawsuit against negligent asbestos companies. A knowledgeable mesothelioma attorney can review a patient's case and recommend legal options. Contact us today to begin. It's free, confidential and there is no obligation. We offer nationwide representation.

Prognosis

Mesothelioma is a rare cancer. Doctors have limited experience with it, and many patients are wrongly diagnosed as having other diseases. Fortunately, a mesothelioma specialist can aid in the diagnosis process and get patients the proper treatment.

Asbestos exposure is the only known cause of peritoneal mesthelioma. When asbestos fibers are breathed in or ingested, they can irritate the tissues of the abdomen and cause cells to mutate. As time passes, this could cause tumors to form a mesothelioma of the peritoneum.

Construction or manufacturing work is usually the first area where asbestos exposure can begin. These industries can utilize asbestos-containing materials like fireproofing and insulation. Asbestos is also present in household products, such as flooring and roof tiles. Even the smallest amounts of exposure can put a person at risk of developing mesothelioma. Because mesothelioma has a long time to develop patients may be diagnosed with peritoneal cancer decades after their initial exposure.

Peritoneal mesothelioma symptoms could be similar to those of other conditions and be mistaken for a hernia, digestive issues such as colitis or Crohn's disease or other forms of abdominal cancer. Because of this, many patients don't report their exposure to asbestos and they do not seek medical treatment. If mesothelioma is found experts may suggest the procedure of a biopsy to make an accurate diagnosis. A biopsy is the process of removing only a small amount of affected tissue for testing. This test will reveal whether the mesothelioma has epithelioid (epidermoid) or sarcomatoid (sarcomatoid) or biphasic.

If mesothelioma has not spread, doctors can remove the tumors. They can also provide an option for curative treatment. The doctor can also determine if the cancer has expanded to the abdomen. They can then prescribe palliative treatment for the patient, for example paracentesis to drain the abdominal fluid.

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