20 Myths About Peritoneal Mesothelioma Asbestos: Dispelled
Peritoneal Mesothelioma Asbestos Symptoms
Peritoneal mesothelioma asbestos symptoms often affect the digestive system. This is due to asbestos fibers being ingested and become embedded in the lining of the stomach and peritoneum.
In time, these fibers cause mutations in healthy peritoneal cells. Cancerous tumors develop in the peritoneum as a result.
The diagnosis of mesothelioma can be a challenge. The early signs may be confused with other signs such as hernias or irritable Bowel Syndrome.
Signs and symptoms
Asbestos fibers may travel through the body after inhalation. The fibers may then become stuck in the linings of the abdomen and other organs. This causes inflammation and irritation that can lead to the development of tumors. The process can take years to develop, and many victims are unaware that they are exposed to asbestos until it is too late.
Asbestos fibers can become trapped in the tissue that lines the abdominal cavity or other organs, leading to malignant peritoneal melanoma. It is the second most frequent mesothelioma type, however it is difficult to identify because the initial symptoms aren't specific and are similar to symptoms of gastrointestinal diseases. Patients suffering from peritoneal mesothelioma typically suffer from stomach pain, fatigue and digestive issues.
After a physical exam followed by a review of medical history and a series of tests in the laboratory, mesothelioma attorneys patients are diagnosed with peritoneal cancer. An X-ray or CT scan can assist doctors to identify any lumps or other symptoms of disease. In certain cases mesothelioma specialists may also request a biopsy for a more accurate diagnosis.
Peritoneal Mesothelioma Symptoms usually begin in the abdomen and may cause severe abdominal discomfort, bloating and weight loss. They can also trigger nausea and vomiting as well as other digestive issues. Other symptoms include chest pain, fatigue and swelling. If these symptoms are present it is essential to seek medical attention since they may be caused by other illnesses.
Despite the difficulty of diagnosing peritoneal msothelioma patients can typically receive the appropriate treatment to prolong their lives. In most cases, this involves the use of surgery and chemotherapy that is heated.
If you or a loved one have been diagnosed with peritoneal mesothelioma, call our mesothelioma lawyers to find out how we can help. We can connect you with mesothelioma specialists near you who can assist you in filing a lawsuit against the asbestos-related companies responsible for your exposure. We can also ensure you receive the financial compensation you're entitled to. Fill out our online form to begin the process. We can assist you to get the best possible outcome working with the top mesothelioma lawyers.
Diagnosis
To diagnose peritoneal msothelioma, it is important to have an extensive medical history. Doctors will inquire with the patient about their exposure to asbestos and when it happened. They may also conduct a physical examination. Blood tests, X-rays, and CT scans are commonly utilized in the initial check-up.
Because of the long period of latency, peritoneal mesothelioma can be difficult to recognize. Patients may experience symptoms such as abdominal pain, fever and nausea that are similar to other conditions. These non-specific symptoms can confuse doctors. Mesothelioma is a rare type of cancer, and it can take decades for symptoms to manifest after asbestos exposure.
Inhaled or ingested asbestos fibers travel to the stomach lining, known as the peritoneum. Once inside the peritoneum the asbestos fibers are sharp and can cause irritation to the mesothelium. Over time this irritation can cause inflammation and scar tissue. This leads to abnormal cell proliferation and tumors.
Researchers are working on methods to detect mesothelioma in its earliest stages. The stage of mesothelioma determines the treatment options.
A mesothelioma doctor can conduct a paracentesis or percutaneous needle biopsy to collect mesothelioma tumors to be tested in the lab. These tests can reveal the kind of cancer cells (epithelioid, sarcomatoid or biphasic) within the tumor, and assist doctors to determine the best treatment strategy.
Mesothelioma specialists also evaluate the stage of mesothelioma a patient is. The staging process determines which treatments will be the most effective and help mesothelioma lawyers know which asbestos companies to pursue in Mesothelioma lawsuit lawsuits.
When a mesothelioma specialist analyzes the results of a biopsy, they create an a pathology report which contains details about the type of mesothelioma. The report could also include a staging scale that indicates how the cancer has spread within the body. The more advanced the stage, the less likely it is that it will respond to treatment. Lawyers can explain what this means in a client's situation.
Treatment
When inhaled or swallowed asbestos fibers are embedded in the tissue that lines the abdomen and other organs. They damage DNA and cause irritation to cells. In time, this can lead to the development of tumors within the lining. Typically, peritoneal cancer is found in the lining that covers the abdomen. Peritoneal Mesothelioma affects more women than pleural Mesothelioma but it is less common.
The symptoms of peritoneal cancer are similar to those that are associated with gastrointestinal disorders such as Crohn's disease and irritable bowel syndrome and makes it difficult for doctors to recognize. As a result, early symptoms can be mistaken for normal ailments, and can last for months or years before a patient is diagnosed with a mesothelioma diagnosis.
In addition to a thorough medical history, a physician will run imaging and blood tests to rule out other diseases and conditions that could trigger the same symptoms as mesothelioma. These tests can also be used to determine the most effective treatment options.
Because peritoneal mesothelioma develops in the abdominal lining, a doctor will perform biopsy to confirm a diagnosis. A biopsy involves removing small amounts of the affected area to be examined by pathologists. Biopsies are able to reveal cancerous cells, and identify the type of Mesothelioma.
Once a peritoneal mesothelioma diagnosis is confirmed, doctors will discuss options for treatment with the patient. Generally, the goal of a treatment plan is to minimize the size and quantity of tumors. Surgery is usually the first option, but patients can also look into chemotherapy and immunotherapy.
Contrary to chest-based treatment for pleural Mesothelioma which is administered through the lungs peritoneal Mesothelioma treatment is administered intravenously or orally. Injections of chemotherapies, like heated intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC), have helped to prolong the lives of many patients. HIPEC is a method that was invented by mesothelioma pioneer Paul Sugarbaker.
Patients who have been diagnosed with peritoneal cancer may qualify to file a lawsuit against negligent asbestos companies. A knowledgeable mesothelioma attorney will evaluate a patient's situation and recommend legal options. Contact us now to begin. Contact us today. It's free, confidential, and there's no obligation. We provide nationwide representation.
Prognosis
Mesothelioma is a rare cancer. Doctors aren't familiar with it, and many patients are mistakenly diagnosed with other illnesses. A mesothelioma expert can assist patients with the diagnosis and ensure that they receive the proper treatment.
Asbestos exposure is the sole known cause of peritoneal mesothelioma. Asbestos fibers can cause irritation of abdominal tissues and cell mutations when consumed or inhaled. This may cause tumors to form mesothelioma in the peritoneum over time.
Exposure to asbestos often begins with work in construction or manufacturing. These industries may utilize products that contain asbestos, like insulation and fireproofing. Asbestos may also be found in household items, such as roofing tiles and flooring. Even very low levels of exposure put a person at risk of developing mesothelioma. Because mesothelioma lawsuit has an extended latency period, victims can sometimes be diagnosed with peritoneal mesothelioma decades after the initial exposure.
Peritoneal mesothelioma symptoms can be similar to those of other conditions and be mistaken for a hernia, digestive problems such as Crohn's disease or colitis, or other forms of abdominal cancer. Many patients don't report their asbestos exposure and do not seek medical attention. If mesothelioma has been identified experts may suggest the procedure of a biopsy to make an accurate diagnosis. A biopsy is the removal the smallest piece of tissue to be tested. This test will reveal whether the mesothelioma is epithelioid (epidermoid), sarcomatoid (sarcomatoid) or biphasic.
If mesothelioma has reached an early stage, doctors can remove all of the tumors and offer the best treatment. The specialist can also determine if the cancer has spread to the abdomen. They can then prescribe palliative treatment for the patient, such as paracentesis to drain the fluid from the abdomen.
If a mesothelioma has advanced and the prognosis is less favorable, it becomes more difficult to treat. The tumors could become resistant to certain treatment and recur. The doctor may suggest an amalgamation of surgery and chemotherapy. The surgical options include cytoreduction surgery with hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy. This combination is more likely to improve the prognosis of a patient than chemotherapy alone.