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 get inhaled and then become a part of the stomach's lining, called the peritoneum.

In time the fibers trigger mutations in healthy peritoneal cells. In the end cancerous tumors develop in the peritoneum.

The diagnosis of mesothelioma may be a bit 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. From there, they may be stuck in the lining of the abdomen or other organs, causing inflammation and irritation that eventually leads to the growth of tumors. The process can take years to develop, and many victims do not know the fact that they've been exposed to asbestos until it is too late.

Asbestos fibers may get caught in the tissue that lines the abdominal cavity, or other organs, which can cause malignant peritoneal melanoma. It is the second-most common form of mesothelioma. However it is often difficult for doctors to recognize because the early symptoms are not specific. They may also be similar to gastrointestinal conditions. Patients suffering from peritoneal mesothelioma typically experience stomach pain, fatigue and gastrointestinal issues.

Mesothelioma sufferers are usually diagnosed with peritoneal mesothelioma after having a physical exam as well as a medical history check and several laboratory tests. An X-ray or CT scan can help doctors detect any lumps or signs of disease. In certain cases, mesothelioma doctors will also require a biopsy to get an accurate diagnosis.

Peritoneal mesothelioma lawyers symptoms typically start in the abdominal region and can lead to severe abdominal pain as well as weight loss, bloating stomach fluid accumulation, nausea, vomiting and other digestive problems. Other symptoms include chest pain, fatigue and swelling. It is essential for patients to seek medical attention when they have these symptoms as they may be caused by something other than mesothelioma.

Despite the difficulty in diagnosing peritoneal msothelioma patients, they can typically receive the appropriate treatment to prolong their lives. In the majority of cases, this requires surgery and heated chemotherapy.

If you or a loved one have been diagnosed with peritoneal cancer, contact our mesothelioma attorneys to learn more about what we can do to help. We can help you locate an expert in mesothelioma near you who can assist you in filing an asbestos lawsuit against the companies that are responsible for your exposure. We can also ensure you get the financial compensation you are entitled to. Fill out our online form to start the process. We can help you get the best possible outcome by working with top mesothelioma attorneys.

Diagnosis

The first step in identifying mesothelioma peritoneal is to obtain an accurate medical history. Doctors will ask patients about their exposure to asbestos and when it happened. They also conduct a physical examination. Blood tests, X-rays and CT scans are often employed in the initial examination.

Due to the long time of latency, peritoneal cancer can be difficult to recognize. Patients may be afflicted by symptoms like nausea, abdominal pain and fever that are similar to those of other conditions. These non-specific symptoms can confuse doctors. Mesothelioma is a rare cancer that can take years to show symptoms following exposure to asbestos is a rare illness.

Asbestos fibers inhaled or consumed move to the stomach lining called the peritoneum. Once inside the peritoneum the asbestos fibers' sharp edges cause irritation to the mesothelium. This irritation leads to inflammation and scar tissue over time. This leads to abnormal cell proliferation and tumors.

Researchers are working to develop ways to detect the disease early. The stage of mesothelioma determines the treatment options.

A mesothelioma expert can perform paracentesis (percutaneous needle biopsy) to collect the specimen for lab testing. These tests can identify the type of cancer cells (epithelioid or sarcomatoid) within the tumor and aid doctors develop a treatment plan.

Mesothelioma specialists also evaluate the mesothelioma stage of a patient. It determines which treatment options will be most effective and helps mesothelioma lawyers know which asbestos-related companies to sue in mesothelioma lawsuits.

When a mesothelioma doctor analyzes the results of a biopsy they prepare a pathology report that includes details about the type of mesothelioma. The report may also include an assessment scale that reveals how 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 implications of this to the particular case of a client.

Treatment

Asbestos fibers are inhaled or eaten and then absorbed in the tissue lining the abdomen and other organs. These fibers irritate the cells and cause DNA damage. Over time, this leads to the development of tumors in the lining. The majority of the time, peritoneal cancer develops in the lining that covers the abdomen. Peritoneal Mesothelioma has a greater impact on women than pleural Mesothelioma but is less common.

The symptoms of peritoneal cancer are similar to those associated with digestive disorders like Crohn's disease and irritable bowel syndrome, making it hard for doctors to diagnose. In the beginning, symptoms can be mistaken as normal ailments and may last for months or years before a patient is given an mesothelioma-related diagnosis.

In addition to an extensive medical history, a physician will conduct tests for imaging and bloodwork to rule out other illnesses and conditions that could trigger the same symptoms as mesothelioma. These tests can help to determine the best treatment options.

Because peritoneal mesothelioma develops in the abdominal lining The doctor will conduct biopsy to confirm a diagnosis. A biopsy involves removing small amounts of the affected area for examination by pathologists. Biopsies may reveal cancerous cells and identify the type of mesothelioma.

After a peritoneal msothelioma is confirmed doctors will discuss treatment options with patients. Generally, the goal of a treatment plan is to minimize the size and amount of tumors. Surgery is typically the first line of defense, however, patients must also consider the possibility of immunotherapy and chemotherapy.

Unlike the chest-based treatments for pleural mesothelioma, which are administered via the lungs, peritoneal mesothelioma treatments are administered 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.

Patients diagnosed with peritoneal mesothelioma may be eligible to file an asbestos lawsuit against negligent companies. A knowledgeable mesothelioma attorney will review the case of a patient and recommend legal options. Contact us today to begin. It's free, confidential and there is no commitment. We provide nationwide representation.

Prognosis

Mesothelioma is a rare type of cancer. Because doctors aren't experienced, many patients are misdiagnosed as having other illnesses. A mesothelioma expert can assist patients identify the cause and ensure they receive the right treatment.

Asbestos exposure is the only known cause of peritoneal mesthelioma. When asbestos fibers are inhaled or ingested, they can cause irritation to the tissues of the abdomen and cause cells to alter. This can cause tumors to develop into mesothelioma in the peritoneum in time.

Manufacturing or construction work is often the first location where asbestos exposure begins. These industries may use asbestos-containing materials like fireproofing and insulation. Asbestos is also present in household items such as flooring and roofing tiles. Even the smallest amounts of exposure can put someone at risk of developing mesothelioma. Because of the lengthy period of latency, victims may be diagnosed with peritoneal msothelioma for a long time after their first exposure.

Peritoneal Mesothelioma can mimic other diseases. It is often mistaken for hernias, gastrointestinal problems like Crohn's or colitis, and other types of abdominal cancer. Many patients do not disclose their asbestos exposure, and do not seek medical attention. Specialists may recommend a biopsy 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 help determine the stage of mesothelioma as well as whether it is epithelioid sarcomatoid or biphasic.

If the mesothelioma is in an early stage, doctors can remove all of the tumors and provide curative treatment. The doctor can also determine whether the cancer has spread to the abdomen. They may then recommend palliative care for the patient, for example paracentesis to drain the abdominal fluid.

The prognosis is worsened when mesothelioma is advanced. The tumors may become resistant to certain treatments and may recur. The doctor might recommend a combination of chemotherapy and surgery. Options for surgery include cytoreduction and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemo. This combination is more likely than chemotherapy by itself to improve the prognosis for the patient.