Peritoneal Mesothelioma Asbestos Symptoms

The digestive system is frequently affected by the symptoms of peritoneal mesothelioma. This is due to asbestos fibers being consumed and then absorbed in the lining of the stomach known as the peritoneum.

In time the fibers cause changes in healthy peritoneal cells. As a result cancerous tumors develop in the peritoneum.

Mesothelioma is a challenging condition to identify. The initial signs may resemble symptoms of other conditions, like hernia, or IBS.

Symptoms

Asbestos fibers can move through the body when breathed. The fibers may then become trapped in the linings the abdomen and other organs. This causes inflammation and irritation, which can lead to the development of tumors. The process can take years to develop and many victims are unaware of their asbestos exposure until it's too late.

Asbestos fibers can become trapped in the tissue that lines the abdominal cavity, or other organs, which can cause malignant peritoneal melanoma. It is the second most common mesothelioma. However it is often difficult for doctors to identify as early symptoms are nonspecific. They may also be similar to digestive disorders. Patients with peritoneal cancer frequently suffer from stomach pain, fatigue and gastrointestinal issues.

Mesothelioma sufferers are usually diagnosed with peritoneal mesothelioma following undergoing a physical examination as well as a medical history check and an array of laboratory tests. A X-ray and a CT scan can assist doctors to identify any lumps or other indications of disease. In some cases mesothelioma patients, doctors will also order a biopsied to make a more precise diagnosis.

Peritoneal mesothelioma symptoms usually start in the abdominal region and can cause extreme abdominal pain, weight loss, bloating swelling of the belly, nausea, vomiting and other digestive problems. Other symptoms include fatigue, chest pain and swelling. It is important for victims to seek a medical diagnosis in the event of these symptoms as they may be caused by something other than mesothelioma.

Despite the difficulty in diagnosing peritoneal msothelioma patients, they can often receive the right treatment to prolong their lives. In most cases, treatment involves surgery and heated chemo.

If you or someone you love have been diagnosed with peritoneal cancer, contact our mesothelioma attorneys to find out how we can help. We can help you find an expert in mesothelioma near you who can assist you in filing an asbestos lawsuit against asbestos-related companies responsible for your exposure. We can also assist you in ensuring that you get the financial compensation you are entitled to. Fill out our online form to start the process. We can assist you to get the best outcome possible by working with top mesothelioma attorneys.

Diagnosis

To determine if you have peritoneal msothelioma it is essential to take a a complete medical history. Doctors will ask about the patient's exposure to asbestos and when it occurred. A physical exam will be conducted. Initial examinations typically include X-rays and blood tests, as well as CT scans.

Peritoneal mesothelioma is a difficult cancer to recognize because of its long latency period. Patients may experience symptoms like abdominal pain, fever and nausea that may resemble other ailments. These non-specific symptoms can cause confusion for doctors. Mesothelioma is a rare type of cancer and it can take decades for symptoms to manifest after asbestos exposure.

Asbestos fibers that are inhaled or consumed travel to the stomach lining called the peritoneum. Asbestos fibers that are sharp irritate mesothelium once they reach the peritoneum. This irritation can cause inflammation and scar tissue over time. This leads to abnormal cell growth and tumors.

There are no FDA-approved screenings for peritoneal mesothelioma, however, researchers are developing methods to detect the disease's 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 laboratory testing. These tests can identify the type of cancer cells (epithelioid or sarcomatoid) within the tumor, and assist doctors to come up with the best treatment plan.

Specialists in mesothelioma are able to determine the stage of the patient. The stage determines the most effective treatment and assists mesothelioma lawyers to determine which asbestos companies are liable in mesothelioma lawsuits.

If a mesothelioma specialist analyzes the results from the biopsy, he or she creates a pathology record that includes information about the mesothelioma type. The report may also include a staging system that describes how far the cancer has spread in the body. The higher the stage the more likely it will respond to treatment. A lawyer can explain what this means for a client's case.

Treatment

When swallowed or inhaled asbestos fibers are embedded in the tissues that line the abdomen and other organs. The fibers harm DNA and cause irritation to cells. In time, this can lead to the development of tumors in the lining. The majority of the time, peritoneal mesothelioma is found in the lining of the abdomen known as the peritoneum. Peritoneal Mesothelioma is more prevalent in women than pleural mesothelioma but is less common.

Symptoms of peritoneal mesothelioma are similar to those of gastrointestinal diseases like irritable bowel disorder and Crohn's disease, making it difficult for doctors to recognize the condition. In the beginning, symptoms are mistaken for normal ailments, and can last for months or even years before a patient receives an mesothelioma-related diagnosis.

A doctor may also perform tests of blood and imaging to rule out other diseases or conditions that could trigger the same symptoms of mesothelioma. These tests will also help to determine the best treatment options.

A biopsy is carried out by a physician to confirm the diagnosis. This is because peritoneal Msothelioma can be found in the abdominal liner. A biopsy involves removing small portions of the affected area for examination by pathologists. Biopsies can identify cancerous cells, and identify the type of Mesothelioma.

If a peritoneal msothelioma has been confirmed doctors will discuss treatment options with patients. The goal of the treatment plan is to decrease the size and amount of tumors. Surgery is usually the first line of defense, however, patients should also talk about the possibility of immunotherapy and chemotherapy.

Contrary to the chest-based treatment for pleural Mesothelioma which is administered via the lungs, the treatment for peritoneal Mesothelioma is injected either intravenously or orally. Chemotherapy injections such as heated intraperitoneal therapy (HIPEC) has helped prolong the survival of many patients. HIPEC is a method that was invented by mesothelioma pioneer Paul Sugarbaker.

Patients suffering from peritoneal asbestosis may be eligible to bring a lawsuit against negligent asbestos companies. A knowledgeable mesothelioma attorney (see this page) can review a patient's case and recommend legal options. Contact us now to get started. Contact us today. It's completely free, confidential, and there's no obligation. We offer nationwide representation.

Prognosis

Mesothelioma cancer is extremely rare. Doctors have limited experience with it, and many patients are misdiagnosed as having other illnesses. Fortunately, a mesothelioma specialist can assist in the diagnostic process and help patients receive the appropriate treatment.

Asbestos exposure is only the one known cause of peritoneal mesothelioma. Asbestos fibers can cause irritation of the abdominal tissues and cell mutations when inhaled or consumed. As time passes, this could cause tumors to form a mesothelioma of the peritoneum.

Exposure to asbestos often starts with work in construction or manufacturing. These industries could utilize materials that contain asbestos, like insulation and fireproofing. Asbestos may also be found in household items like roofing tiles and flooring. Even the smallest amount of asbestos exposure can put a person in danger of mesothelioma. Because the disease has a long time to develop it is possible for patients to be diagnosed with peritoneal mesothelioma years after the initial exposure.

Peritoneal mesothelioma symptoms could resemble 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. Due to this, a lot of patients do not report their exposure to asbestos and they do not seek medical care. A biopsy may be recommended by a specialist to confirm a diagnosis of mesothelioma. A biopsy involves the removal of only a small amount of affected tissue to test. This test will reveal if the mesothelioma is epithelioid (epidermoid), sarcomatoid (sarcomatoid) or biphasic.

If mesothelioma isn't spreading it is possible to remove the tumors. They will also provide an effective treatment. The doctor can also determine whether the cancer has expanded to the abdomen. They may then recommend palliative care for the patient, such as paracentesis, which drains the fluid from the abdomen.

If a mesothelioma has advanced the chances of survival are less. The reason for this is that the tumors may become resistant to certain treatments and may develop a recurrence. The specialist may recommend the combination of chemotherapy and surgery. The surgical options include cytoreduction surgery combined with hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy. This combination is more likely than chemotherapy on its own to improve the prognosis for the patient.