Peritoneal Mesothelioma Asbestos Symptoms

Peritoneal mesothelioma asbestos symptoms often affect the digestive system. This is due to asbestos fibers being ingested, and become embedded within the lining of your stomach, known as the peritoneum.

As time passes, these fibers cause mutations to healthy peritoneal cells. As a result, cancerous tumors form in the peritoneum.

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

Signs and symptoms

When asbestos fibers are inhaled, they can be absorbed into the lungs and circulate throughout the body. They can then be trapped in the lining of the abdomen or other organs, causing inflammation and irritation that can lead to tumor growth. This process can take a long time to develop, and most victims do not know the fact that they've been exposed to asbestos until it is too late.

Asbestos fibers can become trapped in the tissues that line the abdominal cavity or other organs, which can cause malignant peritoneal melanomas. It is the second most common mesothelioma. However, it is difficult to diagnose because early symptoms are not specific and similar to those of gastrointestinal conditions. Patients suffering from peritoneal cancer typically suffer from stomach pain, fatigue and gastrointestinal issues.

Mesothelioma victims are typically diagnosed with peritoneal cancer after having a physical exam, a medical history review and a series of laboratory tests. A X-ray as well as a CT scan can assist doctors to detect any lumps or signs of illness. In certain cases doctors who treat mesothelioma may also request a biopsy to get a more accurate diagnosis.

Peritoneal mesothelioma symptoms usually begin in the abdomen and can result in extreme abdominal pain, weight loss, bloating, swelling of the belly nausea, vomiting, and other digestive issues. The symptoms can also include chest pain, swelling and fatigue. It is essential for patients to seek a medical diagnosis when they have these symptoms as they may be caused by something other than mesothelioma.

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

Contact our mesothelioma lawyers today to find out how we can help you if a loved one has been diagnosed with peritoneal mesothelioma. We can help you find an expert in your area who can assist you in filing an asbestos lawsuit against the companies responsible for your exposure. We can also ensure you receive the financial settlement you deserve. You can start this process by filling out our no-cost online form. We partner with the top mesothelioma lawyers to assist you in obtaining the most favorable possible outcome.

Diagnosis

The first step to diagnose peritoneal mesothelioma is to get an exact medical history. Doctors will ask patients about their exposure to asbestos and when it happened. They may also conduct a physical exam. Initial tests typically include blood tests and X-rays and CT scans.

Peritoneal mesothelioma is a difficult cancer to identify due to its long time of latency. Patients may experience symptoms like abdominal discomfort, nausea, and fever that may resemble other ailments. These nonspecific symptoms could confuse doctors. Mesothelioma is a rare type of cancer, and it can take a long time before symptoms show up after asbestos exposure.

Inhaling or ingestion of asbestos fibers move to the stomach lining called the peritoneum. Asbestos fibers that are sharp can irritate mesothelium after they reach the peritoneum. This irritation causes inflammation and scar tissue over time. Then, it leads to abnormal cell growth and tumors develop.

Researchers are working to develop methods to detect the disease early. Staging mesothelioma is important as it will determine the treatment options.

A mesothelioma expert can perform paracentesis (percutaneous needle biopsy) to collect samples for tests in the laboratory. These tests can reveal the kind of cancer cells (epithelioid biphasic, sarcomatoid, or epithelioid) within the tumor and aid doctors determine the best treatment plan.

Mesothelioma specialists can also assess a patient's stage of mesothelioma. The stage determines the most effective treatments and also helps mesothelioma lawyers understand which asbestos companies are liable in mesothelioma lawsuits.

If a mesothelioma specialist analyzes the results from an examination the doctor creates a pathology document that includes information 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 to respond to treatment. A lawyer can explain the implications of this to the particular case of a client.

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 of the abdomen. Peritoneal mesothelioma is rarer than pleural mesothelioma. It usually affects women more.

The symptoms of peritoneal cancer are similar to those that are associated with gastrointestinal disorders such as Crohn's and irritable bowel disease which makes it difficult for doctors to recognize. Early symptoms can be misinterpreted as other conditions and can last for months or even years before a mesothelioma is diagnosed.

In addition to a thorough medical history, a physician will perform tests for imaging and bloodwork to rule out other diseases and conditions that could cause the same symptoms as mesothelioma. These tests can be used to determine the most suitable treatment options.

Since peritoneal mesothelioma can develop in the abdominal lining, a doctor will perform biopsy to confirm a diagnosis. A biopsy is the process of removing small samples of the affected area to be examined by pathologists. Biopsies may reveal cancerous cells as well as identify the mesothelioma type.

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

Contrary to chest-based treatments for pleural mesothelioma, which are administered via the lung, peritoneal mesothelioma treatments are administered either intravenously or orally. Chemotherapy injections like heated intraperitoneal therapy (HIPEC) have helped prolong the survival of many patients. HIPEC is a procedure innovated by mesothelioma pioneer Paul Sugarbaker.

Patients who have been diagnosed with peritoneal cancer may qualify to bring an asbestos lawsuit against negligent companies. An attorney for mesothelioma can analyze the case of a patient and suggest legal options. Contact us today to start. Contact us today. It's free, confidential and there's no commitment. We offer nationwide representation.

Prognosis

Mesothelioma cancer is rare. Because doctors have limited experience in diagnosing patients, many are mistakenly diagnosed with other diseases. Fortunately, a mesothelioma specialist can assist in the diagnostic process and help patients receive the appropriate treatment.

The only cause that is known for peritoneal mesothelioma is asbestos exposure. When asbestos fibers are inhaled or consumed, they may cause irritation to abdominal tissues and cause cells to alter. This may cause tumors to develop mesothelioma within the peritoneum in time.

Exposure to asbestos often is a result of working in manufacturing or construction. These industries could utilize asbestos settlement-containing materials including fireproofing, insulation. Asbestos can also be found in household products, such as flooring and roofing tiles. Even low levels of asbestos exposure can put someone at risk of mesothelioma. Because mesothelioma is a chronic disease with a long latency period it is possible for patients to be diagnosed with peritoneal mesothelioma decades after the initial exposure.

Peritoneal mesothelioma symptoms could appear similar to other diseases and could 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 do not report their exposure to asbestos, and they do not seek medical care. A biopsy may be recommended by a specialist to confirm the diagnosis of mesothelioma. A biopsy involves the removal of tiny pieces of tissue to be tested. This test will reveal whether the mesothelioma has epithelioid (epidermoid) or sarcomatoid (sarcomatoid) or biphasic.

If the mesothelioma is at an early stage doctors can remove all the tumors and provide curative treatment. The specialist can also determine if the cancer has expanded to the abdomen. They may then recommend palliative treatments for the patient, such as paracentesis that drains abdominal fluid.

If a mesothelioma has advanced, the prognosis becomes poorer. The tumors may become resistant to certain treatments and then recur. The doctor may suggest a combination of surgery and chemotherapy. Surgical options include cytoreduction surgery along with hyperthermic intraperitoneal therapy. This combination is more likely than chemotherapy on its own to improve the outlook of the patient.