Peritoneal Mesothelioma Asbestos Symptoms

Peritoneal mesothelioma asbestos symptoms typically affect the digestive system. This is because asbestos fibers are ingested and become embedded in the lining of the stomach and peritoneum.

As time passes, these fibers result in mutations to the healthy peritoneal cells. As a result tumors that are cancerous develop in the peritoneum.

Mesothelioma is a challenging condition to diagnose. Early signs may be confused with other signs like hernias, or irritable Bowel Syndrome.

Symptoms

When asbestos fibers are inhaled they can be absorbed into the lungs and travel throughout the body. They can then become trapped in the lining of the abdomen or other organs, causing inflammation and irritation that can lead to the growth of tumors. The process can take years to develop, and most victims are unaware the fact that they've been exposed to asbestos until it is too late.

Asbestos fibers may get caught in the tissues that line the abdominal cavity, or other organs, causing malignant peritoneal melanomas. It is the second most common mesothelioma type. However it is often difficult for doctors to recognize since the first symptoms aren't specific. They may also be similar to gastrointestinal disorders. Patients suffering from peritoneal mesothelioma typically suffer from stomach pain, fatigue and gastrointestinal problems.

Mesothelioma patients are usually diagnosed with peritoneal mesothelioma after having a physical exam, a medical history review and several tests in the laboratory. A CT scan and X-ray may help doctors identify lumps or other signs of illness. In certain instances, doctors who treat mesothelioma will also require a biopsy to get a more accurate diagnosis.

Peritoneal mesothelioma symptoms typically begin in the abdomen and can cause extreme abdominal pain as well as weight loss, bloating swelling of 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 difficulties of diagnosing peritoneal mesothelioma, victims typically receive the appropriate treatment to prolong their lives. In the majority of cases, treatment involves surgery and chemo treatment that is heated.

If you or someone you love have been diagnosed with peritoneal mesothelioma, call our mesothelioma lawyers to find out what we can do to help. We can connect you to mesothelioma specialists near you and assist you in filing a lawsuit against the asbestos companies that are responsible for your exposure. We can also assist you to get the financial compensation you are entitled to. You can begin this process by filling out our free online form. We can assist you in obtaining the best possible outcome working with the best mesothelioma lawyers.

Diagnosis

The first step to diagnose peritoneal mesothelioma is to get an exact medical history. Doctors will ask patients about their asbestos exposure and when it occurred. They may also conduct a physical exam. Blood tests, X-rays and CT scans are typically used in the initial work-up.

Peritoneal mesothelioma can be difficult to recognize due to its lengthy latency period. Patients may be afflicted by symptoms like nausea, abdominal pain and fever that are similar to other illnesses. These nonspecific symptoms may confuse doctors. Mesothelioma is a rare cancer and it can take years for symptoms to appear after exposure to asbestos.

Asbestos fibers inhaled, or consumed are transported into the stomach lining known as the peritoneum. Asbestos fibers that are sharp can irritate mesothelium when they reach the peritoneum. This irritation can cause inflammation and scar tissue over time. This leads to abnormal cell proliferation and tumors.

There are no FDA-approved screening tests for mesothelioma of the peritoneum, however, researchers are developing methods to detect the disease in its early stages. The stage of mesothelioma determines the treatment options.

A mesothelioma specialist may perform paracentesis (percutaneous needle biopsy) to take the specimen for tests in the laboratory. These tests can identify the type of cancer cells (epithelioid or sarcomatoid) within the tumor and aid doctors develop the best treatment strategy.

Specialists in mesothelioma are able to determine the stage of the patient. The stage determines the most effective treatment and helps mesothelioma lawyers know which asbestos companies are accountable in mesothelioma suits.

When a mesothelioma doctor analyzes the results of a biopsy they prepare an a pathology report which contains specifics about the kind of mesothelioma. The report may also include a staging system that describes how far the cancer has spread within the body. The higher the stage of cancer the less likely a patient is to respond to treatment. Lawyers can explain the implications of this for specific clients.

Treatment

Asbestos fibers can be breathed in or consumed and are absorbed in the tissue that lines the abdomen and other organs. They damage DNA and can cause irritation to cells. This can lead to the development of tumors. Typically, peritoneal cancer is found in the lining that surrounds the abdomen. Peritoneal Mesothelioma has a greater impact on women than pleural mesothelioma however, it is less prevalent.

The symptoms of peritoneal cancer are similar to those associated with gastrointestinal disorders such as Crohn's disease and irritable colon disease and makes it difficult for doctors to recognize. Early symptoms can be mistaken for other ailments, and may persist for a long time, or even years before mesothelioma is identified.

A physician will also conduct imaging and blood tests to rule out any other conditions or diseases that could cause the same symptoms of mesothelioma. These tests can also be used 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 lining. A biopsy is the process of removing small portions of the affected area to be examined by pathologists. Biopsies can reveal cancerous cells, and identify the type of Mesothelioma.

After a peritoneal msothelioma is confirmed, doctors will discuss the treatment options with patients. The purpose of any treatment plan is usually to decrease the size and number of tumors. Surgery is usually the first option, but patients may also consider chemotherapy and immunotherapy.

Contrary to the chest-based treatment for pleural Mesothelioma which is administered through the lungs peritoneal Mesothelioma treatment is administered via intravenously or orally. Chemotherapies that are injected, such as heated intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) have helped to extend survival for many patients. HIPEC was invented by mesothelioma expert Paul Sugarbaker.

Individuals suffering from peritoneal cancer may be eligible to bring a lawsuit against negligent asbestos companies. A mesothelioma attorney can review the case of a patient and suggest legal options. Contact us today to get started. It is no cost, it's confidential and there is no commitment. We provide nationwide representation.

Prognosis

Mesothelioma cancer is a rare form of cancer. Doctors have limited experience with it, and many patients are misdiagnosed as having other illnesses. Fortunately mesothelioma specialists can aid in the diagnosis process and provide patients with the right treatment.

Asbestos exposure is only the one known cause of peritoneal mesothelioma. When asbestos fibers are breathed in or consumed, they may cause irritation to the abdominal tissues and cause cells to change. This can cause tumors to develop mesothelioma within the peritoneum over time.

The exposure to asbestos typically starts with working in manufacturing or construction. These industries may use products that contain asbestos, such as insulation and fireproofing. Asbestos is also found in household products, such as flooring and roofing tiles. Even low levels of exposure put a person at risk for mesothelioma. Because mesothelioma is a chronic disease with a long latency period patients may be diagnosed with peritoneal cancer decades after their initial exposure.

Peritoneal mesothelioma symptoms could be similar to those of other diseases and could be mistaken for hernias, digestive issues such as colitis or Crohn's disease, or other types of abdominal cancer. Many patients don't disclose their asbestos exposure, and don't seek medical care. If mesothelioma has been identified doctors may recommend a biopsy for a more precise diagnosis. A biopsy is the removal the smallest piece of tissue to be examined. This procedure can reveal whether the mesothelioma lawsuit is epithelioid (epidermoid), the sarcomatoid (sarcomatoid) or biphasic.

If the mesothelioma is in an early stage, doctors can remove all of the tumors and provide an effective treatment. The doctor can also determine if the cancer has spread inside the abdomen. They can then prescribe palliative treatment for the patient. For example paracentesis to remove the abdomen of fluid.

If mesothelioma progresses the chances of survival are less. The reason for this is that the tumors are able to become resistant to certain treatments and can recur. The doctor may recommend a combination of chemotherapy and surgery. Surgery options include cytoreduction with hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemo. This combination is more likely to improve a patient's outlook than chemotherapy on its own.