Peritoneal Mesothelioma Asbestos Symptoms

The digestive system is often affected by the symptoms of mesothelioma of the peritoneal region. This is due to asbestos fibers being ingested, and become embedded within the lining of your stomach, known as the peritoneum.

In time these fibers can cause changes in healthy peritoneal cells. Tumors that are cancerous develop in the peritoneum as a result.

Mesothelioma is a difficult condition to identify. Early signs can be confused with other symptoms like hernias or irritable Bowel syndrome.

Signs and symptoms

When asbestos fibers are inhaled, they can pass into the lungs and then travel throughout the body. They can then be trapped in the abdominal lining or other organs, creating inflammation and irritation that eventually leads to the growth of tumors. This process can take decades to develop, and many sufferers are unaware 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, leading to malignant peritoneal melanoma. It is the second most prevalent mesothelioma type, however it is difficult to diagnose because early symptoms are nonspecific and similar to those of digestive conditions. Patients suffering from peritoneal cancer typically experience fatigue, stomach pain and gastrointestinal issues.

After a physical exam followed by an examination of medical history and a series laboratory tests, mesothelioma patients are diagnosed with peritoneal cancer. A CT scan and an X-ray may help doctors identify lumps or other signs of disease. In some cases doctors who treat mesothelioma will also order a biopsied to obtain a more precise diagnosis.

Peritoneal mesothelioma symptoms usually begin in the abdomen and can cause severe abdominal pain, weight loss, bloating, fluid buildup in the belly nausea, vomiting, and other digestive problems. Other symptoms include fatigue, chest pain and swelling. If these symptoms are present it is essential that victims seek medical attention as they may be caused by other ailments.

Despite the difficulty in diagnosing peritoneal cancer, patients can often receive the proper treatment to extend their lives. In most cases, treatment involves surgery and chemo that is heated.

Contact our mesothelioma attorneys to learn how we can assist you if a family member has been diagnosed with peritoneal mesothelioma. We can assist you in finding an expert in your area who can help you file an asbestos lawsuit (recent mediaape.net blog post) against the companies that are responsible for your exposure. We can also help you receive the financial settlement you are entitled to. You can begin this process by filling in our free online form. We have a strong relationship with mesothelioma lawyers and can assist you in obtaining the most favorable possible outcome.

Diagnosis

To diagnose peritoneal Msothelioma it is important to have an exhaustive medical history. Doctors will ask about the patient's exposure to asbestos and the time it occurred. A physical exam will be conducted. Initial tests typically include blood tests and X-rays and CT scans.

Due to the long time of latency, peritoneal cancer can be difficult to diagnose. Patients may experience symptoms such as abdominal nausea, fever and pain that may resemble other ailments. These nonspecific symptoms can confuse doctors. Mesothelioma is a rare type of cancer and it can take a long time for symptoms to manifest after asbestos attorney exposure.

Inhaled or ingested asbestos fibers travel to the stomach lining, known as the peritoneum. Once inside the peritoneum the sharp asbestos fibers irritate the mesothelium. This irritation leads to inflammation and scar tissue over time. Then, it leads to abnormal cell growth and tumors forming.

There are no FDA-approved screenings for peritoneal mesothelioma, however, researchers are developing ways to identify the disease in its earliest stages. The process of identifying mesothelioma's stage is crucial as it will determine the treatment options.

A mesothelioma specialist can conduct a paracentesis or percutaneous needle biopsy to collect a sample of mesothelioma tumors to be tested in the lab. These tests can reveal the type of cancer cells (epithelioid, sarcomatoid or biphasic) within the tumor, and assist doctors to determine an appropriate treatment plan.

Specialists in mesothelioma also determine the stage of a patient. The stage determines the most effective treatments and also helps mesothelioma lawyers understand which asbestos companies are accountable in mesothelioma lawsuits.

If a mesothelioma specialist analyzes the results from the biopsy the doctor creates a pathology record that contains information on the type of mesothelioma. The report could also include a staging system that describes how far the cancer has spread in the body. The more advanced the stage of cancer the less likely a patient will be able to respond to treatment. Lawyers can explain what this means in a client's situation.

Treatment

Inhalation or swallowing asbestos fibers are embedded in the tissues that line the abdomen and other organs. They damage DNA and cause irritation to cells. As time passes, this leads to the development of tumors in the lining. Typically, peritoneal cancer is found in the lining that covers the abdomen. Peritoneal mesothelioma occurs less frequently 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 disease and irritable colon disease and makes it difficult for doctors to identify. As a result, early symptoms can be mistaken for normal ailments, and can last for months or years before a patient is diagnosed with an mesothelioma-related diagnosis.

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

A biopsy is conducted by a physician to confirm the diagnosis. This is because peritoneal msothelioma occurs in the abdominal lining. A biopsy involves removing small samples of the affected area for examination by pathologists. Biopsies can reveal cancerous cells and identify the type of Mesothelioma.

If a peritoneal msothelioma has been confirmed, doctors will discuss the treatment options with patients. Generally speaking, the aim of a treatment plan is to reduce the size and amount of tumors. Surgery is usually the first line of defense but patients should also discuss the possibility of immunotherapy and chemotherapy.

Contrary to the chest-based treatment for pleural mesothelioma that is administered via the lungs peritoneal Mesothelioma treatment is administered either 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 method that was invented by mesothelioma pioneer Paul Sugarbaker.

Patients who have been diagnosed with peritoneal cancer may be eligible to file an asbestos lawsuit against negligent companies. An experienced mesothelioma lawyer can review a patient's case and suggest legal options. Contact us today to get started. Contact us now. It's free, confidential and there's absolutely no obligation. We offer nationwide representation.

Prognosis

Mesothelioma cancer is rare. The doctors have limited experience with it, and many patients are wrongly diagnosed as having other diseases. Fortunately mesothelioma specialists can assist in the diagnostic process and help patients receive the proper treatment.

The only cause that is known for mesothelioma of the peritoneal region is asbestos exposure. When asbestos fibers are breathed in or consumed, they may irritate the abdominal tissues and cause cells to alter. As time passes, this could lead to tumors that form a mesothelioma of the peritoneum.

Exposure to asbestos often starts with working in manufacturing or construction. These industries may employ materials that contain asbestos litigation, for example, insulation and fireproofing. Asbestos can also be present in household items like flooring and roof tiles. Even the smallest amounts of exposure can put someone at risk of developing mesothelioma. Because mesothelioma is a chronic disease with a long latency period, victims can sometimes be diagnosed with peritoneal cancer decades after their initial exposure.

Peritoneal Mesothelioma can mimic other diseases. It is often mistaken for hernias, digestive issues like colitis or Crohn's and other types of abdominal cancer. Due to this, a lot of patients don't report their exposure to asbestos legal and they don't seek medical care. Specialists may recommend a biopsy to confirm a diagnosis of mesothelioma. A biopsy is the removal of the smallest piece of tissue that is examined. This procedure can help determine the stage of mesothelioma and whether it is epithelioid biphasic or sarcomatoid.

If mesothelioma has not spread, doctors can remove the tumors. They will also offer a curative treatment. The doctor will also be able to determine if the cancer has spread within the abdomen. They may then recommend palliative treatment for the patient, such as paracentesis to drain the fluid from the abdomen.

When a mesothelioma is advanced and the prognosis is less favorable, it becomes more difficult to treat. The tumors may become resistant to certain treatment and recur. The doctor may suggest an amalgamation of surgery and chemotherapy. Surgery options include cytoreduction, which is hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy. This combination is more likely to improve a patient's outlook than merely chemotherapy alone.