Peritoneal Mesothelioma Asbestos Symptoms

The digestive system is commonly affected by the symptoms of peritoneal mesothelioma. This is because asbestos fibers are ingested, and become embedded within the lining of your stomach called the peritoneum.

As time passes, these fibers result in mutations to the healthy peritoneal cells. Cancerous tumors develop in the peritoneum as a result.

The diagnosis of mesothelioma may be difficult. Early signs can be confused with other symptoms like hernias or irritable Bowel Syndrome.

Signs and symptoms

Asbestos fibers can travel through the body after inhalation. They can then get trapped in the abdominal lining or other organs, creating irritation and inflammation that leads to tumor growth. The process can take years to develop and many patients are unaware of their asbestos lawyer exposure until it is too late.

Malignant peritoneal melanoma develops when asbestos fibers become trapped in the tissue that lines the abdominal cavity and other organs. It is the second-most common mesothelioma type. However it is often difficult for doctors to recognize because the early symptoms are not specific. It is also possible that they are similar to digestive disorders. Patients with peritoneal cancer frequently suffer from stomach pain, fatigue and gastrointestinal problems.

After a physical exam followed by an examination of medical history, and a series of tests in the laboratory, mesothelioma patients are diagnosed with peritoneal cancer. An X-ray or CT scan can assist doctors to detect any lumps or signs of illness. In some cases mesothelioma physicians may require a biopsy to get a more accurate diagnosis.

Peritoneal mesothelioma symptoms typically begin in the abdominal area and can result in severe abdominal discomfort as well as weight loss, bloating swelling of 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 patients seek medical attention because they may be caused by other illnesses.

Despite the difficulties in diagnosing peritoneal msothelioma patients can often be treated to prolong their lives. In most cases, this involves surgical treatment and heated chemotherapy.

If you or a loved one have been diagnosed with peritoneal mesothelioma, call our mesothelioma attorneys to find out how we can assist. We can assist you in finding a mesothelioma expert near you who can help you file an asbestos lawsuit (one-time offer) against the companies that are responsible for your exposure. We can also help you get the financial compensation you are entitled to. Complete our online form to start the process. We have a strong relationship with mesothelioma lawyers to assist you in obtaining the most favorable possible outcome.

Diagnosis

The first step in identifying mesothelioma of the peritoneal region is to collect an complete medical history. Doctors will ask about the patient's exposure to asbestos and when it happened. A physical examination will be performed. Initial examinations typically include X-rays and blood tests and CT scans.

Peritoneal mesothelioma is difficult to diagnose due to its lengthy period of latency. Patients may experience symptoms such as abdominal pain, nausea and fever that are similar to other illnesses. These symptoms that are not specific can confuse doctors. Mesothelioma is a rare cancer and it can take a long time for symptoms to appear after exposure to asbestos.

Asbestos fibers inhaled, or consumed move into the stomach lining known as 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 screening tests for mesothelioma of the peritoneum, however, researchers are developing ways to identify the disease's early stages. The stage of mesothelioma will determine the treatment options.

A mesothelioma specialist can conduct a paracentesis or percutaneous needle biopsy to collect mesothelioma tumors for lab testing. These tests can identify the type of cancer cells (epithelioid biphasic, sarcomatoid, or epithelioid) within the tumor, and assist doctors to come up with a treatment strategy.

Specialists in mesothelioma also determine the stage of a patient. Staging determines which treatments might be the most effective and help mesothelioma lawyers determine which asbestos-related companies to sue in mesothelioma lawsuits.

When a mesothelioma expert analyzes the results from a biopsy the doctor creates a pathology report that contains information on the mesothelioma type. The report may also include an assessment system that outlines how the cancer has spread throughout the body. The more advanced the stage, the less likely it is to respond to treatment. Lawyers can explain the implications of this to specific clients.

Treatment

Inhalation or swallowing, asbestos fibers become embedded in the tissue that lines the abdomen and other organs. The fibers harm DNA and irritate cells. In time, this can lead to the development of tumors within the lining. Typically, peritoneal cancer develops in the lining that surrounds 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 that are associated with gastrointestinal disorders such as Crohn's disease and irritable bowel syndrome, making it hard for doctors to identify. Early symptoms can be misinterpreted as a sign of other illnesses and can last for months or even years before a mesothelioma is identified.

A doctor will also conduct tests of blood and imaging to rule out other conditions or diseases that may cause 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 occurs in the abdominal liner. A biopsy is the process of removing small samples from the affected area to be examined by pathologists. Biopsies can detect cancerous cells and determine the mesothelioma type.

Once a peritoneal mesothelioma diagnosis has been established, doctors will discuss treatment options with the patient. Generally speaking, the aim of a treatment plan is to reduce the size and number of tumors. Surgery is typically the first line of defense, but patients should also discuss the possibility of immunotherapy and chemotherapy.

Unlike the chest-based treatments for pleural mesothelioma, which are administered through the lungs, peritoneal mesothelioma treatments are administered intravenously or orally. The injections of chemotherapy such as heated intraperitoneal therapy (HIPEC) have helped prolong the survival of many patients. HIPEC was invented by mesothelioma expert Paul Sugarbaker.

Individuals diagnosed with peritoneal mesothelioma may qualify to file an asbestos legal lawsuit against negligent companies. A mesothelioma lawyer with experience will evaluate a patient's situation and suggest legal options. Contact us today to get started. It's absolutely free, and confidential, and there is no obligation. We offer nationwide representation.

Prognosis

Mesothelioma cancer is a rare form of cancer. The doctors have limited experience dealing with it, which means that many patients are wrongly diagnosed as having other diseases. Fortunately, a mesothelioma specialist can aid in the diagnosis process and provide patients with the proper treatment.

The only cause that is known for mesothelioma of the peritoneal region is asbestos case exposure. When asbestos fibers are breathed in or consumed, they may irritate the abdominal tissues and cause cells to mutate. This may cause tumors to form mesothelioma in the peritoneum in time.

Exposure to asbestos lawyer often is a result of working in manufacturing or construction. These industries may employ products that contain asbestos, for example, insulation and fireproofing. Asbestos is also found in household items such as flooring and roof tiles. Even small amounts of exposure to asbestos can cause a person to be at risk of mesothelioma. Due to the long time of latency patients may be diagnosed with peritoneal mesothelioma many decades after their initial exposure.

Peritoneal mesothelioma symptoms could be similar to those of other conditions and be mistaken for a hernia, digestive problems such as Crohn's disease or colitis, or other forms of abdominal cancer. Many patients don't report their asbestos law exposure and don't seek medical attention. A biopsy may be recommended by a specialist to confirm a diagnosis of mesothelioma. A biopsy involves the removal of the smallest piece of tissue that is examined. This procedure can reveal the stage of mesothelioma and whether it is epithelioid sarcomatoid or biphasic.

If mesothelioma does not have spread, doctors can remove the tumors. They will also provide an effective treatment. The doctor will also be able to determine whether the cancer has spread to the abdomen. They may then recommend palliative care for the patient, including paracentesis to drain the fluid from the abdomen.

If a mesothelioma has advanced and the prognosis is less favorable, it becomes more difficult to treat. The tumors may become resistant to certain treatments and then recur. The specialist may suggest a combination of chemotherapy and surgery. The surgical options include cytoreduction surgery combined with hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy. This combination is more likely than chemotherapy alone to improve the outlook of the patient.