Peritoneal Mesothelioma Asbestos Symptoms
The digestive system is commonly affected by the symptoms of mesothelioma of the peritoneal region. This is due to asbestos fibers being ingested and become embedded in the stomach's lining and peritoneum.
As time passes these fibers can trigger mutations in healthy peritoneal cells. As a result tumors that are cancerous develop in the peritoneum.
The diagnosis of mesothelioma may be a challenge. The early signs can resemble symptoms of other conditions such as hernia or IBS.
Signs and symptoms
When asbestos fibers are inhaled, they can be absorbed into the lungs and circulate throughout the body. From there, they may be trapped in the lining of the abdomen or other organs, creating inflammation and irritation that eventually leads to tumor growth. This process can take a long time to develop and many victims are unaware of their asbestos exposure until it's too late.
Malignant peritoneal melanoma develops when asbestos fibers are trapped in the tissue that lines the abdominal cavity and other organs. It is the second most prevalent mesothelioma. However, it can be difficult to recognize because the early symptoms are nonspecific and similar to those of gastrointestinal disorders. Patients suffering from peritoneal mesothelioma typically experience stomach pain, fatigue and digestive problems.
After a physical examination followed by an examination of medical history and a series of laboratory tests, mesothelioma patients are diagnosed with peritoneal cancer. A CT scan and X-ray may help doctors identify lumps or other signs of disease. In certain cases, doctors who treat mesothelioma will also order a biopsied to get a more accurate diagnosis.
Peritoneal mesothelioma symptoms usually start in the abdominal region and can lead to extreme abdominal discomfort as well as weight loss, bloating stomach fluid accumulation nausea, vomiting, and other digestive problems. Other symptoms include chest pain, swelling and fatigue. If symptoms like these occur, it is important to seek medical attention because they may be caused by other conditions.
Despite the difficulties in diagnosing patients with peritoneal msothelioma, they can often be treated to prolong their lives. In the majority of cases, this involves the use of surgery and chemotherapy that is heated.
Contact our mesothelioma attorneys to find out how we can help you if a family member has been diagnosed with peritoneal mesothelioma. We can help you connect with a mesothelioma specialist near you who can assist you in filing a lawsuit against the asbestos companies responsible for your exposure. We can also assist you in ensuring that you receive the financial compensation that you are entitled to. Fill out reno asbestos attorneys to start the process. We work with top mesothelioma lawyers and can help you secure the best possible outcome.
Diagnosis
To determine if you have peritoneal msothelioma it is crucial to have a an exhaustive medical history. Doctors will ask the patient about their exposure to asbestos and when it happened. They may also conduct a physical exam. Initial tests typically include X-rays and blood tests, as well as CT scans.
Due to the long latency period, peritoneal mesothelioma can be difficult to recognize. Patients may be afflicted by symptoms like abdominal pain, nausea and fever that are similar to those of other conditions. These nonspecific symptoms can confuse doctors. Mesothelioma is a rare cancer that can take years to manifest symptoms following exposure to asbestos, is a rare disease.
Inhaling or eating asbestos fibers travel to the stomach lining, called the peritoneum. Asbestos fibers are sharp and irritate mesothelium when they reach the peritoneum. This irritation causes scar tissue and inflammation over time. In the end, this causes abnormal cell growth and tumors forming.
There are no FDA-approved screening tests for mesothelioma of the peritoneum, however, researchers are developing ways to identify the disease in its early stages. The stage of mesothelioma will determine the treatment options.
A mesothelioma specialist may perform paracentesis (percutaneous needle biopsy) to collect the specimen for lab testing. These tests can help identify the type of cancer cells (epithelioid or sarcomatoid) within the tumor, and assist doctors to determine a treatment strategy.
Specialists in mesothelioma can also determine the stage of a patient. Staging determines which treatments might be most effective and helps mesothelioma attorneys know which asbestos-related companies to sue in mesothelioma lawsuits.
A mesothelioma specialist examines the results of a biopsy, they produce a pathology report that includes details about the type of mesothelioma. The report can also include a staging system that describes how the cancer has spread throughout the body. The more advanced the stage of cancer the less likely a patient will be able to respond to treatment. A lawyer can explain the implications of this to a particular client's case.
Treatment
Asbestos fibers are inhaled or eaten and then absorbed in the tissues lining the abdomen and other organs. These fibers can cause irritation to cells and destroy DNA. In time, this can lead to the development of tumors within the lining. Typically, peritoneal mesothelioma develops in the lining of the abdomen known as the peritoneum. Peritoneal mesothelioma is less common than pleural mesothelioma, and typically affects women more.
The symptoms of peritoneal cancer are similar to symptoms of gastrointestinal conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome and Crohn's disease, which makes it difficult for doctors to recognize the condition. Initial symptoms may be misinterpreted as a sign of other illnesses and can last for months or even years before a mesothelioma diagnosis is made.
In addition to a thorough medical history, a physician will run tests for imaging and bloodwork to rule out other diseases and conditions that could trigger the same symptoms as mesothelioma. These tests can be used to determine the best treatment options.
Since peritoneal mesothelioma can develop in the abdominal lining, a doctor will perform biopsy to confirm a diagnosis. A biopsy involves the removal of small portions of the affected area to be examined by pathologists. Biopsies are able to reveal cancerous cells, and identify the type of Mesothelioma.
If a diagnosis of peritoneal cancer has been confirmed, doctors will discuss treatment options with the patient. The goal of any treatment plan is generally to reduce the size and number of tumors. Surgery is usually the first line of defense, however, patients must also consider the possibility of chemotherapy and immunotherapy.
Contrary to chest-based treatments for pleural mesothelioma, which are administered via the lungs, peritoneal mesothelioma treatments are injected orally or intravenously. Injections of chemotherapies, like heated intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC), have helped to prolong the lives of many patients. HIPEC is a procedure innovated by mesothelioma pioneer Paul Sugarbaker.
Patients diagnosed with peritoneal mesothelioma could be able to bring an asbestos lawsuit against negligent companies. A mesothelioma attorney can review the case of a patient and recommend legal options. Contact us today to start. It is free, confidential and there is no obligation. We provide nationwide representation.
Prognosis
Mesothelioma is a rare cancer. Doctors aren't familiar with it, so many patients are wrongly diagnosed as having other diseases. Fortunately mesothelioma specialists can aid in the diagnosis process and get patients the proper treatment.
The only known cause of mesothelioma peritoneal is exposure to asbestos. When asbestos fibers are inhaled or consumed, they may irritate abdominal tissues and cause cells to change. Over time, this can cause tumors to form mesothelioma in the peritoneum.
Construction or manufacturing work is often the first place where asbestos exposure starts. These industries can employ materials that contain asbestos, for example, insulation and fireproofing. Asbestos can also be present in household products like flooring and roof tiles. Even small amounts of asbestos exposure can put someone at risk of mesothelioma. Because of the lengthy period of latency the victims could be diagnosed with peritoneal msothelioma for a long time after their initial exposure.
Peritoneal Mesothelioma can mimic other conditions. It is often mistaken for hernias or gastrointestinal issues such as colitis or Crohn's and other forms of abdominal cancers. This is why many patients do not disclose their exposure to asbestos and they don't seek medical care. Doctors may suggest a biopsy to confirm the diagnosis of mesothelioma. A biopsy involves the removal of a small piece of tissue that is examined. This procedure can reveal the stage of mesothelioma and if it is epithelioid, sarcomatoid or biphasic.
If the mesothelioma is at an early stage, doctors can remove all of the tumors and offer an effective treatment. The specialist can also determine if the cancer has spread to the abdomen. They will then recommend palliative treatments for the patient. For instance, paracentesis to drain the abdomen of fluid.
The prognosis is worsened when a mesothelioma has advanced. This is because the cancer can become resistant to certain treatments and may be recurred. The specialist may suggest a combination of surgery and chemotherapy. Surgery options include cytoreduction with hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemo. This combination is more likely to improve the prognosis of a patient than chemotherapy on its own.