Peritoneal Mesothelioma Asbestos Symptoms

The digestive system is often affected by the symptoms of peritoneal mesothelioma. This is due to asbestos fibers being taken in and are then embedded in the lining of the stomach, known as the peritoneum.

In time the fibers trigger mutations in healthy peritoneal cells. As a result cancerous tumors develop in the peritoneum.

The diagnosis of mesothelioma can be a challenge. The early signs may be confused with other symptoms like hernias or irritable Bowel syndrome.

Signs and symptoms

Asbestos fibers may travel through the body when breathed. From there, they can be trapped in the lining of the abdomen or other organs, causing irritation and inflammation that leads to tumor growth. The process can take years to develop and many victims are unaware of their asbestos exposure until it's too late.

Malignant peritoneal mesothelioma occurs when asbestos fibers become trapped in the tissues that line the abdominal cavity as well as other organs. It is the second most common form of mesothelioma. However it can be difficult for doctors to diagnose as early symptoms are nonspecific. It is also possible that they are similar to gastrointestinal conditions. Patients suffering from peritoneal mesothelioma typically experience stomach pain, fatigue, and digestive issues.

After a physical exam and an examination of medical history, and a series of tests in the laboratory, mesothelioma patients are diagnosed with peritoneal cancer. A CT scan or X-ray may help doctors identify lumps or any other signs of illness. In certain instances doctors who treat mesothelioma may also request a biopsy to obtain a more precise diagnosis.

Peritoneal Mesothelioma symptoms usually start in the abdomen and can cause extreme abdominal discomfort, bloating, and weight loss. They may also cause nausea and vomiting as well as other digestive issues. Other symptoms include chest pain, fatigue and swelling. It is essential for patients to seek medical attention in the event of these symptoms as they may be caused by something other than mesothelioma.

Despite the difficulty of diagnosing patients with peritoneal msothelioma, they can often be treated to prolong their lives. In most cases, the treatment involves surgery and chemo that is heated.

Contact our mesothelioma lawyers to learn more about how we can help you if you or a family member has been diagnosed with peritoneal mesothelioma. We can help you find an expert in mesothelioma near you who can assist you in filing an asbestos lawsuit against the companies that are responsible for your exposure. We can also ensure you receive the financial settlement you're entitled to. You can begin this process by filling in our free online form. We can assist you to get the best outcome possible by working with top mesothelioma attorneys.

Diagnosis

The first step in diagnosing peritoneal mesothelioma is to get an accurate medical history. Doctors will ask about the person's exposure asbestos and the time it occurred. They may also conduct a physical examination. Initial tests typically include blood tests and Xrays, as well as CT scans.

Because of the long time of latency, peritoneal cancer is often difficult to identify. Patients may be afflicted by symptoms like abdominal pain, nausea and fever that are similar to those of other conditions. These symptoms that are not specific can confuse doctors. Mesothelioma is a rare form of cancer that can take years to show symptoms following exposure to asbestos is a rare illness.

Inhaling or eating asbestos fibers move to the stomach lining, known as the peritoneum. Asbestos fibers that are sharp irritate mesothelium when they reach the peritoneum. This irritation causes inflammation and scar tissue over time. Eventually, this leads to abnormal cell growth and tumors develop.

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

A mesothelioma specialist may perform paracentesis (percutaneous needle biopsy) to take the specimen for lab testing. These tests can reveal the kind of cancer cells (epithelioid or sarcomatoid) within the tumor and help doctors develop an appropriate treatment strategy.

Mesothelioma specialists can also assess the stage of mesothelioma a patient is. The stage determines the most effective treatments and assists mesothelioma lawyers to determine which asbestos-related companies are responsible in mesothelioma lawsuits.

When a mesothelioma doctor analyzes the results of a biopsy, they prepare a pathology report that includes details about the type of mesothelioma. The report may also include a staging scale that indicates how the cancer has spread across the body. The higher the stage of cancer is, the less likely the patient will be able to respond to treatment. A lawyer can explain the significance of this for the client's case.

Treatment

When swallowed or inhaled asbestos fibers are embedded in the tissue that lines the abdomen and other organs. The fibers harm DNA and can cause irritation to cells. This causes the formation of tumors. Typically, peritoneal mesothelioma develops in the abdomen's lining called the peritoneum. Peritoneal Mesothelioma has a greater impact on women than pleural Mesothelioma but is less common.

Symptoms of peritoneal mesothelioma are similar to symptoms of gastrointestinal diseases such as irritable bowel syndrome and Crohn's disease. This makes it difficult for doctors to diagnose the condition. As a result, early symptoms can be mistaken as normal ailments, and can last for months or years before a patient receives the mesothelioma diagnosis.

A doctor may also perform tests on blood and imaging to rule out any other diseases or conditions that could trigger the same symptoms of mesothelioma. These tests can be used to determine the most effective treatment options.

Since peritoneal mesothelioma can develop in the abdominal lining, a doctor will perform an examination to confirm the diagnosis. A biopsy is the removal of small portions of the affected area to be examined by pathologists. Biopsies can reveal cancerous cells and identify the type of Mesothelioma.

Once a peritoneal mesothelioma diagnosis has been confirmed doctors will discuss the options for treatment with the patient. The aim of any treatment plan is usually to reduce the size and number of tumors. Surgery is usually the first option, however patients can also look into chemotherapy and immunotherapy.

Contrary to chest-based treatments for pleural mesothelioma which are administered via the lung, peritoneal mesothelioma treatments are injected orally or intravenously. Chemotherapy injections like heated intraperitoneal therapy (HIPEC), helped extend the survival of many patients. HIPEC is a technique that was developed by mesothelioma pioneer Paul Sugarbaker.

Patients diagnosed with peritoneal mesothelioma could be able to bring an asbestos lawsuit against negligent companies. A mesothelioma lawyer can evaluate the case of a patient and recommend legal options. Contact us today to start. It's completely absolutely free, and confidential, and there is no commitment. We offer nationwide representation.

Prognosis

Mesothelioma cancer is rare. Doctors aren't familiar with it, so many patients are misdiagnosed as having other illnesses. A mesothelioma expert can help patients with the diagnosis and ensure they receive appropriate treatment.

Asbestos exposure is the only known cause of peritoneal cancer. When asbestos case fibers are inhaled or ingested, they can irritate the tissues of the abdomen and cause cells to alter. As time passes, this could lead to tumors that form a mesothelioma of the peritoneum.

The exposure to asbestos typically begins with working in manufacturing or construction. These industries could employ asbestos attorney-containing products including fireproofing, insulation. Asbestos can also be found in household products such as roof tiles and flooring. Even the smallest amount of asbestos exposure could put a person in danger of developing mesothelioma. Because of the long period of latency, victims may be diagnosed with peritoneal mesothelioma many decades after their initial exposure.

Peritoneal Mesothelioma is a type of cancer that can be conditions. It is often mistaken for hernias, gastrointestinal issues like colitis or Crohn's and other types of abdominal cancer. This is why many patients do not disclose their exposure to asbestos, and they don't seek medical care. If mesothelioma has been identified experts may suggest an examination for a more accurate diagnosis. A biopsy is the removal a small piece of tissue to be tested. This test can determine if the mesothelioma is epithelioid (epidermoid) or sarcomatoid (sarcomatoid) or biphasic.

If mesothelioma does not have spread, doctors can remove the tumors. They will also offer a curative treatment. The specialist can also determine if the cancer has spread inside the abdomen. They may then recommend palliative treatments for the patient, including paracentesis that drains fluid from the abdomen.

When a mesothelioma is advanced, the prognosis becomes poorer. The tumors could become resistant to treatment and may recur. The specialist may recommend an amalgamation of chemotherapy and surgery. Options for surgery include cytoreduction and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemo. This combination is more likely than chemotherapy by itself to improve the prognosis for patients.