Peritoneal Mesothelioma Asbestos Symptoms

The digestive system is often affected by the symptoms of mesothelioma peritoneal. This is because asbestos fibers are taken in and are then embedded within the lining of your stomach known as the peritoneum.

Over time the fibers trigger mutations in healthy peritoneal cells. Cancerous tumors develop in the peritoneum as a result.

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

Signs and symptoms

When asbestos fibers are inhaled they can pass into the lungs and circulate throughout the body. The fibers may then become trapped in the linings of the abdomen and other organs. This can cause irritation and inflammation, which results in the development of tumors. This process can take decades to develop, and many victims do not know that they are exposed to asbestos until it is too late.

Malignant peritoneal melanoma develops when asbestos fibers are trapped in the tissues that line the abdominal cavity as well as other organs. It is the second most frequent mesothelioma type. However it can be difficult for doctors to recognize since the first symptoms aren't specific. They may also be similar to gastrointestinal conditions. Patients with peritoneal mesothelioma often experience stomach pain, fatigue and digestive issues.

After a physical exam and an examination of medical history and a series of laboratory tests, mesothelioma sufferers are diagnosed with peritoneal cancer. An X-ray or CT scan can help doctors find any lumps or signs of disease. In some instances, mesothelioma doctors will also order a biopsy to obtain an accurate diagnosis.

Peritoneal Mesothelioma Symptoms usually begin in the abdomen. They can cause severe abdominal discomfort, bloating and weight loss. They can also trigger nausea and vomiting, as well as other digestive issues. Other symptoms include chest pain, swelling and fatigue. When these symptoms occur, it is important that victims seek medical attention because they may be caused by other conditions.

Despite the difficulty in diagnosing peritoneal mesothelioma, victims are often able to receive the right treatment to prolong their lives. In the majority of cases, this involves surgical treatment and heated chemotherapy.

Contact our mesothelioma attorneys to learn more about how we can help 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; love it, against the companies responsible for your exposure. We can also help you get the financial compensation you deserve. Start the process by filling out our free online form. We can help you get the best possible outcome by working with the best mesothelioma lawyers.

Diagnosis

The first step in identifying peritoneal mesothelioma is to get an accurate medical history. Doctors will ask about the person's exposure to asbestos and the time it occurred. They may also conduct a physical exam. Initial work-ups often include blood tests and X-rays and CT scans.

Because of the long time of latency, peritoneal cancer can be difficult to diagnose. Patients may experience symptoms such as abdominal pain, nausea and fever that are similar to other illnesses. These nonspecific symptoms may confuse doctors. Mesothelioma is a rare cancer, and it can take a long time before symptoms show up after exposure to asbestos.

Inhaling or eating asbestos fibers travel into the stomach lining, called the peritoneum. Once inside the peritoneum the asbestos fibers are sharp and cause irritation to the mesothelium. Over time this irritation can cause inflammation and scar tissue growth. This causes abnormal cell growth and tumors.

Researchers are working on ways to detect the disease at its earliest stages. The stage of mesothelioma will determine the treatment options.

A mesothelioma specialist may perform paracentesis (percutaneous needle biopsy) to take samples for lab testing. These tests can reveal the type of cancer cells (epithelioid biphasic, sarcomatoid, or epithelioid) within the tumor and help doctors come up with a treatment strategy.

Mesothelioma specialists can also determine the stage of mesothelioma a patient is. It determines which treatment options will be most effective and helps mesothelioma attorneys know which asbestos companies to hold liable in mesothelioma lawsuits.

If a mesothelioma specialist analyzes the results from an examination, he or she creates a pathology document that includes information about the type mesothelioma. The report can also include the staging system which outlines how the cancer has spread in the body. The more advanced the stage is, the less likely it is to respond to treatment. Lawyers can explain the implications of this to the particular case of a client.

Treatment

asbestos litigation fibers are inhaled or consumed and are absorbed in the tissues lining the abdomen and other organs. The fibers harm DNA and can cause irritation to cells. Over time, this leads to the formation of tumors within the lining. The majority of the time, peritoneal mesothelioma is found in the lining of the abdomen called the peritoneum. Peritoneal Mesothelioma is more prevalent in women than pleural mesothelioma but it is less common.

The symptoms of peritoneal cancer are similar to symptoms of gastrointestinal diseases like irritable bowel syndrome and Crohn's disease, making it difficult for doctors to recognize the condition. Early symptoms can be misinterpreted as other conditions, and may persist for months or even years before a mesothelioma is identified.

A physician will also conduct tests on blood and imaging to rule out any other diseases or conditions that could cause mesothelioma-like symptoms. These tests can also be used to determine the most effective treatment options.

Since peritoneal mesothelioma is a cancer that develops the abdominal lining, a doctor will perform an examination to confirm the diagnosis. 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.

Once a peritoneal mesothelioma diagnosis has been confirmed doctors will discuss 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 line of defense but patients should also discuss the possibility of chemotherapy and immunotherapy.

Contrary to chest-based treatment for pleural mesothelioma that is administered via the lungs, peritoneal Mesothelioma treatment is injected via intravenously or orally. The injections of chemotherapy like heated intraperitoneal therapy (HIPEC) have helped prolong the survival of many patients. HIPEC is a procedure innovated by mesothelioma pioneer Paul Sugarbaker.

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

Prognosis

Mesothelioma cancer is a rare form of cancer. Doctors have limited experience with it, and many patients are mistakenly diagnosed with other illnesses. Fortunately, a mesothelioma specialist can help with the diagnostic process and provide patients with the right treatment.

The sole known cause of peritoneal mesothelioma is asbestos exposure. When asbestos fibers are breathed in or ingested, they could irritate abdominal tissues and cause cells to alter. This can lead to tumors that develop into mesothelioma in the peritoneum in time.

Manufacturing or construction work is usually the first area where asbestos exposure starts. These industries can use asbestos-containing materials, such as fireproofing and insulation. Asbestos is also present in household products, such as flooring and roof tiles. Even small amounts of exposure to asbestos can put a person in danger of developing mesothelioma. Because mesothelioma has an extended latency period it is possible for patients to be diagnosed with peritoneal mesothelioma decades after their initial exposure.

Peritoneal mesothelioma symptoms can appear similar to other diseases and could be mistaken for hernias, gastrointestinal issues like colitis or Crohn's disease or other types of abdominal cancer. Many patients do not disclose their asbestos exposure, and don't seek medical attention. A biopsy may be recommended by a specialist to confirm the diagnosis of mesothelioma. A biopsy involves the removal of only a small amount of affected tissue for testing. This procedure can help determine the stage of mesothelioma, and if it is epithelioid, sarcomatoid or biphasic.

If mesothelioma does not have spread it is possible to 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 care for the patient, such as paracentesis, which drains the abdominal fluid.

The outlook for patients is worse when a mesothelioma has advanced. The tumors could become resistant to certain treatment and recur. The doctor may suggest an amalgamation of chemotherapy and surgery. Surgery options include cytoreduction along with hyperthermic intraperitoneal therapy. This combination is more likely to improve the prognosis of a patient than chemotherapy alone.