Peritoneal Mesothelioma Asbestos: The Good The Bad And The Ugly
Peritoneal Mesothelioma Asbestos Symptoms
Peritoneal mesothelioma asbestos Legal symptoms often affect the digestive system. This is because asbestos fibers get ingested and become embedded in the stomach's lining known as the peritoneum.
Over time, these fibers cause mutations in healthy peritoneal cells. As a result tumors that are cancerous develop in the peritoneum.
Mesothelioma is a difficult condition to recognize. The early signs can resemble symptoms of other conditions, like hernia or irritable bowel syndrome.
Signs and symptoms
When asbestos fibers are breathed in, they can enter the lungs and then travel throughout the body. They can then get trapped in the abdominal lining or other organs, causing irritation and inflammation that leads to the growth of tumors. This process can take years to develop and many patients are unaware of their asbestos exposure until it is too late.
Malignant peritoneal mesothelioma occurs when asbestos fibers are trapped in the tissue that lines the abdominal cavity as well as other organs. It is the second most common type of mesothelioma, but it can be difficult to recognize because the early symptoms aren't specific and are similar to those of digestive conditions. Patients with peritoneal cancer often suffer from stomach pain, fatigue and gastrointestinal problems.
Mesothelioma patients are usually diagnosed with peritoneal cancer after having a physical exam, a medical history review and several tests in the laboratory. A X-ray and a CT scan can help doctors identify any lumps or other indications of illness. In certain cases mesothelioma patients, doctors will also require a biopsy to make a more precise diagnosis.
Peritoneal mesothelioma symptoms typically start in the abdominal region and can lead to 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. It is essential for patients to seek a medical diagnosis in the event of these symptoms, as they could be caused by something other than mesothelioma.
Despite the difficulty of diagnosing peritoneal cancer, patients can often receive the proper treatment to extend their lives. In the majority of cases, treatment is surgery and chemo treatment that is heated.
If you or someone you love have been diagnosed with peritoneal mesothelioma, contact one of our mesothelioma lawyers today to learn more about how we can help. We can connect you with mesothelioma specialists near you who can assist you in filing a lawsuit against the asbestos companies that are responsible for your exposure. We can also assist you to receive the financial compensation that you are entitled to. Complete our online form to begin 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 a complete medical history. Doctors will ask about the person's exposure to asbestos and the time it occurred. They will also conduct a physical exam. X-rays, blood tests and CT scans are commonly used in the initial work-up.
Because of the long period of latency, peritoneal mesothelioma is often difficult to identify. Patients may experience symptoms such as abdominal pain, nausea and fever that are similar to other conditions. These symptoms that are not specific can confuse doctors. Mesothelioma is a rare cancer and it can take a long time for symptoms to manifest after asbestos legal exposure.
Inhaled or ingested asbestos fibers travel into the stomach lining, called the peritoneum. Once inside the peritoneum the sharp asbestos fibers can cause irritation to the mesothelium. This irritation causes inflammation and scar tissue over time. Eventually, this leads to abnormal cell growth, and tumors can develop.
There are no FDA-approved screenings for peritoneal mesothelioma, however, researchers are finding ways to detect the disease in its early stages. The stage of mesothelioma determines the treatment options.
A mesothelioma doctor can perform a paracentesis or percutaneous needle biopsy to take a sample of mesothelioma tumors for lab testing. These tests will reveal if the cancerous cells are epithelioid (epithelioid), Sarcomatoid (sarcomatoid) or biphasic within the tumor. This information can help doctors create a treatment plan.
Specialists in mesothelioma are able to determine the stage of the patient. Staging determines which treatments might be most effective and also helps mesothelioma lawyers determine which asbestos companies to pursue in mesothelioma lawsuits.
If a mesothelioma specialist analyzes the results from the biopsy and creates a pathology document that contains information on the type mesothelioma. The report can also include an assessment system that outlines how far the cancer has spread within the body. The more advanced the stage the more likely it is that it will respond to treatment. Lawyers can explain what this means in a client's situation.
Treatment
Asbestos fibers can be inhaled or consumed and are absorbed in the tissue that lines the abdomen and other organs. They damage DNA and irritate cells. Over time, this leads to the development of tumors within the lining. Typically, peritoneal mesothelioma forms in the lining of the abdomen known as the peritoneum. Peritoneal Mesothelioma has a greater impact on women than pleural mesothelioma however, it is less prevalent.
The symptoms of peritoneal cancer are similar to those associated with gastrointestinal disorders, such as Crohn's disease and irritable colon disease which makes it difficult for doctors to identify. Early symptoms can be misinterpreted as other conditions and can last for months or even years before a mesothelioma is identified.
A physician will also conduct tests of blood and imaging to rule out any other diseases or conditions that could cause mesothelioma-like symptoms. These tests can aid in determining the most effective treatment options.
A biopsy is carried out by a physician to confirm the diagnosis. This is because peritoneal msothelioma occurs in the abdominal lining. A biopsy involves the removal of small samples of the affected area for examination by pathologists. Biopsies can reveal cancerous cells, and can identify the type of Mesothelioma.
When a peritoneal Msothelioma diagnosis is confirmed, doctors will discuss the treatment options with patients. The goal of any treatment plan is usually to decrease the size and the number of tumors. Surgery is usually the first option, however patients can also consider chemotherapy and immunotherapy.
Unlike the chest-based treatments for pleural mesothelioma that are administered through the lung, peritoneal mesothelioma treatments are administered intravenously or orally. Chemotherapy injections such as heated intraperitoneal therapy (HIPEC), helped extend the life expectancy of many patients. HIPEC is a procedure innovated by mesothelioma pioneer Paul Sugarbaker.
Individuals with peritoneal asbestosis may be eligible to bring a lawsuit against negligent asbestos companies. A mesothelioma lawyer with experience will review the case of a patient and recommend legal options. Contact us today to start. Contact us now. It's free, private and there's absolutely no obligation. We provide nationwide representation.
Prognosis
Mesothelioma cancer is extremely rare. Because doctors have limited experience in diagnosing patients, many are mistakenly diagnosed with other illnesses. Fortunately mesothelioma specialists can help with the diagnostic process and get patients the proper treatment.
The only cause that is known for peritoneal mesothelioma is asbestos litigation exposure. When asbestos attorney fibers are inhaled or ingested, they can cause irritation to the abdominal tissues and cause cells to change. This may cause tumors to develop mesothelioma within the peritoneum in time.
Manufacturing or construction is often the first location where asbestos exposure starts. These industries can utilize materials that contain asbestos, for example, insulation and fireproofing. Asbestos is also present in household items such as roof tiles and flooring. Even very low levels of exposure put a person at risk of developing mesothelioma. Because the disease has an extended latency period patients may be diagnosed with peritoneal mesothelioma decades after their initial exposure.
Peritoneal mesothelioma symptoms could appear similar to other conditions and can be mistaken for a hernia digestive problems such as Crohn's disease or colitis, or other types of abdominal cancer. Many patients don't declare their asbestos exposure and do not seek medical attention. A biopsy may be recommended by a specialist to confirm a diagnosis of mesothelioma. A biopsy is the removal a small piece of tissue to be examined. This procedure will reveal the stage of mesothelioma as well as if it is epithelioid, biphasic or sarcomatoid.
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 whether the cancer has expanded to the abdomen. They may then recommend palliative care for the patient, including paracentesis that drains fluid from the abdomen.
When a mesothelioma is advanced and the prognosis is less favorable, it becomes more difficult to treat. The cancers can become resistant to treatment and then recur. The doctor may suggest a combination 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 a patient.