Peritoneal Mesothelioma Asbestos Symptoms

The digestive system is frequently affected by the symptoms of peritoneal mesothelioma. This is due to asbestos fibers being consumed and are absorbed into the lining of the stomach and peritoneum.

As time passes, these fibers result in mutations to the healthy peritoneal cells. In the end tumors that are cancerous develop in the peritoneum.

The diagnosis of mesothelioma may be a bit difficult. The early signs can be similar to symptoms of other conditions, like hernia or IBS.

Symptoms

Asbestos fibers can move through the body when inhaled. They can then be stuck 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 exposure until it's 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 frequent type of mesothelioma, but it can be difficult to recognize because the early symptoms are not specific and similar to symptoms of gastrointestinal conditions. Patients with peritoneal cancer frequently suffer from stomach pain, fatigue and gastrointestinal problems.

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 X-ray and a CT scan can help doctors detect any lumps or indications of illness. In some cases doctors who treat mesothelioma may also request a biopsy to obtain a more precise diagnosis.

Peritoneal mesothelioma symptoms typically start in the abdominal region and can lead to extreme abdominal discomfort and weight loss, bloating, swelling of the belly nausea, vomiting, and other digestive problems. Other symptoms include chest pain, swelling, and fatigue. It is crucial for patients to seek medical attention when they have these symptoms because they could be caused by something other than mesothelioma.

Despite the difficulty in diagnosing peritoneal msothelioma patients, they can typically receive the appropriate treatment to prolong their lives. In the majority of cases, treatment is surgery and chemo treatment 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 a mesothelioma expert near you who can help you file an asbestos lawsuit against the companies that are responsible for your exposure. We can also ensure you get the financial compensation you are entitled to. Fill out our online form to start the process. We can help you get the best possible outcome by working with top mesothelioma attorneys.

Diagnosis

To determine if you have peritoneal msothelioma it is important to have an extensive medical history. Doctors will ask about the patient's exposure to asbestos and the time it occurred. They will also conduct a physical examination. Blood tests, X-rays, and CT scans are often utilized in the initial check-up.

Peritoneal mesothelioma can be difficult to recognize due to its long period of latency. Patients may experience symptoms like abdominal discomfort, nausea, and fever that are similar to other conditions. These symptoms that are not specific could confuse doctors. Mesothelioma is a rare cancer and it can take decades for symptoms to appear after asbestos exposure.

Asbestos fibers that are inhaled or consumed travel to the stomach lining, known as the peritoneum. Asbestos fibers that are sharp irritate mesothelium once they reach the peritoneum. This irritation causes inflammation and scar tissue over time. This causes abnormal cell proliferation 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 importance of identifying mesothelioma early is that it determines treatment options.

A mesothelioma expert can perform paracentesis (percutaneous needle biopsy) to collect the specimen for laboratory testing. These tests can identify the type of cancer cells (epithelioid or sarcomatoid) within the tumor and help doctors determine an appropriate 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 companies to pursue in mesothelioma lawsuits.

When a mesothelioma expert reviews the results from a biopsy and creates a pathology report which contains details about the mesothelioma type. The report may also include an assessment system that outlines how the cancer has spread in the body. The higher the stage of cancer is, the less likely the patient will respond to treatment. Lawyers can explain what this means in a client's situation.

Treatment

Asbestos fibers are inhaled or consumed and are absorbed in the tissue lining the abdomen and other organs. These fibers irritate the cells and damage DNA. In time, this can lead to the development of tumors within the lining. Typically, peritoneal mesothelioma forms in the abdomen's lining called the peritoneum. Peritoneal mesothelioma is rarer than pleural mesothelioma, and typically affects women more.

Symptoms of peritoneal mesothelioma are similar to symptoms of gastrointestinal diseases like irritable bowel disorder and Crohn's disease, which makes it difficult for doctors to diagnose the condition. In the beginning, symptoms can be mistaken for normal ailments, and can last for months or even years before a patient is diagnosed with an mesothelioma-related diagnosis.

A physician will also conduct imaging and blood tests to rule out any other conditions or diseases that may cause the same symptoms as mesothelioma. These tests can aid in determining the best treatment options.

Since peritoneal mesothelioma is a cancer that develops the abdominal lining A doctor will conduct biopsy to confirm a diagnosis. A biopsy is the process of removing small portions of the affected area to be examined by pathologists. Biopsies can detect cancerous cells and identify the type of mesothelioma.

If a diagnosis of peritoneal mesothelioma has been established doctors will discuss treatment options with the patient. The purpose of any treatment plan is generally to reduce the size and the number of tumors. Surgery is often the first option, however patients can also consider chemotherapy and immunotherapy.

Contrary to chest-based treatments for pleural mesothelioma which are administered through the lung, peritoneal mesothelioma treatments are administered either intravenously or orally. Injections of chemotherapies, like heated intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC), have helped to prolong the lives of many patients. HIPEC is a method that was invented by mesothelioma pioneer Paul Sugarbaker.

Patients diagnosed with peritoneal mesothelioma may qualify to bring an asbestos lawsuit against negligent companies. An attorney for mesothelioma can analyze the case of a patient and recommend legal options. Contact us now to get started. It is no cost, it's confidential and there is no obligation. We provide nationwide representation.

Prognosis

Mesothelioma cancer is a rare form of cancer. Doctors aren't familiar with it, and many patients are misdiagnosed as having other illnesses. A mesothelioma specialist can assist patients identify the cause and ensure they receive the appropriate treatment.

The sole known cause of mesothelioma of the peritoneal region is asbestos settlement exposure. When asbestos fibers are inhaled or ingested, they can irritate the tissues of the abdomen and cause cells to change. Over time, this can result in tumors that develop into a mesothelioma of the peritoneum.

Manufacturing or construction is often the first place where asbestos litigation exposure can begin. These industries may use materials that contain asbestos, such as insulation and fireproofing. Asbestos is also present in household products such as roof tiles and flooring. Even low levels of asbestos exposure could put someone at risk of mesothelioma. Because of the long latency period of the disease patients may be diagnosed with peritoneal msothelioma many decades after their first exposure.

Peritoneal Mesothelioma can mimic other conditions. It is often mistaken for hernias, gastrointestinal problems like Crohn's or colitis and other forms of abdominal cancers. A lot of patients do not declare their asbestos exposure and do not seek medical care. If mesothelioma has been identified, the specialists may recommend an examination for a more precise diagnosis. A biopsy is the process of removing only a small amount of affected tissue for testing. This procedure can help determine the stage of mesothelioma as well as if it is epithelioid, biphasic or sarcomatoid.

If the mesothelioma is in an early stage, doctors can remove all of the tumors and provide an effective treatment. The doctor can also determine if the cancer has been able to spread to the abdomen. They can then prescribe palliative treatments for the patient, for example paracentesis, which drains the abdominal fluid.

The outlook for patients is worse when a mesothelioma has progressed. The tumors could become resistant to certain treatments and may recur. The specialist may suggest a combination of surgery and chemotherapy. Surgical options include cytoreduction surgery combined with hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy. This combination is more likely to improve a patient's prognosis than chemotherapy alone.