Peritoneal Mesothelioma Asbestos Symptoms

Peritoneal mesothelioma asbestos symptoms often affect the digestive system. This is due to asbestos fibers being consumed and then absorbed in a lining of the stomach known as the peritoneum.

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

Mesothelioma is a difficult disease to identify. The early signs can be similar to symptoms of other conditions, such as hernia or IBS.

Signs and symptoms

When asbestos fibers are breathed in, they can be absorbed into the lungs and travel throughout the body. The fibers then become trapped in the linings the abdomen and other organs. This causes inflammation and irritation that leads to tumor development. This process can take decades to develop, and most sufferers are unaware that they are exposed to asbestos until it is too late.

Malignant peritoneal melanoma develops when asbestos fibers become 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 identify because the initial symptoms aren't specific and are similar to those of digestive conditions. Patients suffering from peritoneal mesothelioma typically experience stomach pain, fatigue and gastrointestinal issues.

Mesothelioma patients are usually diagnosed with peritoneal mesothelioma following undergoing a physical examination and a medical history review and an array of tests performed by a laboratory. A CT scan and X-ray may help doctors identify lumps or other signs of disease. In some cases mesothelioma physicians may require a biopsy to get an accurate diagnosis.

Peritoneal mesothelioma symptoms generally begin in the abdominal area and can result in extreme abdominal pain and weight loss, bloating, fluid buildup in the belly, nausea, vomiting and other digestive issues. Symptoms may also include chest pain, swelling and fatigue. When these symptoms occur it is crucial to seek medical attention as they may be caused by other conditions.

Despite the difficulty in diagnosing peritoneal msothelioma patients can often receive the right treatment to prolong their lives. In the majority of cases, this involves surgical treatment and heated chemotherapy.

If you or someone you love have been diagnosed with peritoneal cancer, contact our mesothelioma attorneys to learn more about how we can assist. We can help you connect with mesothelioma lawyer specialists near you and assist you in bringing a lawsuit against the asbestos companies that are responsible for your exposure. We can also help ensure that you get the financial compensation you are entitled to. You can begin this process by filling in our free online form. We can assist you in obtaining the best possible outcome by working with top mesothelioma attorneys.

Diagnosis

The first step in identifying peritoneal mesothelioma is to get an accurate medical history. Doctors will ask about the patient's exposure to asbestos and the time it occurred. They also conduct a physical exam. X-rays, blood tests and CT scans are typically used in the initial wortlines how the cancer has spread in the body. The higher the stage the more likely it is to respond to treatment. A lawyer can explain what this means for a client's case.

Treatment

Asbestos fibers are inhaled or eaten and then absorbed in the tissues lining the abdomen and other organs. The fibers cause irritation to cells and cause DNA damage. In time, this can lead to the formation of tumors within the lining. Typically, peritoneal cancer is found in the lining of the abdomen. Peritoneal Mesothelioma affects more women than pleural Mesothelioma, but is less common.

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

In addition to an extensive medical history, a physician will conduct imaging and blood tests to rule out other illnesses and conditions that could cause the same symptoms as mesothelioma. These tests will aid in determining the most effective treatment options.

A biopsy is carried out by a doctor to confirm the diagnosis. This is because peritoneal msothelioma occurs in the abdominal liner. A biopsy is the process of removing small samples from the affected area to be examined by pathologists. Biopsies are able to reveal cancerous cells, and can identify the type of Mesothelioma.

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

Unlike the chest-based treatments for pleural mesothelioma, which are administered via the lung, peritoneal mesothelioma lawyer 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 was developed by mesothelioma expert Paul Sugarbaker.

Patients who have been diagnosed with peritoneal cancer may qualify to file a lawsuit against negligent asbestos companies. A knowledgeable mesothelioma attorney will review the case of a patient and recommend legal options. Contact us today to begin. Contact us today. It's completely free, confidential and there's no commitment. We offer nationwide representation.

Prognosis

Mesothelioma is a rare cancer. Doctors have limited experience with it, so many patients are wrongly diagnosed as having other diseases. Fortunately mesothelioma specialists can aid in the diagnosis process and help patients receive the appropriate treatment.

Asbestos exposure is only the one known cause of peritoneal cancer. Asbestos fibers can cause irritation to abdominal tissues as well as cell mutations when consumed or inhaled. This can lead to tumors that form mesothelioma in the peritoneum in time.

The exposure to asbestos usually begins with work in construction or manufacturing. These industries can employ asbestos-containing products, such as fireproofing and insulation. Asbestos is also found in household products like flooring and roof tiles. Even low levels of exposure put a person at risk for mesothelioma. Because the disease has a long latency period it is possible for patients to be diagnosed with peritoneal cancer decades after the initial exposure.

Peritoneal mesothelioma symptoms can be similar to those of other conditions and be mistaken for a hernia, digestive problems such as colitis or Crohn's disease or other forms of abdominal cancer. Many patients do not disclose their asbestos exposure, and don't seek medical care. Specialists may recommend a biopsy to confirm the diagnosis of mesothelioma lawsuit. A biopsy involves removing only a small amount of affected tissue to test. This procedure can reveal if the mesothelioma is epithelioid (epidermoid), the sarcomatoid (sarcomatoid) or biphasic.

If the mesothelioma is in an early stage, doctors can remove all of the tumors and provide the best treatment. The specialist can also determine whether the cancer has spread inside the abdomen. They can then prescribe palliative treatment for the patient, including paracentesis that drains fluid from the abdomen.

When a mesothelioma is advanced, the prognosis becomes poorer. The tumors may become resistant to certain treatment and then recur. The doctor may suggest a combination of surgery and chemotherapy. Options for surgery include cytoreduction and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy. This combination is more likely than chemotherapy by itself to improve the outlook of a patient.