"Ask Me Anything:10 Answers To Your Questions About Peritoneal Mesothelioma Asbestos
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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 the lining of the stomach called the peritoneum.
As time passes, these fibers trigger mutations in healthy peritoneal cells. As a result, cancerous tumors form in the peritoneum.
The diagnosis of mesothelioma may be a bit difficult. The initial signs may resemble symptoms of other conditions like hernia, or IBS.
Symptoms
Asbestos fibers can move through the body after inhalation. From there, they can be stuck in the abdominal lining or other organs, creating inflammation and irritation that eventually leads to the growth of tumors. This process can take a long time to develop, and most sufferers are unaware that they are exposed to asbestos until it is too late.
Malignant peritoneal mesothelioma occurs when asbestos fibers get trapped in the tissue that lines the abdominal cavity and other organs. It is the second most common mesothelioma. However it can be difficult for doctors to identify as early symptoms are nonspecific. They can also be similar to digestive disorders. Patients suffering from peritoneal mesothelioma typically suffer from stomach pain, fatigue, and digestive problems.
Mesothelioma sufferers are usually diagnosed with peritoneal mesothelioma after conducting a physical examination and a medical history review and an array of tests performed by a laboratory. A CT scan and an X-ray can aid in identifying lumps or any other signs of illness. In certain cases, mesothelioma doctors will also require a biopsy to get a more precise diagnosis.
Peritoneal Mesothelioma symptoms usually start in the abdomen and can cause severe abdominal discomfort, bloating and weight loss. They may also cause nausea, vomiting, and other digestive issues. Other symptoms include chest pain, swelling and fatigue. It is essential for patients to seek medical attention in the event of these symptoms because they could be caused by something other than mesothelioma.
Despite the difficulty in diagnosing patients with peritoneal msothelioma, they can often receive the right treatment to prolong their lives. In the majority of cases, this requires surgery and heated chemotherapy.
If you or someone you love have been diagnosed with peritoneal mesothelioma, contact our mesothelioma lawyers to learn how we can help. We can connect you to a mesothelioma specialist near you, who can assist you in bringing a suit against the asbestos companies that are responsible for your exposure. We can also assist you to get the financial compensation you are entitled to. Fill out our online form to start the process. We can assist you to get the best possible outcome by working with the best mesothelioma lawyers (stay with me).
Diagnosis
To diagnose peritoneal Msothelioma it is crucial to have a an exhaustive medical history. Doctors will ask the patient about their asbestos exposure and the date it happened. They may also conduct a physical examination. Blood tests, X-rays, and CT scans are commonly used in the initial work-up.
Because of the long time of latency, peritoneal cancer is often difficult to identify. Patients may be afflicted by symptoms like nausea, abdominal pain, and fever that are similar to other illnesses. These nonspecific symptoms may cause confusion for doctors. Mesothelioma is a rare cancer that can take decades for symptoms to manifest after asbestos exposure.
Inhaling or eating asbestos fibers move to the stomach lining called the peritoneum. Once inside the peritoneum the asbestos fibers' sharp edges irritate the mesothelium. As time passes this irritation can cause inflammation and scar tissue formation. Then, it leads to abnormal cell growth and tumors forming.
There are no FDA-approved screening tests for peritoneal mesothelioma but researchers are working on developing ways to identify the disease in its early stages. The stage of mesothelioma lawsuit determines the treatment options.
A mesothelioma doctor can perform a paracentesis procedure or percutaneous needle biopsy to collect a sample of mesothelioma tumors to be tested in the lab. These tests will reveal if the cancer cells are epithelioid (epithelioid), the sarcomatoid (sarcomatoid) or biphasic within the tumor. This information aids doctors to develop an appropriate treatment plan.
Specialists in mesothelioma can also determine the stage of the patient. The stage determines the most effective treatment and helps mesothelioma lawyers know which asbestos companies are liable in mesothelioma cases.
A mesothelioma specialist examines the results of a biopsy, they prepare a pathology report that includes specifics about the kind of mesothelioma. The report could also include a staging scale that indicates how the cancer has spread throughout the body. The higher the stage, the less likely it is to respond to treatment. Lawyers can explain what this means for a client's case.
Treatment
When swallowed or inhaled asbestos fibers are embedded in the tissues that line the abdomen and other organs. The fibers harm DNA and cause irritation to cells. Over time, this leads to the formation of tumors in the lining. The majority of the time, peritoneal cancer develops in the lining that surrounds the abdomen. Peritoneal mesothelioma lawsuits affects more women than pleural mesothelioma but is less common.
The symptoms of peritoneal cancer are similar to those seen with gastrointestinal disorders such as Crohn's disease and irritable bowel syndrome, making it hard for doctors to diagnose. Initial symptoms may be mistaken for other ailments and can last for a long time, or even years before a mesothelioma is diagnosed.
In addition to an extensive medical history, a physician will run tests for imaging and bloodwork to rule out other illnesses and conditions that may cause the same symptoms as mesothelioma. 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 biopsy to confirm a diagnosis. A biopsy involves removing small portions of the affected area to be examined by pathologists. Biopsies can detect cancerous cells as well as identify the type of mesothelioma.
If a diagnosis of peritoneal mesothelioma has been established, doctors will discuss options for treatment with the patient. The purpose of any treatment plan is generally to reduce the size and the number of tumors. Surgery is usually the first option, however patients may also consider chemotherapy and immunotherapy.
In contrast to chest-based therapies for pleural mesothelioma that are administered via the lung, peritoneal mesothelioma treatments are administered intravenously or orally. Injections of chemotherapy like heated intraperitoneal therapy (HIPEC) has helped prolong the life expectancy of many patients. HIPEC was developed by mesothelioma expert Paul Sugarbaker.
Patients who have been diagnosed with peritoneal cancer may be eligible to bring a lawsuit against negligent asbestos companies. A knowledgeable mesothelioma lawsuit attorney will evaluate a patient's situation and recommend legal options. Contact us now to get started. It's no cost, it's confidential and there is no commitment. We provide nationwide representation.
Prognosis
Mesothelioma cancer is extremely rare. Because doctors aren't experienced in diagnosing patients, many are mistakenly diagnosed as having other illnesses. Fortunately, a mesothelioma specialist can assist in the diagnostic process and get patients the proper treatment.
Asbestos exposure is the only known cause of peritoneal mesthelioma. Asbestos fibers can cause irritation to abdominal tissues as well as cell changes when inhaled or consumed. Over time, this can lead to tumors that form mesothelioma in the peritoneum.
The exposure to asbestos typically is a result of working in manufacturing or construction. These industries can employ products that contain asbestos, such as insulation and fireproofing. Asbestos is also present in household items such as flooring and roofing tiles. Even very low levels of exposure can put someone at risk of developing mesothelioma. Because mesothelioma has a long latency period, victims can sometimes be diagnosed with peritoneal mesothelioma years after the initial exposure.
Peritoneal Mesothelioma may mimic other diseases. It is often mistaken for hernias, gastrointestinal issues such as colitis or Crohn's, and other types of abdominal cancer. Due to this, a lot of patients don't report their exposure to asbestos and they don't seek medical treatment. If mesothelioma is found, the specialists may recommend an examination for a more accurate diagnosis. A biopsy is the removal the smallest piece of tissue to be examined. This test will reveal whether the mesothelioma is epithelioid (epidermoid), Sarcomatoid (sarcomatoid) or biphasic.
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 whether the cancer has been able to spread to the abdomen. They may then recommend palliative care for the patient, for example paracentesis that drains abdominal fluid.
The outlook for patients is worse when mesothelioma is advanced. The cancers can become resistant to treatment and recur. The doctor might recommend the combination of surgery and chemotherapy. Surgical options include cytoreduction surgery combined with hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy. This combination is more likely to improve the prognosis of a patient than merely chemotherapy alone.
