The digestive system is often affected by the symptoms of peritoneal mesothelioma lawsuits. This is because asbestos fibers get consumed and are absorbed into the lining of the stomach known as the peritoneum.
As time passes these fibers can cause mutations in healthy peritoneal cells. Cancerous tumors grow in the peritoneum as a result of.
The diagnosis of mesothelioma may be a bit difficult. The early signs may be confused with other symptoms like hernias or irritable Bowel Syndrome.
Signs and symptoms
When asbestos fibers are breathed in, they can enter the lungs and circulate throughout the body. The fibers may then become trapped in the linings the abdomen and other organs. This can cause inflammation and irritation, which leads to tumor development. This process can take decades to develop, and most victims do not know that they have asbestos exposure until it is too late.
Malignant peritoneal mesothelioma occurs when asbestos fibers get 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 is difficult to identify because the initial symptoms are not specific and similar to those of gastrointestinal diseases. Patients with peritoneal mesothelioma often suffer from stomach pain, fatigue and digestive issues.
After a physical examination followed by reviewing medical history, and a series of tests in the laboratory, mesothelioma patients are diagnosed with peritoneal cancer. An X-ray or CT scan can assist doctors to detect any lumps or symptoms of disease. 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 cause severe abdominal discomfort and weight loss, bloating stomach fluid accumulation nausea, vomiting, and other digestive problems. Symptoms may also include chest pain, swelling and fatigue. When these symptoms occur, it is important to seek medical attention because they may be caused by other conditions.
Despite the difficulties in diagnosing peritoneal msothelioma patients can often receive the right treatment to prolong their lives. In most cases, treatment involves surgery and chemo treatment that is heated.
If you or a loved one have been diagnosed with peritoneal mesothelioma, call one of our mesothelioma lawyers today to learn how we can help. We can connect you with mesothelioma specialists near you, who can assist you in filing a lawsuit against the asbestos-related companies responsible for your exposure. We can also help you get the financial compensation you're entitled to. Complete our online form to start the process. We work with top mesothelioma lawyers and can assist you in obtaining the most favorable possible outcome.
Diagnosis
To diagnose peritoneal Msothelioma it is crucial to have a a complete medical history. Doctors will inquire with the patient about their asbestos exposure and when it happened. They will also conduct a physical exam. Initial tests typically include X-rays and blood tests, as well as CT scans.
Due to the lengthy latency period, peritoneal mesothelioma can be difficult to recognize. Patients may experience symptoms such as abdominal nausea, fever and pain that resemble other conditions. These symptoms that are not specific could confuse doctors. Mesothelioma is a rare cancer, and it can take decades before symptoms show up after asbestos exposure.
Asbestos fibers inhaled, or consumed are transported to the stomach lining, known as the peritoneum. Asbestos fibers that are sharp irritate mesothelium after they reach the peritoneum. This irritation can cause inflammation and scar tissue over time. Eventually, this leads to abnormal cell growth and tumors forming.
There are no FDA-approved screening tests for mesothelioma of the peritoneum, but researchers are working on developing ways to identify the disease in its earliest stages. The importance of identifying mesothelioma early is that it determines treatment options.
A mesothelioma specialist can perform paracentesis (percutaneous needle biopsy) to collect a sample for laboratory testing. These tests can determine if the cancerous cells are epithelioid (epithelioid) or the sarcomatoid (sarcomatoid) or biphasic within the tumor. This information aids doctors to develop an appropriate treatment plan.
Mesothelioma specialists can also determine a patient's stage of mesothelioma. The staging process determines which treatments will be most effective and also helps mesothelioma attorneys know which asbestos companies to pursue in mesothelioma lawsuits.
When a mesothelioma specialist analyzes the results of a biopsy they produce a pathology report that includes details on the type of mesothelioma. The report may also include a staging scale that indicates how far the cancer has spread throughout the body. The higher the stage, the less likely it is that it will respond to treatment. A lawyer can explain what this means for a client's case.
Treatment
When inhaled or swallowed asbestos fibers get encased in the tissue that lines the abdomen and other organs. These fibers damage DNA and can cause irritation to cells. In time, this can lead to the development of tumors in the lining. Typically, peritoneal mesothelioma develops in the abdomen's lining known as the peritoneum. Peritoneal mesothelioma is less common than pleural mesothelioma and usually affects women more.
The symptoms of peritoneal cancer are similar to those associated with gastrointestinal disorders such as Crohn's disease and irritable colon disease, 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 mesothelioma is identified.
A physician will also conduct tests on blood and imaging to rule out any other conditions or diseases that could trigger mesothelioma-like symptoms. These tests can also be used to determine the best treatment options.
A biopsy is conducted by a doctor to confirm the diagnosis. This is because peritoneal Msothelioma can be found in the abdominal lining. A biopsy is the process of removing small portions of the affected area to be examined by pathologists. Biopsies can identify cancerous cells, and determine the type of Mesothelioma.
If a peritoneal msothelioma has been confirmed doctors will discuss treatment options with patients. The goal of a treatment plan is to reduce the size and amount of tumors. Surgery is often the first option, however patients can also look into chemotherapy and immunotherapy.
Contrary to chest-based treatments for pleural mesothelioma that are administered via the lungs, peritoneal mesothelioma treatments are administered either intravenously or orally. The injections of chemotherapy like heated intraperitoneal therapy (HIPEC), helped extend the life expectancy of many patients. HIPEC is a technique that was developed by mesothelioma pioneer Paul Sugarbaker.
Individuals suffering from peritoneal cancer could be able to sue negligent asbestos companies. A mesothelioma attorney can review the case of a patient and recommend legal options. Contact us today to get started. It's absolutely free, and confidential, and there is no obligation. We offer nationwide representation.
Prognosis
Mesothelioma cancer is rare. Doctors have limited experience with it, so many patients are misdiagnosed as having other illnesses. Fortunately mesothelioma specialists can help with the diagnostic process and provide patients with the right treatment.
Asbestos exposure is the only known cause of peritoneal cancer. When asbestos fibers are inhaled or ingested, they could irritate the abdominal tissues and cause cells to mutate. This can cause tumors to develop into mesothelioma in the peritoneum over time.
Construction or manufacturing work is usually the first area where asbestos exposure begins. These industries can use asbestos-containing materials including fireproofing, insulation. Asbestos is also present in household products such as flooring and roofing tiles. Even small amounts of asbestos exposure can cause a person to be at risk of developing mesothelioma. Due to the long period of latency the victims could be diagnosed with peritoneal msothelioma several decades after their first exposure.
Peritoneal mesothelioma symptoms may be similar to those of other conditions and be mistaken for a hernia gastrointestinal issues like colitis or Crohn's disease, or other types of abdominal cancer. This is why many patients do not report their exposure to asbestos, and they do not seek medical care. A biopsy may be recommended by a specialist to confirm the diagnosis of mesothelioma. A biopsy is the removal of tiny pieces of tissue that is examined. This procedure will reveal the stage of mesothelioma and if it is epithelioid, biphasic, or sarcomatoid.
If mesothelioma has not spread, doctors can remove the tumors. They will also offer a curative treatment. The doctor will also be able to determine whether the cancer has spread within the abdomen. They may then recommend palliative care for the patient. For example paracentesis to remove the abdomen of fluid.
The outlook for patients is worse when a mesothelioma has advanced. The tumors could become resistant to certain treatments and may recur. The specialist may recommend the combination of chemotherapy and surgery. Surgery options include cytoreduction with hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemo. This combination is more likely to improve a patient's prognosis than chemotherapy on its own.
