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Peritoneal Mesothelioma Asbestos Symptoms

Peritoneal mesothelioma asbestos signs typically affect the digestive system. This is because asbestos fibers are consumed and then absorbed within the lining of your stomach called the peritoneum.

In time these fibers can cause changes in healthy peritoneal cells. As a result tumors that are cancerous develop in the peritoneum.

The diagnosis of mesothelioma attorneys may be difficult. Early signs can be confused with symptoms of other conditions such as hernias or irritable Bowel syndrome.

Signs and symptoms

When asbestos fibers are breathed in, they can pass into the lungs and travel throughout the body. From there, they may get trapped in the lining of the abdomen or other organs, creating irritation and inflammation that leads to the growth of tumors. The process can take years to develop, and many victims are unaware of their asbestos exposure until it's too late.

Asbestos fibers may get caught in the tissue that lines the abdominal cavity or other organs, leading to malignant peritoneal melanoma. It is the second most frequent mesothelioma type. However it is often difficult for doctors to recognize as early symptoms are nonspecific. It is also possible that they are similar to gastrointestinal disorders. Patients suffering from peritoneal cancer typically have stomach pain, fatigue and gastrointestinal problems.

Mesothelioma sufferers are usually diagnosed with peritoneal cancer after conducting a physical examination as well as a medical history check and an array of laboratory tests. A CT scan and X-ray can aid in identifying lumps or any other signs of disease. In certain instances mesothelioma patients, doctors will also order a biopsied to obtain a more precise diagnosis.

Peritoneal mesothelioma symptoms typically begin in the abdomen and can lead to severe abdominal pain, bloating, weight loss, stomach fluid accumulation nausea, vomiting, and other digestive issues. Symptoms may also include chest pain, swelling, and fatigue. It is essential for patients to seek medical advice when they have these symptoms as they may be caused by something other than mesothelioma.

Despite the difficulty in diagnosing peritoneal mesothelioma, patients are often able to receive the right treatment to extend their lives. In the majority of cases, this involves the use of surgery and chemotherapy that is heated.

If you or a loved one have been diagnosed with peritoneal mesothelioma, contact our mesothelioma attorneys to find out what we can do to help. We can help you find an expert in mesothelioma near you who can assist you in filing an asbestos lawsuit (research by the staff of Muscleman) against the companies 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 can assist you in obtaining the best outcome possible by working with the best mesothelioma lawyers.

Diagnosis

To determine if you have peritoneal msothelioma it is essential to take a an extensive medical history. Doctors will ask patients about their asbestos lawsuits exposure and the date it occurred. They may also conduct a physical examination. Initial work-ups often include X-rays and blood tests and CT scans.

Peritoneal mesothelioma is difficult to identify because of its long time of latency. Patients may experience symptoms like abdominal nausea, fever and pain that resemble other conditions. These nonspecific symptoms may confuse doctors. Mesothelioma is a rare cancer that can take decades before symptoms show up after exposure to asbestos.

Inhaling or ingestion of asbestos fibers travel to the stomach lining, called the peritoneum. When they reach the peritoneum, the sharp asbestos fibers can cause irritation to the mesothelium. This irritation can cause inflammation and scar tissue over time. In the end, this causes abnormal cell growth and tumors forming.

There are no FDA-approved screenings for peritoneal mesothelioma, however, researchers are developing methods to detect the disease in its early stages. The process of identifying mesothelioma's stage is crucial as it determines treatment options.

A mesothelioma specialist can conduct a paracentesis or percutaneous needle biopsy to collect a sample of mesothelioma tumors to be tested in the lab. These tests can reveal the kind of cancer cells (epithelioid, sarcomatoid or biphasic) within the tumor, and assist doctors to determine a treatment strategy.

Specialists in mesothelioma are able to determine the stage of a patient. The staging process determines which treatments will be most effective and also helps mesothelioma lawyers know which asbestos companies to pursue in mesothelioma lawsuits.

When a mesothelioma expert reviews the results of a biopsy the doctor creates a pathology document that contains information on the type mesothelioma. The report could also include an assessment scale that reveals how the cancer has spread across the body. The more advanced the stage of cancer the less likely a patient is to respond to treatment. Lawyers can explain the significance of this for the client's case.

Treatment

Asbestos fibers are inhaled or eaten and then absorbed in the tissue that lines the abdomen and other organs. These fibers can cause irritation to cells and damage DNA. This leads to the development of tumors. The majority of the time, peritoneal cancer develops in the lining of the abdomen. Peritoneal Mesothelioma affects more women than pleural mesothelioma but it is less common.

The symptoms of peritoneal cancer are similar to those seen with digestive disorders like Crohn's and irritable bowel disease, making it hard for doctors to identify. Initial symptoms may be misinterpreted as other conditions, and may persist for a long time, or even years before mesothelioma is identified.

A physician will also conduct tests of blood and imaging to rule out other diseases or conditions that may cause mesothelioma-like symptoms. These tests will also help to determine the best treatment options.

A biopsy is conducted by a physician to confirm the diagnosis. This is because peritoneal Msothelioma can be found in the abdominal liner. A biopsy involves the removal of small samples from the affected area to be examined by pathologists. Biopsies can detect cancerous cells as well as identify the mesothelioma type.

When a peritoneal Msothelioma diagnosis is confirmed, doctors will discuss the treatment options with patients. The goal of any treatment plan is generally to reduce the size and quantity of tumors. Surgery is usually the first line of defense but patients should also discuss the possibility of immunotherapy and chemotherapy.

Contrary to chest-based treatment for pleural Mesothelioma which is administered via the lungs, the treatment for peritoneal Mesothelioma is administered either intravenously or orally. Chemotherapies that are injected, such as heated intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC), have helped to prolong the lives of many patients. HIPEC is a technique that was developed by mesothelioma pioneer Paul Sugarbaker.

Individuals 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's no cost, it's confidential and there is no obligation. We provide nationwide representation.

Prognosis

Mesothelioma cancer is rare. Because doctors aren't experienced in diagnosing patients, many are mistakenly diagnosed with other diseases. A mesothelioma expert can assist patients to diagnose the disease and ensure they receive the right treatment.

Asbestos exposure is the only known cause of peritoneal mesthelioma. Asbestos fibers can cause irritation of abdominal tissues as well as cell changes when inhaled or consumed. As time passes, this could lead to tumors that form mesothelioma in the peritoneum.

The exposure to asbestos usually begins with work in construction or manufacturing. These industries can use asbestos-containing materials, such as fireproofing and insulation. Asbestos is also found in household items like roofing tiles and flooring. Even the smallest amounts of exposure put a person at risk of developing mesothelioma. Because of the lengthy period of latency, victims may be diagnosed with peritoneal mesothelioma several decades after their first exposure.

Peritoneal Mesothelioma can mimic other conditions. It is often mistaken for hernias or gastrointestinal issues like colitis or Crohn's and other types of abdominal cancers. Because of this, many patients don't report their exposure to asbestos and they do not seek medical attention. Doctors may suggest a biopsy to confirm the diagnosis of mesothelioma. A biopsy is the removal of tiny pieces of tissue that is examined. This procedure can reveal the stage of mesothelioma and if it is epithelioid, biphasic or sarcomatoid.

If the mesothelioma is at an early stage, doctors can remove all of the tumors and offer the best treatment. The doctor will also be able to determine if the cancer has been able to spread to the abdomen. They can then prescribe palliative treatments for the patient, including paracentesis that drains abdominal fluid.

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 may recur. The doctor may suggest the combination of surgery and chemotherapy. Surgical options include cytoreduction surgery along with hyperthermic intraperitoneal therapy. This combination is more likely to improve the prognosis of a patient than merely chemotherapy alone.