This Week s Top Stories Concerning Peritoneal Mesothelioma Asbestos
Peritoneal Mesothelioma Asbestos Symptoms
The digestive system is commonly affected by the symptoms of peritoneal mesothelioma. This is because asbestos fibers are inhaled and then become a part of the lining of the stomach and peritoneum.
Over time, these fibers cause changes in healthy peritoneal cells. As a result cancerous tumors develop in the peritoneum.
The diagnosis of mesothelioma can be a bit difficult. The early signs may be confused with other signs such as hernias or irritable Bowel syndrome.
Symptoms
When asbestos fibers are inhaled they can enter the lungs and circulate throughout the body. From there, they may get stuck in the lining of the abdomen or other organs, causing irritation and inflammation that leads to the growth of tumors. This process can take a long time to develop, and many victims are unaware of their asbestos exposure until it's too late.
Asbestos fibers can become trapped in the tissue that lines the abdominal cavity or other organs, which can cause malignant peritoneal melanoma. It is the second most common mesothelioma type, however it can be difficult to identify because the initial symptoms are not specific and similar to those of digestive conditions. Patients with peritoneal mesothelioma often suffer from stomach pain, fatigue and gastrointestinal problems.
After a physical examination followed by a review of medical history, and a series of laboratory tests, mesothelioma sufferers are diagnosed with peritoneal cancer. A CT scan and X-ray may help doctors identify lumps, or other indications of illness. In certain cases, doctors who treat mesothelioma may also request a biopsy to obtain a more precise diagnosis.
Peritoneal Mesothelioma Symptoms usually begin in the abdomen and may cause severe abdominal discomfort, bloating, and weight loss. They may also cause nausea and vomiting as well as other digestive issues. Other symptoms include fatigue, chest pain and swelling. It is crucial for patients to seek medical attention when they experience these symptoms as they may be caused by something other than mesothelioma.
Despite the difficulties in diagnosing peritoneal msothelioma patients can often be treated to prolong their lives. In most cases, this requires surgery and heated chemotherapy.
Contact our mesothelioma attorneys to learn how we can assist you if you or someone in your family has been diagnosed with peritoneal mesothelioma. 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 ensure you get the financial compensation you are entitled to. Start the process by filling out our no-cost online form. We can assist you in obtaining the best outcome possible by working with the top mesothelioma lawyers.
Diagnosis
The first step in identifying peritoneal mesothelioma is to get an complete medical history. Doctors will ask patients about their exposure to asbestos and when it occurred. A physical examination will be conducted. Blood tests, X-rays and CT scans are typically employed in the initial examination.
Due to the long time of latency, peritoneal cancer can be difficult to recognize. Patients may be afflicted by symptoms like nausea, abdominal pain and fever that are similar to those of other conditions. These symptoms that are not specific can confuse doctors. Mesothelioma is a rare type of cancer, and it can take decades for symptoms to appear after asbestos exposure.
Inhaled or ingested asbestos fibers travel into the stomach lining, known as the peritoneum. Asbestos fibers that are sharp irritate mesothelium once they reach the peritoneum. This irritation leads to inflammation and scar tissue over time. This leads to abnormal cell growth and tumors.
Researchers are working to develop ways to detect the disease at its earliest stages. The importance of identifying mesothelioma early is that it will determine the treatment options.
A mesothelioma specialist can perform paracentesis (percutaneous needle biopsy) to take the specimen for lab testing. These tests can reveal the type of cancer cells (epithelioid, sarcomatoid or biphasic) within the tumor and aid doctors determine an appropriate treatment plan.
Mesothelioma specialists can also assess a patient's stage of mesothelioma. It determines which treatment options will be most effective and also helps mesothelioma lawyers know which asbestos-related companies to sue in mesothelioma lawsuits.
A mesothelioma specialist examines the results of a biopsy, they produce an a pathology report which contains details about the type of mesothelioma. The report could also include a staging scale that indicates how the cancer has spread across the body. The more advanced the stage of cancer the less likely a patient will be able to respond to treatment. A lawyer can explain the implications of this for a particular client's case.
Treatment
Asbestos fibers can be breathed in or eaten and then absorbed in the tissues lining the abdomen and other organs. They damage DNA and irritate cells. As time passes, this leads to the formation of tumors in the lining. Typically, peritoneal mesothelioma forms in the abdomen's lining known as the peritoneum. Peritoneal mesothelioma is rarer than pleural mesothelioma and usually affects women more.
Symptoms of peritoneal mesothelioma are similar to those of gastrointestinal diseases such as irritable bowel syndrome and Crohn's disease, which makes it difficult for doctors to recognize the condition. Initial symptoms may be misinterpreted as other conditions and can last for a long time, or even years before mesothelioma is identified.
In addition to an extensive medical history, a physician will run bloodwork and imaging tests to rule out other diseases and conditions that may cause the same symptoms as mesothelioma attorneys. These tests will also aid in determining the most effective treatment options.
A biopsy is performed by a doctor to confirm the diagnosis. This is due to the fact that peritoneal msothelioma can in the abdominal lining. A biopsy is the removal of small portions of the affected area to be examined by pathologists. Biopsies may reveal cancerous cells and identify the type of mesothelioma.
If a diagnosis of peritoneal cancer is confirmed doctors will discuss options for treatment with the patient. Generally, the goal of a treatment plan is to minimize the size and amount of tumors. Surgery is usually the first line of defense, but patients should also discuss the possibility of chemotherapy and immunotherapy.
Contrary to the chest-based treatment for pleural mesothelioma that is administered via the lungs, peritoneal mesothelioma attorney treatment is administered either intravenously or orally. Injections of chemotherapies, like heated intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC), have helped to prolong the life of many patients. HIPEC is a procedure innovated by mesothelioma pioneer Paul Sugarbaker.
Patients suffering from peritoneal asbestosis may be eligible to bring a lawsuit against negligent asbestos companies. An experienced mesothelioma lawyer will review the case of a patient and suggest legal options. Contact us now to get started. It is free, confidential and there is no commitment. We offer nationwide representation.
Prognosis
Mesothelioma cancer is rare. Doctors aren't familiar with it, so many patients are wrongly diagnosed as having other diseases. Fortunately, a mesothelioma attorneys specialist can aid in the diagnosis process and get patients the appropriate treatment.
The sole known cause of peritoneal mesothelioma is asbestos exposure. Asbestos fibers can cause irritation to the abdominal tissues and cell mutations when consumed or inhaled. This may cause tumors to form mesothelioma in the peritoneum in time.
Manufacturing or construction is often the first location where asbestos exposure can begin. These industries can use materials that contain asbestos, for example, insulation and fireproofing. Asbestos may also be found in household items like roofing tiles and flooring. Even low levels of exposure to asbestos can cause a person to be at risk of developing mesothelioma. Because the disease has an extended latency period patients may be diagnosed with peritoneal mesothelioma years after their initial exposure.
Peritoneal mesothelioma symptoms may be similar to those of other diseases and could be mistaken for a hernia digestive issues such as colitis or Crohn's disease, or other types of abdominal cancer. A lot of patients do not report their asbestos exposure and don't seek medical care. Specialists may recommend a biopsy to confirm the diagnosis of mesothelioma. A biopsy involves removing just a small portion of affected tissue for testing. This procedure will reveal the stage of mesothelioma as well as whether 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 will also be able to determine whether the cancer has spread to the abdomen. They can then prescribe palliative treatments for the patient. For example paracentesis to remove the abdomen of fluid.
If a mesothelioma has advanced, the prognosis becomes poorer. This is because the tumors can become resistant to certain treatments and may recur. The doctor might suggest a combination of chemotherapy and surgery. Surgery options include cytoreduction with hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy. This combination is more likely to improve a patient's outlook than chemotherapy alone.