How The 10 Most Disastrous Peritoneal Mesothelioma Asbestos Failures Of All Time Could Have Been Prevented
Peritoneal Mesothelioma Asbestos Symptoms
Peritoneal mesothelioma asbestos symptoms typically affect the digestive system. This is due to asbestos fibers being taken in and are then embedded within the lining of your stomach, known as the peritoneum.
In time, these fibers result in mutations to the healthy peritoneal cell. As a result tumors that are cancerous develop in the peritoneum.
The diagnosis of mesothelioma may be a challenge. The early signs can be similar to symptoms of other conditions like hernia, or IBS.
Signs and symptoms
Asbestos fibers may travel through the body when inhaled. From there, they may become stuck in the lining of the abdomen or other organs, creating inflammation and irritation that eventually leads to the growth of tumors. This process can take years to develop and many victims are unaware of their asbestos exposure until it is too late.
Malignant peritoneal mesothelioma is a condition that occurs asbestos fibers become trapped in the tissues that line the abdominal cavity and other organs. It is the second most common mesothelioma. However it is often difficult for doctors to identify as early symptoms are nonspecific. It is also possible that they are similar to digestive disorders. Patients with peritoneal mesothelioma often have stomach pain, fatigue, and digestive issues.
After a physical examination, reviewing medical history and a series 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 signs of disease. In certain cases, mesothelioma doctors will also require a biopsy to get a more accurate diagnosis.
Peritoneal mesothelioma symptoms generally begin in the abdominal area and can cause extreme abdominal pain, weight loss, bloating, stomach fluid accumulation, nausea, vomiting and other digestive issues. Symptoms may also include chest pain, swelling, and fatigue. If symptoms like these occur, it is important that patients seek medical attention because they may be caused by other illnesses.
Despite the difficulties in diagnosing peritoneal msothelioma patients, they can often be treated to prolong their lives. In the majority of cases, this involves surgical treatment and heated chemotherapy.
Contact our mesothelioma lawyers today to learn how we can assist you if you or someone in your family has been diagnosed with peritoneal msothelioma. We can help you locate an expert in mesothelioma near you who can assist you in filing an asbestos lawsuit against asbestos-related companies responsible for your exposure. We can also help you receive the financial compensation that you are entitled to. Fill out our online form to start the process. We have a strong relationship with mesothelioma lawyers to assist you in obtaining the best possible outcome.
Diagnosis
The first step in diagnosing peritoneal mesothelioma is to get an exact medical history. Doctors will ask patients about their asbestos exposure and when it occurred. They will also conduct a physical examination. Initial tests typically include blood tests and Xrays, as well as CT scans.
Because of the long period of latency, peritoneal mesothelioma can be difficult to diagnose. Patients may experience symptoms such as abdominal nausea, fever and pain that resemble other conditions. These nonspecific symptoms can confuse doctors. Mesothelioma is a rare form of cancer that can take years to manifest symptoms after asbestos exposure, is a rare illness.
Inhaling or ingestion of asbestos fibers travel to the stomach lining, called the peritoneum. When they reach the peritoneum, the asbestos fibers are sharp and cause irritation to the mesothelium. In time, this irritation causes inflammation and scar tissue. This causes abnormal cell proliferation and tumors.
Researchers are working on ways to detect the disease at its earliest stages. The stage of mesothelioma is the basis for the treatment options.
A mesothelioma doctor can perform a paracentesis or percutaneous needle biopsy to collect mesothelioma tumors for lab testing. These tests can identify the type of cancer cells (epithelioid or sarcomatoid) within the tumor, and assist doctors to develop a treatment strategy.
Mesothelioma specialists can also assess the mesothelioma stage of a patient. Staging determines which gastonia asbestos lawsuit might be most effective and helps mesothelioma lawyers determine which asbestos-related companies to sue in mesothelioma lawsuits.
When a mesothelioma expert analyzes the results from a biopsy the doctor creates a pathology report that includes information about the mesothelioma type. The report may also contain a staging scale that indicates how the cancer has spread within the body. The more advanced the stage of cancer the less likely a patient is to respond to treatment. Lawyers can explain the implications of this for specific clients.
Treatment
When inhaled or swallowed asbestos fibers are embedded in the tissues that line the abdomen and other organs. The fibers harm DNA and irritate cells. As time passes, this leads to the formation of tumors within the lining. Typically, peritoneal cancer is found in the lining of the abdomen. Peritoneal mesothelioma is rarer than pleural mesothelioma, and typically affects women more.
The symptoms of peritoneal mesothelioma are similar to those of gastrointestinal conditions like irritable bowel disorder and Crohn's disease. This makes it difficult for doctors to identify the condition. Initial symptoms may be misinterpreted as other conditions, and may persist for months or even years before mesothelioma is identified.
A doctor will also conduct imaging and blood tests to rule out other conditions or diseases that may cause mesothelioma-like symptoms. These tests can be used to determine the most suitable treatment options.
A biopsy is carried out by a physician to confirm the diagnosis. This is because peritoneal msothelioma occurs in the abdominal liner. A biopsy involves removing small amounts of the affected area for examination by pathologists. Biopsies can detect cancerous cells and identify the type of mesothelioma.
If a diagnosis of peritoneal mesothelioma is confirmed, doctors will discuss options for treatment with the patient. The goal of any treatment plan is usually to reduce the size and the number of tumors. Surgery is typically the first line of defense, however, patients must also consider the possibility of immunotherapy and chemotherapy.
In contrast to chest-based therapies for pleural mesothelioma which are administered via the lungs, peritoneal mesothelioma treatments are administered intravenously or orally. Injections of chemotherapy such as heated intraperitoneal therapy (HIPEC), helped extend survival for many patients. HIPEC was invented by mesothelioma expert Paul Sugarbaker.
Patients diagnosed with peritoneal mesothelioma could be able to file an asbestos lawsuit against negligent companies. A mesothelioma lawyer with experience can review a patient's case and suggest legal options. Contact us now to begin. It is free, confidential and there is no obligation. We provide nationwide representation.
Prognosis
Mesothelioma is a rare cancer. Because doctors have limited experience in diagnosing patients, many are mistakenly diagnosed as having other illnesses. Fortunately mesothelioma specialists can assist in the diagnostic process and provide patients with the proper treatment.
The only known cause of peritoneal mesothelioma is asbestos exposure. When asbestos fibers are breathed in or ingested, they could cause irritation to the abdominal tissues and cause cells to alter. This can lead to tumors that develop mesothelioma within the peritoneum in time.
Manufacturing or construction is usually the first area where asbestos exposure begins. These industries can use asbestos-containing materials, such as fireproofing and insulation. Asbestos can also be present in household items, such as flooring and roof tiles. Even the smallest amounts of exposure put a person at risk of developing mesothelioma. Because mesothelioma has a long latency period patients may be diagnosed with peritoneal mesothelioma decades after their initial exposure.
Peritoneal mesothelioma symptoms may resemble those of other diseases and could be mistaken for a hernia digestive problems such as Crohn's disease or colitis, or other forms of abdominal cancer. Many patients do not declare their asbestos exposure and do not seek medical care. When mesothelioma is detected, the specialists may recommend an examination for a more precise diagnosis. A biopsy involves the removal of tiny pieces of tissue to be examined. This test will reveal whether the mesothelioma is epithelioid (epidermoid) or the sarcomatoid (sarcomatoid) or biphasic.
If mesothelioma has reached an early stage, doctors can remove all of the tumors and provide an effective treatment. The doctor can also determine whether the cancer has expanded to the abdomen. They can then prescribe palliative care for the patient, for example paracentesis that drains fluid from the abdomen.
When a mesothelioma is advanced and the prognosis is less favorable, it becomes more difficult to treat. The reason for this is that the tumors may become resistant to certain treatments, and they may recur. The doctor might recommend an amalgamation of surgery and chemotherapy. The surgical options include cytoreduction surgery along with hyperthermic intraperitoneal therapy. This combination is more likely to improve a patient's outlook than chemotherapy on its own.