A Brief History Of Peritoneal Mesothelioma Asbestos History Of Peritoneal Mesothelioma Asbestos
Peritoneal Mesothelioma Asbestos Symptoms
The digestive system is often affected by the symptoms of mesothelioma of the peritoneal region. This is because asbestos fibers are consumed and are absorbed into the lining of the stomach, called the peritoneum.
Over time these fibers can cause mutations in healthy peritoneal cells. In the end 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 such as hernia or IBS.
Signs and symptoms
Asbestos fibers can move through the body after inhalation. From there, they can become stuck in the lining of the abdomen or other organs, causing inflammation and irritation that eventually leads to tumor growth. This process can take years to develop and many patients are unaware of their asbestos exposure until too late.
Asbestos fibers may get caught in the tissues that line the abdominal cavity, or other organs, which can cause malignant peritoneal melanomas. It is the second most common mesothelioma type. However it can be difficult for doctors to identify as early symptoms are nonspecific. It is also possible that they are similar to digestive disorders. Patients with peritoneal cancer often suffer from stomach pain, fatigue and gastrointestinal problems.
Mesothelioma victims are typically diagnosed with peritoneal mesothelioma after undergoing a physical examination, a medical history review and an array of tests in the laboratory. An X-ray or CT scan can assist doctors to identify any lumps or other symptoms of illness. In some cases, doctors who treat mesothelioma will also require a biopsy to obtain a more precise diagnosis.
Peritoneal Mesothelioma symptoms usually start in the abdomen and can cause extreme abdominal discomfort, bloating, and weight loss. They can also trigger nausea and vomiting, as well as other digestive issues. Other symptoms include fatigue, chest pain and swelling. If symptoms like these occur it is essential that victims seek medical attention because they could be caused by other illnesses.
Despite the difficulty in diagnosing peritoneal mesothelioma, victims can often receive the proper treatment to prolong their lives. In most cases, this is done through surgical treatment and heated chemotherapy.
If you or someone you love have been diagnosed with peritoneal mesothelioma, call our mesothelioma attorneys to find out how we can assist. We can help you find an expert in mesothelioma near you who can help you file an asbestos lawsuit against asbestos-related companies that are responsible for your exposure. We can also help you receive the financial settlement you are entitled to. Fill out our online form to start the process. We can assist you in obtaining the best possible outcome working with top mesothelioma attorneys.
Diagnosis
The first step in identifying peritoneal mesothelioma is to get an exact medical history. Doctors will ask about the patient's exposure to asbestos and when it occurred. A physical examination will be performed. X-rays, blood tests and CT scans are often used in the initial work-up.
Due to the lengthy period of latency, peritoneal mesothelioma is often difficult to identify. Patients may experience symptoms like abdominal discomfort, nausea, and fever that are similar to other conditions. These nonspecific symptoms may cause confusion for doctors. Mesothelioma is a rare type of cancer that can take a long time for symptoms to appear after asbestos exposure.
Asbestos fibers inhaled, or consumed are transported into the stomach lining known as the peritoneum. Asbestos fibers that are sharp irritate mesothelium after they reach the peritoneum. As time passes this irritation can cause inflammation and scar tissue formation. In the end, this causes abnormal cell growth and tumors develop.
Researchers are working to develop methods to detect the disease at its earliest stages. The stage of mesothelioma determines the treatment options.
A mesothelioma specialist can perform paracentesis (percutaneous needle biopsy) to take the specimen for lab testing. These tests can identify the type of cancer cells (epithelioid or sarcomatoid) within the tumor and aid doctors develop 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 attorneys know which asbestos companies to pursue in mesothelioma lawsuits.
When a mesothelioma expert reviews the results from a biopsy, he or she creates a pathology report which contains details about the mesothelioma type. The report may also include a staging scale that indicates how far the cancer has spread throughout the body. The higher the stage the more likely it will respond to treatment. Lawyers can explain the implications of this for the particular case of a client.
Treatment
Asbestos fibers can be breathed in or eaten and then absorbed in the tissues lining the abdomen and other organs. The fibers cause irritation to cells and damage DNA. This causes the formation of tumors. Typically, peritoneal mesothelioma develops in the lining of the abdomen known as the peritoneum. Peritoneal Mesothelioma affects more women than pleural Mesothelioma, but is less common.
The symptoms of peritoneal cancer are similar to those seen with digestive disorders like Crohn's disease and irritable bowel syndrome, making it hard for doctors to recognize. Because of this, early symptoms are mistaken for normal ailments, and can last for months or even years before a patient is given the mesothelioma lawsuit diagnosis.
A physician will also conduct imaging and blood tests to rule out any other conditions or diseases that may cause the same symptoms as mesothelioma. These tests will aid in determining 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 amounts of tissue from the affected area to be examined by pathologists. Biopsies are able to reveal cancerous cells and determine the type of Mesothelioma.
After a peritoneal msothelioma is confirmed doctors will discuss treatment options with patients. The goal of any treatment plan is usually to decrease the size and the number of tumors. Surgery is typically the first line of defense however, patients must also consider the possibility of chemotherapy and immunotherapy.
In contrast to the chest-based treatment for pleural Mesothelioma which is administered via the lungs, the treatment for peritoneal Mesothelioma is administered intravenously or orally. Chemotherapies that are injected, such as heated intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) have been able to prolong the lives of many patients. HIPEC is a procedure innovated by mesothelioma pioneer Paul Sugarbaker.
Individuals diagnosed with peritoneal mesothelioma could be able to bring a lawsuit against negligent asbestos companies. A knowledgeable mesothelioma attorney will evaluate a patient's situation and recommend legal options. Contact us today to start. Contact us today. It's completely free, confidential and there's absolutely no obligation. We offer nationwide representation.
Prognosis
Mesothelioma is a rare type of cancer. The doctors have limited experience with it, so many patients are mistakenly diagnosed with other illnesses. A mesothelioma expert can assist patients identify the cause and ensure they receive the right treatment.
The only cause that is known for mesothelioma peritoneal is exposure to asbestos. Asbestos fibers can cause irritation of the abdominal tissues and cell mutations when consumed or inhaled. As time passes, this could result in tumors that develop into mesothelioma of peritoneum.
Construction or manufacturing work is usually the first area where asbestos exposure can begin. These industries may employ products that contain asbestos, like insulation and fireproofing. Asbestos is also found in household items such as flooring and roof tiles. Even small amounts of asbestos exposure could put someone at risk of mesothelioma. Because the disease has an extended latency period, victims can sometimes be diagnosed with peritoneal cancer decades after their initial exposure.
Peritoneal mesothelioma symptoms could appear similar to other conditions and be mistaken for a hernia, digestive issues such as colitis or Crohn's disease, or other types of abdominal cancer. Due to this, a lot of patients do not report their exposure to asbestos and they do not seek medical treatment. Specialists may recommend a biopsy to confirm the diagnosis of mesothelioma. A biopsy is the removal a small piece of tissue to be examined. This procedure will reveal the stage of mesothelioma and if it is epithelioid, biphasic or sarcomatoid.
If mesothelioma has reached an early stage, doctors can remove all the tumors and offer the best treatment. The doctor can also determine whether the cancer has been able to spread to the abdomen. They will then recommend palliative treatment for the patient. For instance paracentesis, which is a procedure to drain the abdomen of fluid.
The outlook for patients is worse when mesothelioma lawsuit is advanced. The cancers can become resistant to certain treatment and recur. The specialist may suggest a combination of surgery and chemotherapy. Surgery options include cytoreduction, which is hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemo. This combination is more likely than chemotherapy alone to improve the prognosis of patients.