Peritoneal Mesothelioma Asbestos: 10 Things I d Loved To Know Earlier
Peritoneal Mesothelioma asbestos lawsuit Symptoms
The digestive system is commonly affected by the symptoms of peritoneal mesothelioma. This is because asbestos fibers get inhaled and then become a part of the lining of the stomach and peritoneum.
In time, these fibers cause changes in healthy peritoneal cells. As a result tumors that are cancerous develop in the peritoneum.
Mesothelioma is a difficult condition to diagnose. The early signs can be similar to symptoms of other diseases, like hernia, or irritable bowel syndrome.
Symptoms
When asbestos fibers are inhaled they can be absorbed into the lungs and travel throughout the body. The fibers may then become trapped in the linings of the abdomen and other organs. This can cause inflammation and irritation, which results in the development of tumors. The process can take years to develop and many patients are unaware of their asbestos claim exposure until it is too late.
Asbestos fibers can get trapped in the tissue lining the abdominal cavity, or other organs, causing malignant peritoneal melanoma. It is the second most prevalent mesothelioma. However, it is difficult to recognize because the early symptoms are nonspecific and similar to those of gastrointestinal disorders. Patients with peritoneal mesothelioma often experience stomach pain, fatigue and digestive issues.
Mesothelioma patients are usually diagnosed with peritoneal mesothelioma following having a physical exam, a medical history review and a series of tests performed by a laboratory. A X-ray and a CT scan can help doctors identify any lumps or other symptoms of illness. In some cases, doctors who treat mesothelioma may also request a biopsy to obtain a more precise diagnosis.
Peritoneal mesothelioma symptoms generally begin in the abdominal area and can result in severe abdominal discomfort as well as bloating, weight loss, swelling of the belly, nausea, vomiting and other digestive problems. Other symptoms include fatigue, chest pain and swelling. It is important for victims to seek medical advice when they have these symptoms, as they could be caused by something other than mesothelioma.
Despite the difficulties of diagnosing peritoneal cancer, patients are often able to receive the right treatment to prolong their lives. In most cases, this requires surgical treatment and heated chemotherapy.
Contact our mesothelioma lawyers today to find out how we can help you if you or someone in your family has been diagnosed with peritoneal msothelioma. We can connect you with mesothelioma specialists in your area, who can assist you in filing a lawsuit against the asbestos-related companies responsible for your exposure. We can also help ensure that you receive the financial compensation you deserve. You can start this process by filling in our free online form. We can assist you in obtaining the best possible outcome by working with top mesothelioma attorneys.
Diagnosis
The first step to diagnose peritoneal mesothelioma is to get an accurate medical history. Doctors will inquire about the person's exposure asbestos and the time it occurred. They also conduct a physical examination. Initial work-ups often include X-rays and blood tests, as well as CT scans.
Due to the lengthy latency period, peritoneal mesothelioma is often difficult to identify. Patients may be afflicted by symptoms like nausea, abdominal pain, and fever that are similar to those of other conditions. These non-specific symptoms can cause confusion for doctors. Mesothelioma is a rare cancer, and it can take decades before symptoms show up after asbestos exposure.
Inhaling or ingestion of asbestos fibers move into the stomach lining, known as the peritoneum. When they reach the peritoneum, the asbestos fibers' sharp edges cause irritation to the mesothelium. This irritation causes inflammation and scar tissue over time. This leads to abnormal cell growth and tumors.
There are no FDA-approved screening tests for peritoneal mesothelioma however, researchers are developing methods to detect the disease in its early stages. Staging mesothelioma is important as it will determine the treatment options.
A mesothelioma specialist 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 help doctors develop a treatment plan.
Mesothelioma specialists can also determine the stage of mesothelioma a patient is. The stage determines the most effective treatment and assists mesothelioma lawyers to determine which asbestos companies are liable in mesothelioma suits.
A mesothelioma specialist examines the results of a biopsy they prepare a pathology report that includes details about the type of mesothelioma. The report can also include an assessment system that outlines how the cancer has spread within the body. The more advanced the stage, the less likely it is that it will respond to treatment. A lawyer can explain the implications of this to a particular client's case.
Treatment
Asbestos fibers can be inhaled or consumed and are absorbed in the tissue lining the abdomen and other organs. These fibers damage DNA and can cause irritation to cells. This causes the formation of tumors. Typically, peritoneal cancer develops in the lining that covers the abdomen. Peritoneal Mesothelioma affects more women than pleural Mesothelioma, but is less common.
The symptoms of peritoneal cancer are similar to those seen with gastrointestinal disorders, such as Crohn's and irritable bowel disease and makes it difficult for doctors to identify. As a result, early symptoms can be mistaken as normal ailments and may last for months or years before a patient is given an mesothelioma-related diagnosis.
In addition to a thorough medical history, a physician will perform tests for imaging and bloodwork to rule out other diseases and conditions that could cause the same symptoms as mesothelioma. These tests will also aid in determining the most effective treatment options.
Since peritoneal mesothelioma can develop in the abdominal lining, a doctor will perform an examination to confirm the diagnosis. A biopsy involves the removal of small samples of the affected area for examination by pathologists. Biopsies are able to reveal cancerous cells, and can identify the type of Mesothelioma.
Once a peritoneal mesothelioma diagnosis has been confirmed doctors will discuss treatment options with the patient. The goal of any treatment plan is usually to decrease the size and the number 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 treatments for pleural mesothelioma that are administered via the lung, the peritoneal mesothelioma treatment are injected orally or intravenously. Chemotherapies that are injected, such as heated intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) have helped to prolong the lives of many patients. HIPEC was invented by mesothelioma expert Paul Sugarbaker.
Individuals with peritoneal asbestosis may be able to bring a lawsuit against negligent asbestos litigation companies. A knowledgeable mesothelioma attorney will evaluate a patient's situation and recommend legal options. Contact us today to start. It's completely no cost, it's confidential and there is no commitment. We offer nationwide representation.
Prognosis
Mesothelioma is a rare cancer. Because doctors have limited experience with the disease, many patients are misdiagnosed as having other illnesses. A mesothelioma expert can assist patients identify the cause and ensure they receive the right treatment.
Asbestos exposure is only the one known cause of peritoneal mesothelioma. Asbestos fibers can cause irritation to abdominal tissues and cell mutations when inhaled or consumed. Over time, this can result in tumors that develop into mesothelioma of peritoneum.
The exposure to Asbestos Legal usually is a result of working in manufacturing or construction. These industries may use materials that contain asbestos, such as insulation and fireproofing. Asbestos can also be found in household products, such as flooring and roofing tiles. Even low levels of exposure put a person at risk of developing mesothelioma. Because the disease has an extended latency period it is possible for patients to be diagnosed with peritoneal mesothelioma decades after the initial exposure.
Peritoneal mesothelioma symptoms can appear similar to other diseases and could be mistaken for a hernia, digestive issues such as colitis or Crohn's disease or other types of abdominal cancer. Many patients don't disclose 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 and whether it is epithelioid biphasic, or sarcomatoid.
If the mesothelioma is in an early stage, doctors can remove all the tumors and provide an effective treatment. The doctor will also be able to determine if the cancer has spread to the abdomen. They can then prescribe palliative care for the patient, including paracentesis that drains fluid from the abdomen.
The odds of survival are worse when mesothelioma is advanced. The reason for this is that the tumors can become resistant to certain treatments, and they may develop a recurrence. The doctor might suggest a combination of surgery and chemotherapy. The surgical options include cytoreduction surgery along with hyperthermic intraperitoneal therapy. This combination is more likely to improve the prognosis of a patient than chemotherapy on its own.