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Peritoneal Mesothelioma Not Caused by Asbestos Malignant peritoneal mesothelioma forms in the abdominal lining. It is less common than pleural mesothelioma and it is more prevalent in women than men. Symptoms of peritoneal msothelioma can be vague, like abdominal discomfort, weight loss, constipation or diarrhoea. A mesothelioma expert can help with diagnosis. Causes Unlike the pleural form of mesothelioma that affects the lining of the chest cavity and lungs, peritoneal mesothelioma develops in the tissues that line the abdomen. This rare form of cancer is associated with asbestos exposure. It is caused by inhaling asbestos fibers or ingestion of asbestos particles in the stomach. The fibers irritate and inflame mesothelial cells and lead to the growth of tumors. Mesothelioma can take a long time to develop following exposure. Most often, the first symptoms of this illness are gastrointestinal issues. Patients may feel abdominal discomfort and nausea, weight loss and diarrhea. These symptoms could be attributed to a variety of health problems, so patients should consult their doctor immediately if they notice any of these. If the patient suspects mesothelioma their doctor will conduct a variety of tests to determine the extent of the disease and its stage. They will also examine the patient's medical and work history, including exposure to asbestos. This can help doctors pinpoint the possible sources of exposure, as well as the types of exposure they may have had. Doctors will utilize imaging techniques, such as X rays and CT scans to determine the size and location of any abnormalities or tumors. Bloodwork is also taken to look for biomarkers that identify specific types of mesothelioma. They may also order a biopsy, which involves the removal of tissue or fluid to be examined. Peritoneal mesothelioma is classified into four stages according to how advanced the tumor is and the organs that are affected by it. The mesothelioma that is the least developed stage one is localized and can be completely removed surgically. The second phase occurs when the tumor has spread to the organ surfaces and peritoneum, but it cannot be completely removed. The third and fourth stages require more extensive surgery. Doctors will also look at the lymph nodes in the area to determine if they are affected. This will allow them to determine the best treatment for the patient. The more advanced the cancer, the less likely it will respond to chemotherapy or other treatments. Symptoms
Peritoneal mesothelioma is a cancer that affects the of the abdomen, called the peritoneum. In this rare cancer, asbestos fibers get into the peritoneum and cause irritation to the cells. In time, the cells begin to transform and develop tumors. It is not fully known the reason why certain people are affected more than others, but asbestos exposure is a major risk factor. The symptoms of peritoneal msothelioma may be similar to those of other diseases. Patients are often misdiagnosed because of. Many patients complain of abdominal pain, a distended belly, fluid in their abdomen, and other symptoms for months before they are diagnosed with mesothelioma. Sadly, this may mean that the cancer is in an advanced stage at the moment of diagnosis. Because of its rarity it is often misinterpreted as other illnesses such as hernia, irritable bowel syndrome, Crohn's disease, colitis, pelvic mass, and other types of abdominal cancer. This confusion can lead to delayed treatment, which lowers the likelihood of surviving. Like other types of mesothelioma Peritoneal mesothelioma is diagnosed with tests of imaging and bloodwork. Doctors also examine a patient's medical and occupational history to determine possible sources of asbestos exposure. To confirm a mesothelioma diagnosis doctors will conduct a biopsy. They can make use of the CT scan or ultrasound to collect samples of the tumor. Specialists in mesothelioma can assist patients and families to understand the process of diagnosis. Support can help make this process less stressful for everyone affected. Once a mesothelioma specialist has confirmed a patient's diagnosis they can develop a treatment plan. Treatment strategies are determined by the particular situation of the patient as well as the extent or the cancer. Treatment can include chemotherapy, surgery or radiation therapy. In certain instances patients, they may also benefit from experimental treatments. These treatments are still in the testing stage, but they have demonstrated promise in slowing down or reversing the growth of mesothelioma and in alleviating symptoms. Patients must also undergo regular cancer screenings in order to monitor their condition and ensure that they are receiving the best treatment options. Patients must also inform their physicians of any asbestos exposure. Diagnosis Peritoneal mesothelioma is a cancer that develops in lining of your abdomen. It is less common than pleural mesothelioma which affects the lung. A lot of patients with peritoneal mesothelioma claim they did not realize they were exposed to asbestos unlike the pleural variant, which more commonly arises from inhalation. Asbestos was used in industries such as plumbing, construction, roofing, electrical work, and manufacturing long before scientists realized its harmful properties. Men are more likely to have been employed in these types of jobs however women too can be affected. People who have previous exposure to asbestos are more prone to the disease, and especially those in trades where it was more likely for workers to breathe asbestos fibers. The majority of patients are diagnosed between 10 to 50 years after exposure to asbestos. The symptoms are similar to those of other more common ailments that affect the gastrointestinal system or other cancers. This can make it difficult to identify. Mesothelioma symptoms can take as long as five decades to develop and the condition can be misdiagnosed when your doctor isn't able to recognize the symptoms of this rare cancer. A mesothelioma specialist will be capable of helping you make an accurate diagnosis and get the life-extending treatment you require. There are no FDA-approved screenings for peritoneal cancer, therefore it is important to speak with mesothelioma experts when you notice any symptoms. There is a peritoneal mesothelioma stage system, however it is not as well-established as the TNM system (Tumor, Node Metastasis) which is utilized to treat the treatment of pleural cancer. Your stage determines the treatment options you have and the degree of aggressiveness your doctors can be. In general, the more advanced the stage the more options for treatment you have. Even peritoneal cancer that is late-stage may respond to treatment. You should always select a reputable mesothelioma treatment team to ensure you receive the best treatment. A mesothelioma lawyer can recommend expert mesothelioma specialists who are experienced. They can also assist you file a lawsuit for compensation of your medical expenses and losses. Treatment The diagnosis of mesothelioma can be devastating However, it does not necessarily mean that it is a definitive diagnosis. There are many treatment options. A mesothelioma specialist can look over your medical records to determine the most effective method of fighting cancer. They can conduct an examination of your medical history or a physical examination to determine the early signs of this rare condition. They can also order tests that confirm mesothelioma. Asbestos fibers are most commonly found in the peritoneum (the lining of the abdomen) by peritoneal peritoneal cancer. The inflammation caused by foreign particles triggers changes to the DNA of cells and causes tumor growth. Mesothelioma cancer cells can quickly spread throughout the peritoneal cavities, damaging the surrounding tissues. Peritoneal mesothelioma is a lesser-known cancer than pleural mesothelioma. It accounts for approximately 250-500 new cases every year in the U.S. The risk of developing this form of mesothelioma is increased with the duration of exposure to asbestos. The exposure to asbestos is most likely to occur at work, but it could be found in other locations too. Doctors can diagnose mesothelioma peritonal by using a variety of tests, including X-rays or CT scans. A peritoneal biopsy may be used to detect cancerous signs. A blood test can be used to determine whether there is mesothelioma. Asbestos attorneys can assist victims find doctors who have experience in treating mesothelioma. Receiving a mesothelioma-related diagnosis from a specialist may increase the chances of receiving treatment that could prolong their life. The most effective way to treat peritoneal msothelioma is to undergo surgical treatment. It involves the removal of the tumors as well as other affected tissues. Doctors can also administer heated chemotherapy to kill any remaining cancerous cells following surgery. This combination of treatments can increase survival time by a minimum of 10 years. Some patients may not be eligible for surgery if their tumors are spread. Other treatment options are available for some types of peritoneal msothelioma. |
