Peritoneal Mesothelioma Symptoms

Peritoneal mesothelioma is often difficult to diagnose, primarily due to the non-specific nature of a victim's symptoms.  Peritoneal mesothelioma symptoms are often mistaken as indicators of a much less serious disease.  Sometimes, this asbestos-related cancer is diagnosed by coincidence before any symptoms have developed.

Peritoneal mesothelioma victims do not realize the severity of their illness until the cancerous tumor causes severe abdominal pain and/or the accumulation of fluid in the abdominal region. Over a period of time, the growing tumor exerts pressure on the other organs in the abdomen leading to bowel obstruction, hindrance in the digestive system and pressure on the chest that can compromise the sufferer's breathing capacity.

Ascites

The peritoneum produces a fluid that serves as a lubricant, preventing friction between the various organs of the abdomen.  Usually, this fluid is produced in small quantities.  Ascites is an overabundance of the fluid produced or a build up of fluid becuase the tumor is blocking normal drainage, and is often the first indication of peritoneal mesothelioma in the abdomen.

The symptoms of ascites are unpleasant for the victim.  Their stomach becomes bloated and it is not uncommon for patients to experience a loss of appetite.  Walking becomes restricted or uncomfortable.

The doctor will drain fluid in a procedure known as paracentesis.  The procedure is done for a couple of reasons:

• Paracentesis will help reduce the symptoms associated with fluid build-up.
• Paracentesis serves as an indicator as to the reason for the occurrence of the excess fluid in the abdomen.
• Patients seek relief of malaise, nausea, and/or vomiting

Diagnosis of Peritoneal Mesothelioma

The diagnosis of peritoneal mesothelioma begins with a thorough review of a patient's medical history, highlighting the symptoms that should be paid close attention to during an examination.  In addition, doctors can request an MRI scan or x-ray of the abdomen and/or chest region.  Both image studies will produce detailed pictures from inside the requested body regions, clearly showing the region with cancerous tumors.

Fluid (effusion) can collect in the abdominal region, so doctors will often perform various procedures to drain the effusion and relieve pain.  Usually, a biopsy of a tumor is required to confirm a diagnosis of any form of mesothelioma.  An effusion sample can also be used as a replacement for the biopsy sample because often cancerous cells can be seen in the drained fluid.

Treatment Options for Peritoneal Mesothelioma

The size, location and stage of a cancer must first be determined before treatment options are discussed between patient and doctor.  Early diagnosis provides the best chance that the survival time might be prolonged.

Historically, most peritoneal mesothelioma patients had a median survival time of less than one year.  However, a new multimodal therapy that consists of a surgical procedure (cytoreduction) combined with chemotherapy has seen the median survival time increased in patients. This new treatment option may give peritoneal mesothelioma sufferers new hope in their battle with the disease.  Prognosis depends on many things so be sure to ask your doctor about your individual prognosis.

Legal Questions

If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma (NHL) and think it may be caused by toxic exposure to organic solvents like benzene, and you have legal questions or require legal assistance, contact Paul & Hanley LLP.

Our firm has an outstanding track record of success in cases across the country, and our lawyers are known for their honesty, integrity and compassion. We've built our reputation on toxic tort litigation representing individuals diagnosed with NHL, mesothelioma and other serious diseases with dignity and respect.

We handle a select number of cases at a time and represent workers and families with the extra special attention required for the best possible outcome in each case. We understand your case is unique, so we take the time to get to know you and your family. Contact us today for a free and confidential consultation. We'll discuss your specific case and give you honest answers to your important questions. Our toll free telephone number is 800 933-2244. We look forward to helping you.