Peritoneal Mesothelioma from Asbestos Exposure
California Legal Advice on Mesothelioma
Peritoneal mesothelioma is a rare form of cancer that originates on the membrane that lines the abdominal cavity. Between 2,000 and 3,000 people are diagnosed with some kind of mesothelioma each year, but only about 300 to 500 of these diagnoses represent cases of peritoneal mesothelioma.
Symptoms of Peritoneal Mesothelioma
The specific symptoms of peritoneal mesothelioma will depend on the exact area of the abdominal lining that is affected, as well as the health of the afflicted individual.
The abdominal lining, medically referred to as the peritoneum, is divided between the:
- Parietal peritoneum, which is fixed to the abdominal wall
- Visceral peritoneum, which lines the internal organs, including the intestines
In healthy individuals, the peritoneum produces a fluid that facilitates movement between the internal organs. However, with the development of cancerous cells, the peritoneum cells start secreting excessive amounts of this fluid, triggering a buildup of fluid (ascites) in the abdominal cavity.
Along with ascites, other symptoms of peritoneal mesothelioma may include:
- Abdominal pain
- Anemia (low iron concentrations in the blood)
- Bloating
- Digestive problems
- Fatigue
- Fever
- Weight loss.
In most patients, it takes between 20 and 30 years for peritoneal mesothelioma to fully develop and, consequently, for symptoms to be noticeable. Similarly, because most symptoms of peritoneal mesothelioma are non-specific when they finally do arise, it's common for this type of cancer to persist for years without being diagnosed.
How Asbestos Exposure Causes Peritoneal Mesothelioma
The primary cause of peritoneal mesothelioma is exposure to asbestos, a fibrous and durable mineral that has been used in thousands of commercial and industrial products. When asbestos is broken down and its toxic fibers are airborne, they are easy to inhale, at which point they begin damaging the body. Over decades of regular asbestos exposure, people are at a high risk of developing a variety of severe, incurable and fatal conditions, including mesothelioma and lung cancer.
Diagnosing Peritoneal Mesothelioma
Those with a history of asbestos exposure who have also been experiencing some combination of the above symptoms should see their doctor immediately. During the diagnostic process, doctors will ask for a detailed personal and family medical history, after which they will perform a series of tests.
As with other types of mesothelioma, peritoneal mesothelioma can only be diagnosed through a:
- CT scan, an imaging test that highlights possible areas of abnormal cell growth; and a
- biopsy, a laboratory analysis of abnormal tissues that determines whether or not they are, in fact, cancerous
Upon a diagnosis of peritoneal mesothelioma, immediate treatment is essential for the best possible outcomes. Tragically, however, most mesothelioma patients only survive about 18 months after their diagnosis. This is largely due to the fact that most mesothelioma cases are not diagnosed until they have reached advanced, less treatable stages.
Peritoneal Mesothelioma & Your Rights
The Asbestos Legal Center represents individuals who have been diagnosed with peritoneal mesothelioma or other asbestos-related diseases. Victims of asbestos exposure have legal rights and may be entitled to significant compensation for their injuries. Contact us today for a complimentary case evaluation. We’ll be happy to answer your questions and address your concerns. Click here to receive a complimentary information packet.
Peritoneal Mesothelioma from Asbestos Exposure
California Legal Advice on Mesothelioma
Peritoneal mesothelioma is a rare form of cancer that originates on the membrane that lines the abdominal cavity. Between 2,000 and 3,000 people are diagnosed with some kind of mesothelioma each year, but only about 300 to 500 of these diagnoses represent cases of peritoneal mesothelioma.
Symptoms of Peritoneal Mesothelioma
The specific symptoms of peritoneal mesothelioma will depend on the exact area of the abdominal lining that is affected, as well as the health of the afflicted individual.
The abdominal lining, medically referred to as the peritoneum, is divided between the:
- Parietal peritoneum, which is fixed to the abdominal wall
- Visceral peritoneum, which lines the internal organs, including the intestines
In healthy individuals, the peritoneum produces a fluid that facilitates movement between the internal organs. However, with the development of cancerous cells, the peritoneum cells start secreting excessive amounts of this fluid, triggering a buildup of fluid (ascites) in the abdominal cavity.
Along with ascites, other symptoms of peritoneal mesothelioma may include:
- Abdominal pain
- Anemia (low iron concentrations in the blood)
- Bloating
- Digestive problems
- Fatigue
- Fever
- Weight loss.
In most patients, it takes between 20 and 30 years for peritoneal mesothelioma to fully develop and, consequently, for symptoms to be noticeable. Similarly, because most symptoms of peritoneal mesothelioma are non-specific when they finally do arise, it's common for this type of cancer to persist for years without being diagnosed.
How Asbestos Exposure Causes Peritoneal Mesothelioma
The primary cause of peritoneal mesothelioma is exposure to asbestos, a fibrous and durable mineral that has been used in thousands of commercial and industrial products. When asbestos is broken down and its toxic fibers are airborne, they are easy to inhale, at which point they begin damaging the body. Over decades of regular asbestos exposure, people are at a high risk of developing a variety of severe, incurable and fatal conditions, including mesothelioma and lung cancer.
Diagnosing Peritoneal Mesothelioma
Those with a history of asbestos exposure who have also been experiencing some combination of the above symptoms should see their doctor immediately. During the diagnostic process, doctors will ask for a detailed personal and family medical history, after which they will perform a series of tests.
As with other types of mesothelioma, peritoneal mesothelioma can only be diagnosed through a:
- CT scan, an imaging test that highlights possible areas of abnormal cell growth; and a
- biopsy, a laboratory analysis of abnormal tissues that determines whether or not they are, in fact, cancerous
Upon a diagnosis of peritoneal mesothelioma, immediate treatment is essential for the best possible outcomes. Tragically, however, most mesothelioma patients only survive about 18 months after their diagnosis. This is largely due to the fact that most mesothelioma cases are not diagnosed until they have reached advanced, less treatable stages.
Peritoneal Mesothelioma & Your Rights
The Asbestos Legal Center represents individuals who have been diagnosed with peritoneal mesothelioma or other asbestos-related diseases. Victims of asbestos exposure have legal rights and may be entitled to significant compensation for their injuries. Contact us today for a complimentary case evaluation. We’ll be happy to answer your questions and address your concerns. Click here to receive a complimentary information packet.
Contact the Asbestos Legal Center Today. We Can Help.
To learn more about how we can help you with your case, please contact us today! Complimentary Legal Evaluation.
Millions in Compensation
Asbestos was once widely used, and many employers and product manufacturers failed to provide adequate warnings regarding the risks of asbestos exposure. As a result of such negligence, mesothelioma victims can file a lawsuit to potentially obtain millions in compensation for their illness. The only known cause of mesothelioma is exposure to asbestos.
