Peritoneal Mesothelioma: Just What Is It?

Peritoneal Mesothelioma is a rare tumor that occurs in the abdomen (peritoneum). Most doctors and researchers think that the main cause of this disease is exposure to asbestos. Because the symptoms resemble other diseases of peritoneal mesothelioma, the disease is often diagnosed late. As a result, most patients with this disease have a maximum duration of one year. However, treatments are available to prolong life, relieve pain and reduce depression and anxiety in patients with mesothelioma. Read on to learn more.

Causes

Peritoneal Mesothelioma is caused by the asbestos fibers are small and must be connected to the stomach lining. There are two theories on how asbestos fibers may reach the peritoneum. First, it is possible that patients ingest the asbestos fibers are eating food covered with microscopic particles of asbestos. Secondly, it is possible that patients inhale asbestos fibers that eventually enter the bloodstream and lymphatic system and are deposited in the abdominal area.

Most mesothelioma patients were exposed to asbestos 30-40 years before their diagnosis. In previous decades, asbestos was widely used in house construction, shipbuilding and automotive. The workers who handled asbestos materials generally do not have any protection against the inhalation and ingestion of asbestos particles. Symptoms Unfortunately, many of these employees have developed malignant mesothelioma are now, decades after exposure.

Symptoms

Peritoneal mesothelioma causes gastric mucosal cells to produce excess fluid. As a result, the liquid is retained in the abdominal cavity. Therefore, some patients may notice bloating and swelling persist in the stomach area. Many patients also suffer from fever, general weakness, difficulty breathing and nausea. Unfortunately, these symptoms usually appear when the mesothelioma cancer has advanced and spread. As a result, the prognosis of mesothelioma is often just a few months to a year. Typically, mesothelioma is diagnosed early, the better the prognosis.

Treatments

Peritoneal mesothelioma is treated like most other cancers. The main treatments include radiation, chemotherapy and immunotherapy. Most patients also receive a full treatment designed to improve your overall strength, increase the number of red blood cells and drain excess liquid. An important part of any plan of treatment is pain management. Fortunately, today's medical advances mean that patients with mesothelioma have to feel extreme pain. Doctors can prescribe a variety of drugs based on the unique needs of each patient. Finally, many patients with mesothelioma as a psychiatrist or psychologist in order to alleviate their psychological suffering and learn to cope with their illness.

If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with mesothelioma, to hear the talented doctors and also talk to an experienced mesothelioma lawyer. The lawyer can help you hold them accountable for your suffering financially accountable through a requirement for compensatory damages and punitive damages. Although money can not restore your health, it can help you pay your medical bills and other expenses and help your family cope with the economic burden produced by your illness and loss of income.