Mesothelioma is a rare and aggressive type of cancer that affects the mesothelium. The mesothelium is a layer of cells covering and protecting organs and tissues in the body. Mesothelioma commonly forms in the tissue covering the lungs and chest walls (pleura). This type of mesothelioma is called pleural mesothelioma. However, mesothelioma can also form in the tissue covering other organs. In this article, we discuss another type of mesothelioma known as peritoneal mesothelioma.
What is Peritoneal Mesothelioma?
Peritoneal mesothelioma is a rare and aggressive type of mesothelioma that affects the peritoneum, which is the membrane lining the abdomen and abdominal organs, like the liver and intestines. This type of mesothelioma is the second most common type after pleural mesothelioma. Peritoneal mesothelioma is aggressive because, often, by the time a person is diagnosed, it will have spread throughout the abdominal lining. This type of mesothelioma is difficult to detect early.
What Causes Peritoneal Mesothelioma?
Just as is the case with other types of mesothelioma, asbestos exposure is the main cause of peritoneal mesothelioma. Asbestos is a type of mineral that is harmful if inhaled or ingested. When asbestos fibers are inhaled or ingested, they can get trapped in the peritoneum, resulting in inflammation and scarring. Over time, inflammation can cause abnormal cell growth, leading to the development of mesothelioma. Different types of asbestos exposure, including occupational exposure, secondary exposure, and environmental exposure, can lead to the development of peritoneal mesothelioma. Other risk factors for peritoneal mesothelioma include gene mutations and radiation exposure.
What are the Symptoms of Peritoneal Mesothelioma?
Peritoneal mesothelioma symptoms often do not show up until the illness has spread to organs in the abdominal cavity. The following are some of the common symptoms of peritoneal mesothelioma;
- Fluid build-up in the abdomen
- Swelling or bulging in the abdomen
- Unexplained weight loss
- Fever
- Fatigue
- Nausea and vomiting
- Changes in bowel habits
- Loss of appetite
- Pain that feels spread out in the abdomen or local to one area
The symptoms of peritoneal mesothelioma can be vague and nonspecific, which can make diagnosing this illness difficult. This means that the symptoms of peritoneal mesothelioma can mimic those of other illnesses, making it challenging to diagnose this illness. For example, someone could be experiencing nausea and fever because of stomach flu, allergies, or mesothelioma.
Diagnosing and Treating Peritoneal Mesothelioma
Diagnosis of peritoneal mesothelioma involves a combination of imaging tests, such as CT scans, MRIs, and biopsies. Biopsies are the only way of confirming if someone has peritoneal mesothelioma.
There are several treatment options for peritoneal mesothelioma, including surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy. Unfortunately, there is still no cure for peritoneal mesothelioma.
Compensation
Someone who develops peritoneal mesothelioma might be eligible to seek justice and compensation if another party’s negligence caused their asbestos exposure. A qualified mesothelioma lawyer can provide legal guidance. An attorney can help with pursuing a legal claim.
Nationwide Mesothelioma Lawyers
If you or a loved one were diagnosed with mesothelioma, contact our office to speak to one of our experienced nationwide mesothelioma attorneys about your situation. Our office can help investigate your case and determine if compensation can be sought from negligent parties to help pay for your medical treatment.