Peritoneal Mesothelioma

Peritoneal mesothelioma is a rare type of cancer that occurs in the lining of the abdomen (peritoneum). Most doctors and researchers believe that the main cause of peritoneal mesothelioma is exposure to asbestos. Because the peritoneal mesothelioma symptoms resemble other diseases, the disease is often diagnosed at a late stage. As a result, most patients with peritoneal mesothelioma have a life expectancy of one year or less. However, there are treatments available to prolong life, relieve pain and reduce depression and anxiety in patients with mesothelioma. Read on to learn more about peritoneal mesothelioma.


Causes:

Peritoneal mesothelioma is caused by the asbestos fibers become small abdominal lining register. There are two theories on how asbestos fibers may reach the peritoneum. First, it may be that patients who ingest the asbestos fibers, while the consumption of food covered with microscopic particles of asbestos. Second, patients may inhale asbestos fibers that eventually enter the bloodstream and lymphatic system and deposited in the stomach area.

Most mesothelioma patients were exposed to asbestos 30 to 40 years before diagnosis. In previous decades, asbestos was widely used in housing construction, shipbuilding and automotive industry. Workers handling asbestos materials generally do not have any protection against inhalation and ingestion of asbestos particles. Unfortunately, many of these workers are developing symptoms of malignant mesothelioma now, many decades after exposure.

Symptoms:

Peritoneal Mesothelioma causes the cells lining the stomach to produce excess fluid. As a result, the liquid is retained in the abdominal cavity. Consequently, some patients experience persistent swelling and swelling in the stomach area. Many patients also experience mild 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. In general, the earlier mesothelioma is diagnosed, 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 comprehensive treatment designed to improve your overall strength, increase red blood cell count, and the flight of excess fluid cells.

An important part of any plan of treatment of peritoneal mesothelioma is the treatment of pain. Fortunately, today's medical advances mean that patients with mesothelioma have to experience extreme pain. Doctors can prescribe a variety of medications according to the unique needs of each patient.

Finally, many patients with malignant mesothelioma also consult a psychiatrist or psychologist in order to alleviate their psychological suffering and deal with often grim prognosis of mesothelioma.

If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with peritoneal mesothelioma, consult a knowledgeable physician and speak with a mesothelioma lawyers. The lawyer can help those responsible for asbestos exposure financially responsible through a demand for compensatory damages and punitive damages. While money can not restore your health, can help pay your medical bills and other expenses and help your family overcome the economic stress caused by illness and loss of income.