PERITONEAL SYMPTOMS

Doctors are skilled in relieving pain associated with peritoneal mesothelioma symptoms

May 17, 2010 – Peritoneal mesothelioma is a cancer of the lining of the abdominal cavity and is one of three types of mesothelioma cancer caused by job-related asbestos exposure. Experienced doctors report that patients typically experience symptoms 6 months to 2 years before diagnosis.

Less common than pleural mesothelioma, peritoneal mesothelioma comprises one-fifth to one-third of the approximately 3,000 cases of mesothelioma that are diagnosed in the United States every year.

Notably, a patient with peritoneal mesothelioma may not demonstrate symptoms of the cancer for 20 to 50 years after initial asbestos exposure, due to mesothelioma’s long latency period.

Peritoneal symptoms

When they do appear in peritoneal patients, symptoms may include abdominal pain, abdominal mass, increased abdominal girth, distention of the abdomen, ascites (fluid in the abdomen), fever, weight loss, fatigue, anemia and digestive disturbances.

Some patients complain of more non-specific symptoms for a number of months prior to a confirmed diagnosis. In some cases, peritoneal mesothelioma is found incidentally when the patient has sought help for another health problem, such as gallbladder, hernia or pelvic mass.

Men often first show up with an inguinal hernia (a bulge in the groin) or an umbilical hernia (bulge around the belly button.) The first indication of a problem for some women comes during a pelvic examination when a tumor mass is discovered.

To relieve peritoneal mesothelioma symptoms and control pain, the doctor may drain fluid that has built up in the chest or abdomen. Drugs may be given through a tube in the chest to prevent more fluid from accumulating. Radiation therapy and surgery may also be helpful in relieving symptoms, according to the National Cancer Institute.

Legal option

If you worked with asbestos-based building materials in the past and have been diagnosed with mesothelioma, you can obtain a comprehensive consultation with an accomplished mesothelioma lawyer at Weitz & Luxenberg via the form on this page. The consultation will be free and private.

Protect your family’s financial future today.