Peritoneal Mesothelioma
What is Peritoneal Mesothelioma?
Peritoneal mesothelioma is a rarer form of cancer, with about 500 new cases diagnosed per year in the United States. This type of mesothelioma affects the abdominal lining, or peritoneum, and accounts for approximately 20% of all mesothelioma cases. Due to its location, peritoneal mesothelioma is sometimes referred to as abdominal mesothelioma. Scientists believe that after continuous and ongoing exposure to asbestos, the fibers first enter the lungs and then travel to the abdominal cavity via the lymphatic system. Further theories posit that peritoneal mesothelioma can also develop in the event that asbestos is accidentally ingested due to regularly working with the substance.
What are the Symptoms of Peritoneal Mesothelioma?
The symptoms of peritoneal mesothelioma include abdominal pain, abdominal swelling, difficulty breathing, loss of appetite and/or weight loss, weakness, fever, anemia, nausea, and vomiting.
What are the Treatment Options for Peritoneal Mesothelioma?
Although it depends on how far advanced the disease is at the time of diagnosis, the standard treatment includes surgery, chemotherapy and radiation. However, due to advances in treatment, the most successful treatment for peritoneal mesothelioma is known as cytoreductive surgery followed up by Hyperthermic Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy (or HIPEC), which is a type of heated chemotherapy “wash” that attacks and kills cancer cells located within the peritoneum.
What is the Prognosis after Being Diagnosed with Peritoneal Mesothelioma?
One’s prognosis after being diagnosed with peritoneal mesothelioma typically depends on a number of different factors including:
- The stage of the cancer at the time of diagnosis – undoubtedly, those who are diagnosed with peritoneal mesothelioma early have the greatest chances of survival, as they have more treatment options and a more favorable life expectancy. Overall, the earlier the disease is detected, the more treatments options available.
- The specific type of mesothelioma – as noted above, there are a number of different form of mesothelioma. Depending on the specific location of mesothelioma in addition to the type of cells involved (whether epithelioid, sarcomatoid, and biphasic), these altogether affect a person’s prognosis. Typically, those who are diagnosed with peritoneal mesothelioma have a more favorable prognosis than those suffering from pleural (affecting the lining of the lungs) or pericardial mesothelioma (affecting the lining of the heart).
- The person’s age and overall health – for those who are younger and have been diagnosed with peritoneal mesothelioma, having a healthy lifestyle gives you a greater chance of success than those who are older and in poor health.
While peritoneal mesothelioma patients typically live only six months to two years after being diagnosed, recent research and advancements in medicine have led to progress in terms of earlier detection, diagnosis, and a variety of different treatment options. Although peritoneal mesothelioma can be a challenging diagnosis, especially if the disease is in an advanced stage, there is hope. Don’t fight cancer alone and without the compensation you deserve for your injuries. Contact Stern Law, PLLC to receive the skilled and compassionate legal representation you need.
Why Stern Law, PLLC?
After receiving a serious diagnosis such as peritoneal mesothelioma, you need compassionate and skilled representation to help you fight for your right to be compensated for your condition. When you meet with one of the seasoned asbestos exposure lawyers at Stern Law, PLLC, we will take the time you deserve to review your case, determine the sources of your exposure, and develop a plan of legal action to fight for the compensation you need for your condition. Contact Stern Law, PLLC now at (844) 808-7529 to schedule your free consultation. We are available immediately to review your case.
