By Thomas Morva
Peritoneal mesothelioma is a malignancy that targets the lining of the abdomen. This form of cancer, like pleural mesothelioma, is mostly a result of exposure to asbestos. Peritoneal mesothelioma affects the lining that guards the abdomen’s insides, and which also gives a lubricating fluid that facilitates the smooth movement and functioning of the organs.
This disease is also called diffuse peritoneal mesothelioma, particularly when the cancer has branched out. It accounts for about a tenth of all mesothelioma patients, and is the second most common after pleural mesothelioma.
There are a number of symptoms of this disease. Similar to other mesothelioma diseases, the latency period is long, and symptoms remain dormant for decades after initial exposure. By the time the symptoms become conspicuous, it may be too late. Furthermore, if your doctor is not aware of your previous exposure to asbestos, then he may treat you for different ailments.
The most common symptoms of peritoneal mesothelioma are weight loss; nausea; abdominal pains and weakness; lack of appetite; bowel obstruction; and abdominal swelling. Problems such as shortness of breath and extreme pain can also be experienced.
Treatment for this form of mesothelioma is dependant on a number of factors, such as the extent of the cancer and the patient’s general health, age and past medical history.
Surgery is one conventional option of treating peritoneal mesothelioma. This involves taking out portions of the abdomen’s lining in order to remove the tumor. Surgery also depends largely on the age of the patient and the extent to which the cancer has spread. Sometimes, it becomes imperative to take out a part of the diaphragm, so as to facilitate the easy removal of the tumor.
In radiation therapy, high-energy x-rays are deployed to shrink the size of the tumor or kill off malignant cells. Radiation therapy can be approached in two ways. One is the external method, where radiation is emitted through the body from a machine placed outside. The second method is by emitting radiation directly to the malignant area through plastic tubes.
Chemotherapy is doubtless the most common and well-known method of combating cancer. Here, a combination of drugs – through tablets or needles -- is used to kill malignant cells.
Mesothelioma Information provides detailed information on Mesothelioma Information, Mesothelioma Legal Information, Pleural Mesothelioma Information, Peritoneal Mesothelioma Information and more. Mesothelioma Information is affiliated with Clinical Mesothelioma Symptoms [http://www.e-mesotheliomasymptoms.com].
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Thomas_Morva
Sunday, November 22, 2009
Peritoneal Mesothelioma Survival Rates
By Jason Gluckman
Peritoneal Mesothelioma is a cancer of the abdomen lining caused due to prolonged exposure to asbestos. Thousands of lawsuits are handled every year dealing with the issue of peritoneal mesothelioma and its effects. Symptoms of mesothelioma may not appear until 30 to 50 years after exposure to asbestos. Shortness of breath and pain in the chest due to an accumulation of fluid in the pleural space are often symptoms of pleural mesothelioma Other symptoms of peritoneal mesothelioma include loss of appetite, nausea, and abdominal swelling. Fluid commonly accumulates in the abdominal cavity causing the swelling and pain. The symptoms can become quite serous over time, as the swelling will exert great force on surrounding organs and lead to great pain.
If diagnosed at an early stage, than there are chances of survival, depending upon on how advanced the cancer is at the time of the diagnosis. Treatment with radiation or chemotherapy and early diagnosis can be of great help. In fact, these treatments can help a patient to survive for a long time. It is often true that if the cancer is found early and treated aggressively, almost half of the patients whose cancer is found early reach the two-year mark and about 20% survive five years. For peritoneal mesothelioma, patients are often informed that they won’t be able to live for more than one year. But peritoneal mesothelioma specialists, working in leading cancer centers throughout the world, often report better statistics than this, based upon the clinical trials that they are carrying out.
Peritoneal Mesothelioma provides detailed information on peritoneal mesothelioma, peritoneal mesothelioma treatment, peritoneal mesothelioma lawyers, peritoneal mesothelioma survival rates and more. Peritoneal Mesothelioma is affiliated with Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma [http://www.e-pleuralmesothelioma.com].
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jason_Gluckman
Peritoneal Mesothelioma is a cancer of the abdomen lining caused due to prolonged exposure to asbestos. Thousands of lawsuits are handled every year dealing with the issue of peritoneal mesothelioma and its effects. Symptoms of mesothelioma may not appear until 30 to 50 years after exposure to asbestos. Shortness of breath and pain in the chest due to an accumulation of fluid in the pleural space are often symptoms of pleural mesothelioma Other symptoms of peritoneal mesothelioma include loss of appetite, nausea, and abdominal swelling. Fluid commonly accumulates in the abdominal cavity causing the swelling and pain. The symptoms can become quite serous over time, as the swelling will exert great force on surrounding organs and lead to great pain.
If diagnosed at an early stage, than there are chances of survival, depending upon on how advanced the cancer is at the time of the diagnosis. Treatment with radiation or chemotherapy and early diagnosis can be of great help. In fact, these treatments can help a patient to survive for a long time. It is often true that if the cancer is found early and treated aggressively, almost half of the patients whose cancer is found early reach the two-year mark and about 20% survive five years. For peritoneal mesothelioma, patients are often informed that they won’t be able to live for more than one year. But peritoneal mesothelioma specialists, working in leading cancer centers throughout the world, often report better statistics than this, based upon the clinical trials that they are carrying out.
Peritoneal Mesothelioma provides detailed information on peritoneal mesothelioma, peritoneal mesothelioma treatment, peritoneal mesothelioma lawyers, peritoneal mesothelioma survival rates and more. Peritoneal Mesothelioma is affiliated with Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma [http://www.e-pleuralmesothelioma.com].
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jason_Gluckman
What Are Mesothelioma Symptoms?
By Yachi Verma
Mesothelioma affects the body in stages, and these stages are relatively hidden from the patient. It is only during the advanced stages, that the body starts exhibiting symptoms. Some of the commonly occurring symptoms for mesothelioma are discussed throughout this article. People develop pains in their chest and stomach at all times. The symptom of asbestos cancer is also the same. The only difference is that, people will safely ignore the symptoms and proceed with their daily life. In other words, have this tendency to ignore the common symptoms of asbestos cancer, and might think that they are experiencing work related problems.
One of the prominent symptoms of this condition is the persistent coughing. In medical terms, it is known as dry coughing. When normal person coughs, phlegm usually comes forth. However, in this form of dry coughing, there is a marked absence of phlegm. Due to this persistent coughing, injury of the esophagus might result and this might lead to cough up of blood. Once the region is roughened up, then the patient might find it very difficult to swallow foods and other forms of liquids. All these symptoms are interconnected and are commonly seen for pleural mesothelioma.
The pain in the throat will prevent ingestion of food and this will lead to reduction in the body mass. Sometimes one might find, he/she is sweating during late nights and this is also a prominent symptom for the condition. As the quantity of food ingestion decreases, there will be an overall fatigue and drowsiness coupled with sluggishness. Since the condition is known to affect the pleura, there might be pain in the chest, specifically in one side of the chest. This pain will lead to breathing problems and breathlessness is a commonly associated manifestation.
The peritoneal mesothelioma is another form of asbestos cancer occurring, but on the abdomen and the abdominal cavity. The symptoms are the same, but there will be a marked inflammation of the abdomen. Digestion problems might ensue and anemia will be a side effect of asbestos cancer affecting the abdominal cavity. Lumps might materialize on the surface of the skin enclosing the abdomen. For pleural mesothelioma, the lumps might concentrate on one part of the chest. Constipation will also be the result of peritoneal mesothelioma, and it might even lead to frequent vomiting by the patient.
Mesothelioma can also occur on the pericardium surrounding the heart. In this case, the mesothelioma symptoms include the following - irregular heartbeats and skipping of the heartbeats. The patient might also experience pains on the left side of the chest (directly above the heart). This pain in the chest will lead to breathing problems, as we had seen earlier for the pleural mesothelioma. The condition might also develop on the testicles, although this is one of the rarest forms of asbestos cancer. The symptoms might start appearing after a gap of 10 to 20 years. Hence, it is better to opt for a thorough checkup so that one will be sure that they are not suffering from asbestos cancer.
To find out more on Mesothelioma or Mesothelioma Symptoms, simply click on the links.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Yachi_Verma
Mesothelioma affects the body in stages, and these stages are relatively hidden from the patient. It is only during the advanced stages, that the body starts exhibiting symptoms. Some of the commonly occurring symptoms for mesothelioma are discussed throughout this article. People develop pains in their chest and stomach at all times. The symptom of asbestos cancer is also the same. The only difference is that, people will safely ignore the symptoms and proceed with their daily life. In other words, have this tendency to ignore the common symptoms of asbestos cancer, and might think that they are experiencing work related problems.
One of the prominent symptoms of this condition is the persistent coughing. In medical terms, it is known as dry coughing. When normal person coughs, phlegm usually comes forth. However, in this form of dry coughing, there is a marked absence of phlegm. Due to this persistent coughing, injury of the esophagus might result and this might lead to cough up of blood. Once the region is roughened up, then the patient might find it very difficult to swallow foods and other forms of liquids. All these symptoms are interconnected and are commonly seen for pleural mesothelioma.
The pain in the throat will prevent ingestion of food and this will lead to reduction in the body mass. Sometimes one might find, he/she is sweating during late nights and this is also a prominent symptom for the condition. As the quantity of food ingestion decreases, there will be an overall fatigue and drowsiness coupled with sluggishness. Since the condition is known to affect the pleura, there might be pain in the chest, specifically in one side of the chest. This pain will lead to breathing problems and breathlessness is a commonly associated manifestation.
The peritoneal mesothelioma is another form of asbestos cancer occurring, but on the abdomen and the abdominal cavity. The symptoms are the same, but there will be a marked inflammation of the abdomen. Digestion problems might ensue and anemia will be a side effect of asbestos cancer affecting the abdominal cavity. Lumps might materialize on the surface of the skin enclosing the abdomen. For pleural mesothelioma, the lumps might concentrate on one part of the chest. Constipation will also be the result of peritoneal mesothelioma, and it might even lead to frequent vomiting by the patient.
Mesothelioma can also occur on the pericardium surrounding the heart. In this case, the mesothelioma symptoms include the following - irregular heartbeats and skipping of the heartbeats. The patient might also experience pains on the left side of the chest (directly above the heart). This pain in the chest will lead to breathing problems, as we had seen earlier for the pleural mesothelioma. The condition might also develop on the testicles, although this is one of the rarest forms of asbestos cancer. The symptoms might start appearing after a gap of 10 to 20 years. Hence, it is better to opt for a thorough checkup so that one will be sure that they are not suffering from asbestos cancer.
To find out more on Mesothelioma or Mesothelioma Symptoms, simply click on the links.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Yachi_Verma
Peritoneal Mesothelioma Diagnosis
By Jason Gluckman
The diagnosis for Peritoneal Mesothelioma begins with the thorough review of the patient’s medical history to determine symptoms and any past asbestos exposure, as well as a complete physical. In addition, sometimes physicians might request an MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) scan or an X-ray of the abdomen or chest region to help determine the location and size of the tumor. In an MRI, a powerful magnet linked to a computer is used to make detailed pictures of areas inside the body. These pictures are viewed on a monitor and can also be printed, clearly depicting the areas affected with the tumor.
In cases of pleural and peritoneal mesothelioma, fluid (effusion) may collect in the chest or abdominal region. In such cases, physicians may use a procedure known as fine needle aspiration to obtain a sample of this fluid for further testing. In addition, this procedure can be used to drain the effusion to temporarily relieve chest pain or other painful symptoms.
Usually, a biopsy of the tumor is required to confirm a diagnosis of mesothelioma, however, sometimes only an effusion sample is needed. Some of the procedures commonly used for the diagnosis of the peritoneal mesothelioma include peritoneoscopy, thoracoscopy, and biopsy. With peritoneoscopy, the doctor will use a tool called a peritoneoscope, which is placed inside an opening made in the patient's abdomen. Fluid, if found, is then drained; the process of draining the fluid is called paracentesis, and it requires a needle to be placed inside the abdomen in order to extract the fluid.
In thoracoscopy a doctor uses a special instrument called a thoracoscope in order to examine the patient's chest cavity. An incision is made in the chest wall, and the thoracoscope is placed between the patient's ribs. If the fluid is found in the chest, the doctor drains it from the chest cavity through a needle. A thoracoscopy commonly requires an anesthetic or some other form of pain suppression.
In a biopsy, if cancerous tissue is found in the patient's lungs or abdomen it will be extracted and examined by the doctor. This process helps the doctor determine potential ways of treatment and is usually done during one of the other two processes or may require additional surgery.
Mesotherapy [http://www.e-MesoTherapy.com] provides detailed information about mesotherapy, cost of mesotherapy, mesotherapy before and after, mesotherapy injections and more. Mesotherapy is the sister site of Mesothelioma Doctors Info.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jason_Gluckman
The diagnosis for Peritoneal Mesothelioma begins with the thorough review of the patient’s medical history to determine symptoms and any past asbestos exposure, as well as a complete physical. In addition, sometimes physicians might request an MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) scan or an X-ray of the abdomen or chest region to help determine the location and size of the tumor. In an MRI, a powerful magnet linked to a computer is used to make detailed pictures of areas inside the body. These pictures are viewed on a monitor and can also be printed, clearly depicting the areas affected with the tumor.
In cases of pleural and peritoneal mesothelioma, fluid (effusion) may collect in the chest or abdominal region. In such cases, physicians may use a procedure known as fine needle aspiration to obtain a sample of this fluid for further testing. In addition, this procedure can be used to drain the effusion to temporarily relieve chest pain or other painful symptoms.
Usually, a biopsy of the tumor is required to confirm a diagnosis of mesothelioma, however, sometimes only an effusion sample is needed. Some of the procedures commonly used for the diagnosis of the peritoneal mesothelioma include peritoneoscopy, thoracoscopy, and biopsy. With peritoneoscopy, the doctor will use a tool called a peritoneoscope, which is placed inside an opening made in the patient's abdomen. Fluid, if found, is then drained; the process of draining the fluid is called paracentesis, and it requires a needle to be placed inside the abdomen in order to extract the fluid.
In thoracoscopy a doctor uses a special instrument called a thoracoscope in order to examine the patient's chest cavity. An incision is made in the chest wall, and the thoracoscope is placed between the patient's ribs. If the fluid is found in the chest, the doctor drains it from the chest cavity through a needle. A thoracoscopy commonly requires an anesthetic or some other form of pain suppression.
In a biopsy, if cancerous tissue is found in the patient's lungs or abdomen it will be extracted and examined by the doctor. This process helps the doctor determine potential ways of treatment and is usually done during one of the other two processes or may require additional surgery.
Mesotherapy [http://www.e-MesoTherapy.com] provides detailed information about mesotherapy, cost of mesotherapy, mesotherapy before and after, mesotherapy injections and more. Mesotherapy is the sister site of Mesothelioma Doctors Info.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jason_Gluckman
3 Potential Peritoneal Mesothelioma Symptoms
Mesothelioma is one of the less common types of cancer affecting around 2000 people in the UK each year. It develops when the linings of the lungs or the abdomen start to grow in a rapid and uncontrollable way. This condition is almost always caused by exposure to asbestos and because of this it is often nicknamed asbestos cancer. If it affects the lining of the abdomen (the peritoneum) it is referred to as peritoneal mesothelioma. In this article I will be outlining three potential symptoms for this type of cancer and discussing the steps you should take if you notice any of these.
The peritoneum (lining of the abdomen) actually has two layers; the inner (visceral) layer which is beside the abdominal organs and the outer (parietal) layer which is next to the abdominal wall. One of the functions of the peritoneum is to secrete a lubricating fluid to allow the abdominal organs to move against one another. When peritoneal mesothelioma occurs it leads to both of these layers becoming thicker. This can then lead to a number of undesirable symptoms that are discussed below:
1) ASCITES:- As the inner and outer layers of the peritoneum become thicker, lubricating fluid can become trapped in this area. This can then lead to a build up of fluid which is referred to as ascites. Ascites can lead to swelling in the abdomen and also cause abdominal pain as the build up of fluid causes the peritoneum to press against the abdominal organs.
2) ABDOMINAL PAIN:- As peritoneal mesothelioma develops and the tumour increases in size it can start to press against the abdominal organs. This often causes abdominal pain and discomfort. As discussed above ascites (another peritoneal mesothelioma symptom) can also lead to abdominal pain.
3) POOR BOWEL FUNCTIONING:- As the tumour increases in size or the ascites cause further swelling the intestines can become blocked. This can make it difficult to excrete waste from the body and also lead to further bowel problems.
If you notice any symptoms similar to those discussed above you should consult your doctor immediately. Upon seeing your doctor you should inform them of the symptoms you have experienced and also tell them if you have previously been in contact with asbestos. Once your doctor has this information they will be able to perform the required tests and determine whether you have peritoneal mesothelioma. Following this they can then discuss the relevant treatment options with you if necessary.
Mesothelioma is one of the rarest types of cancer. In most cases these symptoms will turn out to be something much less serious. However, by seeing your doctor you can get a professional opinion on whether you have mesothelioma or not. If you have had persistent abdominal pains, your abdomen has become swollen or you have had regular bowel problems go see your doctor straight away.
Whilst every intention has been made to make this article accurate and informative, it is intended for general information only. Mesothelioma is a very serious, life threatening condition and you should discuss any concerns, treatments or lifestyle changes fully with your doctor.
Tom Parker owns and operates a number of useful fitness resources and websites. You can learn more about mesothelioma and how improving your fitness can help prevent cancer by visiting his Free Fitness Tips Blog.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Thomas_Parker
The peritoneum (lining of the abdomen) actually has two layers; the inner (visceral) layer which is beside the abdominal organs and the outer (parietal) layer which is next to the abdominal wall. One of the functions of the peritoneum is to secrete a lubricating fluid to allow the abdominal organs to move against one another. When peritoneal mesothelioma occurs it leads to both of these layers becoming thicker. This can then lead to a number of undesirable symptoms that are discussed below:
1) ASCITES:- As the inner and outer layers of the peritoneum become thicker, lubricating fluid can become trapped in this area. This can then lead to a build up of fluid which is referred to as ascites. Ascites can lead to swelling in the abdomen and also cause abdominal pain as the build up of fluid causes the peritoneum to press against the abdominal organs.
2) ABDOMINAL PAIN:- As peritoneal mesothelioma develops and the tumour increases in size it can start to press against the abdominal organs. This often causes abdominal pain and discomfort. As discussed above ascites (another peritoneal mesothelioma symptom) can also lead to abdominal pain.
3) POOR BOWEL FUNCTIONING:- As the tumour increases in size or the ascites cause further swelling the intestines can become blocked. This can make it difficult to excrete waste from the body and also lead to further bowel problems.
If you notice any symptoms similar to those discussed above you should consult your doctor immediately. Upon seeing your doctor you should inform them of the symptoms you have experienced and also tell them if you have previously been in contact with asbestos. Once your doctor has this information they will be able to perform the required tests and determine whether you have peritoneal mesothelioma. Following this they can then discuss the relevant treatment options with you if necessary.
Mesothelioma is one of the rarest types of cancer. In most cases these symptoms will turn out to be something much less serious. However, by seeing your doctor you can get a professional opinion on whether you have mesothelioma or not. If you have had persistent abdominal pains, your abdomen has become swollen or you have had regular bowel problems go see your doctor straight away.
Whilst every intention has been made to make this article accurate and informative, it is intended for general information only. Mesothelioma is a very serious, life threatening condition and you should discuss any concerns, treatments or lifestyle changes fully with your doctor.
Tom Parker owns and operates a number of useful fitness resources and websites. You can learn more about mesothelioma and how improving your fitness can help prevent cancer by visiting his Free Fitness Tips Blog.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Thomas_Parker
Peritoneal Mesothelioma Overview
By Shan Durai
The peritonium is a membrane that lines the abdominal area of our body. When mesothelioma affects the peritonium, it is known as peritoneal mesothelioma. Even within the area of mesothelioma, peritoneal cases are considered unusual with only about thirty percent of all cases being peritoneal mesothelioma. Even so, it is the second most common case of this rare type of cancer. It is thought that patients suffering from this variety of mesothelioma have been exposed to asbestos at some point in the past..
How long an exposure to asbestos to get mesothelioma is not known. Symptoms of this cancer mostly deal with the abdominal area such as lumps, swelling and pain. Almost all patients suffering from peritoneal mesothelioma will lose their lives to it in the end.
A cure has not been found and efforts are mostly made in the region of lengthening life expectancy. It is thought that asbestos fibers are transported to the peritonium where they begin to affect the cells of the peritonium membrane. With the fibers lodged, the membrane itself begins to thicken.
Fluid begins to build up in the abdomen. Treatments involve cytoreductive surgery along with the draining of excess fluid in the abdomen area. This is then combined with chemotherapy and radiation if the situation warrants it.
The radiation and chemotherapy is used to quickly kill the dividing cells. Intraperitoneal chemotherapy is also an option where the chemicals are delivered directly into the peritonium.
Unfortunately, the cast majority of instances see the patients too far ahead in the spread of mesothelioma for surgery or chemotherapy to have an affect. Inproving the patients quality of life is concentrated on in cases where the peritoneal mesothelioma is in advanced stages.
Shan Durai has a website on Peritoneal Mesothelioma that offers free information on areas such as pleural, peritoneal and pericardial Mesothelioma as well as Asbestos Mesothlioma Lawsuits, highlighting treatment facilities, doctors and treatment methods.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Shan_Durai
The peritonium is a membrane that lines the abdominal area of our body. When mesothelioma affects the peritonium, it is known as peritoneal mesothelioma. Even within the area of mesothelioma, peritoneal cases are considered unusual with only about thirty percent of all cases being peritoneal mesothelioma. Even so, it is the second most common case of this rare type of cancer. It is thought that patients suffering from this variety of mesothelioma have been exposed to asbestos at some point in the past..
How long an exposure to asbestos to get mesothelioma is not known. Symptoms of this cancer mostly deal with the abdominal area such as lumps, swelling and pain. Almost all patients suffering from peritoneal mesothelioma will lose their lives to it in the end.
A cure has not been found and efforts are mostly made in the region of lengthening life expectancy. It is thought that asbestos fibers are transported to the peritonium where they begin to affect the cells of the peritonium membrane. With the fibers lodged, the membrane itself begins to thicken.
Fluid begins to build up in the abdomen. Treatments involve cytoreductive surgery along with the draining of excess fluid in the abdomen area. This is then combined with chemotherapy and radiation if the situation warrants it.
The radiation and chemotherapy is used to quickly kill the dividing cells. Intraperitoneal chemotherapy is also an option where the chemicals are delivered directly into the peritonium.
Unfortunately, the cast majority of instances see the patients too far ahead in the spread of mesothelioma for surgery or chemotherapy to have an affect. Inproving the patients quality of life is concentrated on in cases where the peritoneal mesothelioma is in advanced stages.
Shan Durai has a website on Peritoneal Mesothelioma that offers free information on areas such as pleural, peritoneal and pericardial Mesothelioma as well as Asbestos Mesothlioma Lawsuits, highlighting treatment facilities, doctors and treatment methods.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Shan_Durai
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