Peritoneal Mesothelioma |
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| Peritoneal Mesothelioma is the second most common form of mesothelioma cancer.
Diagnostically it is more prevalent in males than in females. The only known cause of peritoneal mesothelioma is
exposure to asbestos. The latency period of the condition is approximately 20 – 30 years after exposure to asbestos,
shorter than that of familiar pleural mesothelioma.
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| How Does Asbestos Exposure Cause Peritoneal Mesothelioma? |
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| To date, there appears to be no definitive explanation, though it is believed that
asbestos fibres may be ingested, that is caught by the mucus of the trachea and bronchi and eventually work themselves
into the peritoneal cavity and peritoneum. It is also thought that the asbestos fibres may be inhaled and
transported through the lymphatic system to the peritoneal cavity.
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| Symptoms of Peritoneal Mesothelioma |
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| Common signs and symptoms of peritoneal mesothelioma include: |
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 Distention of the abdomen
Abdominal pain
Increased abdominal girth
Ascites (fluid in the abdomen)
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Loss of appetite and weight loss
Anemia
Fever and Fatigue
Digestive disturbances
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| Diagnosis of Peritoneal Mesothelioma |
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| Usually the first steps towards detecting peritoneal mesothelioma are x-rays and
ct scans. If the results indicate an abnormality,a biopsy is typically undertaken and then examined. |
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| Treatment of Peritoneal Mesothelioma |
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| There are treatments for people who have been diagnosed with peritoneum mesothelioma
and these have improved recently. Many people receive a combination of therapies including radiation, chemotherapy,
other drug based therapies and surgery. |
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| If surgery is possible, the operation is called a Peritonectomy.
This involves the removal of the peritoneum where the mesothelioma is evident. More recently there is a technique called
cytoreductive surgery for peritoneum mesothelioma. During this procedure the surgeon will carry out up to six
different peritonectomy procedures. At the same time or shortly afterwards,
chemotherapy may be given straight into the peritoneal cavity. |
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| Peritoneal Mesothelioma Prognosis |
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| The prognosis for those diagnosed with peritoneal mesothelioma depends on various
factors including the size and stage of the tumor, cell type, its extent and whether or not the tumor
responds to treatment. |
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| Making a claim for peritoneal mesothelioma |
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| If you have been diagnosed with peritoneal mesothelioma in the last 3 years you will be
able to make a claim. |
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| Any amount of money awarded cannot possibly compensate for the pain and suffering caused by peritoneal mesothelioma,
but it may make things a little more comfortable for you and your family.
It can also ease the financial burden caused by any medical costs. |
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| If you would like to make a claim for peritoneal mesothelioma or for any question please call us on
freephone 0800 783 9535. and ask to speak to Lynne Manners or Warren Miller |
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