Mesothelioma is a deadly form of cancer that has affected thousands of people over the years who were exposed to asbestos in their work or from their spouses who worked in a trade where asbestos was used.
Asbestos is a substance that occurs naturally and was used for many years in various industries because of its extraordinary ability to withstand heat, fire and corrosion. Millions of workers in construction, pipefitting, shipbuilding, boiler making, insulation and custodial work were exposed to asbestos since it had been commonly used since the early years of the 20th Century until the 1970s.
If you or a loved one have mesothelioma, you should promptly call our law office at to assess your case and your opportunities for compensation.
One form of mesothelioma is peritoneal mesothelioma, the second most prevalent form of the cancer.
What is Peritoneal Mesothelioma?
Peritoneal mesothelioma is an aggressive form of cancer that is fatal. About 20% to 30% of patients who develop mesothelioma have this form of the disease. Since the condition takes many years before symptoms to develop, patients in the 50 to 70 year old age group who worked in the 1970s or before in the industries where asbestos was used are the most affected.
The peritoneum covers your vital organs and composes most of the outer layer of your intestinal tract. The cells in these areas provide a fluid so that organs may move against each other such as allowing food to move through your body. Cancer in these cells causes them to secrete more fluid than needed, causing excess fluid to accumulate in your abdomen.
What are the Symptoms of Peritoneal Mesothelioma?
Unfortunately, the symptoms for peritoneal mesothelioma are not specific to this disease so that the cancer is often misdiagnosed. Common symptoms include:
- Anemia
- Bowel obstruction
- Weight loss (loss of appetite)
- Fever
- Swelling in the abdomen
Other conditions can account for any of these symptoms so your doctor needs to know that you worked in certain industries and when so that the possibility of asbestos exposure could be the cause of your symptoms. You should ask your doctor for a diagnostic test such as an X-ray, MRI, or CT scan of your abdomen for evidence of a tumor in your abdominal cavity.
Is Peritoneal Mesothelioma Treatable?
In many cases, by the time this form of mesothelioma has been diagnosed, it is too late for surgical intervention. Further, patients must be in very good condition to withstand the surgery since the procedure, known as peritonectomy, removes the affected part of the peritoneum, which lines the abdomen.
Another procedure is cytoreductive surgery, which can be performed if the mesothelioma has not spread and it is not obstructing your bowel, liver ducts or urinary system. If the cancer cannot be completely removed, the procedure is nonetheless effective in relieving pain and abdominal distress. Chemotherapy is used once the procedure is completed.
Studies have shown that many patients have a survival rate of nearly 5 years following a peritonectomy. Early detection followed by chemotherapy injected by catheter directly into the abdomen have showed similar results.
Legal Options
It is essential that you promptly contact our law offices to discuss your legal options if you or a loved one has mesothelioma. There are time limits on filing a claim so any hesitation could cost you thousands or more in compensation.
Our experienced attorneys will evaluate your case, determine if you have a viable claim, and advise you regarding the direction your case should take in pursuing the highest possible mesothelioma compensation. Call us at for a Free and immediate consultation.
