PERITONEAL MESOTHELIOMA

Peritoneal mesothelioma is one of the deadliest and most painful forms of cancer. Fortunately it is also one of the rarer forms of a relatively uncommon cancer, though that is small comfort to the thousands of people that must endure this death sentence. This terminal cancer begins when a person inhales the airborne asbestos fibers. Asbestos is a naturally-occurring, fibrous mineral that has been used in fireproofing and insulation. In early times asbestos would kill persons working around it much earlier than it does now; thank modern medicine for the fact that he life expectancy is a little longer. During the manufacturing process asbestos fibers are often released into the air, where their light weight and small size allows them to settle in the mouths and throats of anyone nearby, and they can even be carried home where they can contaminate the friends and family of the original worker by washing clothes or getting near them before they are cleaned. Peritoneal mesothelioma begins when asbestos fibers enter the digestive track and slice through the tissues of the stomach and intestines. These fibers shred through these organs and protrude through them and puncture the peritoneal mesothelium, the delicate membrane that secretes the lubrication that allows them to move during digestion. Without this vital lubrication the organs could not process food properly. Some of the symptoms of peritoneal mesothelioma include abdominal pain, abdominal swelling or mass, severe weight loss, abnormal bowel performance, fluid buildup in the abdomen, blood clots that are unexplained and a weight loss with an expanding waistline. Unfortunately, peritoneal mesothelioma does not usually present symptoms until it is extremely advanced, and by that time it is usually impossible to treat. Further complicating diagnosis of peritoneal mesothelioma is the nature of the disease itself; the symptoms are often confused with less dangerous conditions such as indigestion or heartburn. If you are between the ages of 50-80 and are having symptoms like these you should expedite a visit to your physician. Have him or her check you by CT scan, MRI or x-ray to completely rule out peritoneal mesothelioma. Peritoneal mesothelioma is always fatal. By the time it is diagnosed it is usually so advanced that the only treatment available is to make the victim as comfortable as possible and relieve as much pain as they can. Most victims usually succumb within six to eight months after diagnosis and it is quite the painful process. There are a few rare cases that manage to survive longer than a year, but few if any survive longer than five years. There is hope for victims of peritoneal mesothelioma. New treatments include photodynamic, gene, angiogenesis, and immunotherapy that could hold the key to turning the tide on this deadly, debilitating, and tragic disease. First things first; you must see your physician. You must know that the diagnosis is accurate. Nothing can prepare you for being diagnosed with peritoneal mesothelioma but at The Maune Raichle Law Firm we want to help you if you feel you need to take legal action.

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