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Peritoneal mesothelioma develops within the thin membrane lining the abdominal cavity (peritoneum), primarily caused by asbestos exposure.
As the second most common form of malignant mesothelioma, it accounts for approximately 10-20% of all diagnosed cases.
On this page, we’ll provide an overview of peritoneal mesothelioma, treatment options, the process of peritoneal mesothelioma diagnosis, and much more.
Dr. James Pingpank, a peritoneal mesothelioma specialist researching the combination of surgical resection and regional chemotherapy, shows that this approach can lead to durable progression-free and overall survival rates
Key facts about peritoneal mesothelioma include, but are not limited to:
If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with peritoneal mesothelioma, you may be eligible to seek compensation for medical expenses and related damages.
Contact TruLaw using the chat on this page to receive an instant case evaluation and learn if you qualify to file a peritoneal mesothelioma lawsuit.
Symptoms of peritoneal mesothelioma often develop gradually and may initially be misinterpreted as less severe gastrointestinal conditions, such as irritable bowel syndrome or dietary intolerances.
This asbestos-related cancer primarily affects the lining of the abdomen, leading to symptoms that can remain subtle for months or even years.
Early recognition of these symptoms is challenging, frequently resulting in delayed diagnosis.
The early symptoms of peritoneal mesothelioma include abdominal pain, swelling, and changes in bowel habits, which can be subtle and easily overlooked.
These initial symptoms are often mistaken for minor ailments, delaying diagnosis until the disease progresses.
Initially, abdominal discomfort may feel sporadic, and appetite changes may seem negligible, particularly in individuals without a known asbestos exposure history.
Early signs and symptoms of peritoneal mesothelioma may include:
Individuals experiencing any combination of these symptoms, especially those with a history of asbestos exposure, should consider seeking a medical evaluation.
Detecting these symptoms early offers a better opportunity for diagnosis in early disease stages, which can be critical in managing progression.
As peritoneal mesothelioma advances, symptoms can become more pronounced and significantly affect daily life.
Individuals may experience severe abdominal pain, increased abdominal swelling, and significant weight loss.
These intensified symptoms are often accompanied by fatigue and difficulty performing routine activities.
The progression of symptoms typically includes:
In advanced stages, symptoms can severely impact the quality of life and may limit treatment options.
Recognizing these signs promptly is essential, especially for those with an asbestos exposure history, as early intervention may improve prognosis and symptom management.
Initial screenings for peritoneal mesothelioma involve various imaging techniques, including abdominal ultrasounds, CT scans, and PET scans, which help assess the presence and extent of potential tumors.
These imaging methods are critical in the peritoneal mesothelioma diagnosis process.
They allow healthcare providers to visualize abnormalities in the peritoneum, where mesothelioma tumors typically develop.
Often, symptoms prompt initial imaging studies that may reveal irregularities, leading to further testing.
Below are the primary imaging and diagnostic techniques used in early screenings:
These tests help detect peritoneal thickening, nodules, or fluid buildup, which are often early signs of mesothelioma.
A biopsy is required to examine tissue samples for malignant mesothelioma cells for a definitive mesothelioma diagnosis.
Staging is important to determine the appropriate treatment options and prognosis for peritoneal mesothelioma patients.
Unlike pleural mesothelioma, there is no universally accepted staging system for peritoneal mesothelioma, but physicians often use the Peritoneal Cancer Index (PCI) to assess tumor burden.
The PCI assesses the extent of cancer spread within the abdominal cavity:
Other forms of malignant mesothelioma besides peritoneal mesothelioma include malignant pleural mesothelioma, which affects the lung lining, and pericardial mesothelioma, which affects the heart’s lining.
Accurate assessment helps physicians estimate survival rates and tailor treatment plans for each patient’s condition.
This information also informs patients and families about the disease’s likely progression, aiding in decisions about palliative care, clinical trials, or other supportive measures if curative treatment options are limited.
Treatment for peritoneal mesothelioma generally relies on a multimodal approach, combining surgery and chemotherapy to address the disease on multiple fronts.
A specialized treatment known as cytoreductive surgery with Hyperthermic Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy (HIPEC) has significantly improved outcomes for many patients.
While peritoneal mesothelioma is a challenging disease, early detection and a comprehensive treatment plan can improve prognosis, and in some cases, lead to long-term survival.
Cytoreductive surgery (CRS) combined with hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) is the primary surgical intervention for peritoneal mesothelioma.
Peritoneal mesothelioma treated aggressively aims to remove visible tumors and eliminate microscopic cancer cells within the abdominal cavity.
Here is a closer look at this surgical option:
This intensive procedure requires specialized surgical expertise but offers the best chance for extended survival in eligible patients.
Chemotherapy serves as an essential element in treating peritoneal mesothelioma, especially for patients who are not candidates for surgery.
This therapy targets cancer cells throughout the body or locally within the abdomen by administering chemotherapy drugs intravenously or directly into the peritoneal cavity (intraperitoneal chemotherapy).
Depending on the treatment goals, chemotherapy can shrink tumors, relieve symptoms, and extend survival.
The primary applications of chemotherapy in mesothelioma care:
Chemotherapy is valuable, whether alone or combined with other treatments.
It offers options for symptom management and tumor control, providing relief and improved quality of life for patients at all disease stages.
Living with peritoneal mesothelioma can be physically and emotionally challenging, as patients often require continuous medical care and support to manage symptoms and maintain their quality of life.
This condition requires active management of symptoms to control physical discomfort and sustain emotional resilience and stability.
Comprehensive care strategies typically involve treatments, therapies, and lifestyle adjustments tailored to each patient’s needs, enabling a more comfortable day-to-day experience.
Managing symptoms is a critical aspect of care for peritoneal mesothelioma patients, emphasizing relieving pain, improving digestive function, and enhancing mobility.
These symptom management strategies are designed to reduce discomfort and help patients maintain as much independence as possible.
Here are some of the most effective methods for managing symptoms associated with peritoneal mesothelioma:
Incorporating these practices into a patient’s routine contributes toward maintaining an active lifestyle.
Supportive and palliative care options for peritoneal mesothelioma focus on alleviating symptoms and enhancing the overall well-being of patients when curative treatment is no longer feasible.
These services are designed to address the physical, emotional, and social aspects of living with cancer, offering relief from pain, discomfort, and other symptoms.
Below are the primary forms of supportive and palliative care commonly utilized for mesothelioma patients:
Palliative care empowers patients by addressing their needs and helping them find comfort in everyday life.
Through this multifaceted approach, patients receive compassionate support, prioritizing their well-being and quality of life.
The prognosis for peritoneal mesothelioma varies widely and is influenced by individual factors such as the patient’s age, overall health, and the extent of the disease at diagnosis.
Because peritoneal mesothelioma is often diagnosed at a later stage, early mesothelioma diagnosis is crucial to improving prognosis.
Advancements in treatments, particularly CRS with HIPEC, have significantly improved survival rates for many patients.
While an early diagnosis may allow for more aggressive and potentially effective therapies, later-stage diagnoses often focus on managing symptoms and extending quality of life.
Several critical factors impact the prognosis for peritoneal mesothelioma patients, each playing a role in determining potential treatment options and overall survival.
By assessing these elements, physicians can develop a more personalized treatment plan that considers the patient’s unique circumstances and the biology of the disease.
Below are the primary factors that most commonly influence mesothelioma prognosis:
Understanding these factors can help patients and their care teams make more informed decisions about treatment and supportive care options.
For many, focusing on individualized treatment strategies can enhance survival rates and the quality of life, making a meaningful difference in managing peritoneal mesothelioma.
Peritoneal mesothelioma is the second most common form of the disease, developing within the thin membrane lining the abdominal cavity (peritoneum).
It accounts for approximately 10-20% of all mesothelioma cases.
Patients diagnosed with diffuse malignant peritoneal mesothelioma have seen improved survival rates in recent years due to advancements in treatment.
Key details on peritoneal mesothelioma survival rates:
Recent studies published in the Annals of Surgical Oncology demonstrate that patients undergoing CRS with HIPEC have significantly better survival outcomes than those receiving non-surgical treatments.
The findings show that aggressive surgical intervention, combined with heated chemotherapy, can lead to long-term survival in select patients.
Additionally, ongoing clinical trials are further exploring new therapies and combinations to improve outcomes for malignant peritoneal mesothelioma patients.
Peritoneal mesothelioma lawsuits are being filed by individuals across the country who were diagnosed with this aggressive cancer after being exposed to asbestos.
TruLaw is currently accepting clients for peritoneal mesothelioma cases.
A few reasons to choose TruLaw for your peritoneal mesothelioma lawsuit include:
If you or a loved one have been diagnosed with peritoneal mesothelioma after being exposed to asbestos, you may qualify to file a lawsuit and seek compensation.
Contact TruLaw using the chat on this page to receive an instant case evaluation and determine your eligibility for a peritoneal mesothelioma lawsuit today.
Peritoneal mesothelioma is a type of cancer that develops within the thin membrane lining the abdominal cavity (peritoneum), primarily caused by asbestos exposure.
It accounts for approximately 10-20% of all diagnosed mesothelioma cases.
Early symptoms of peritoneal mesothelioma include abdominal pain, swelling, unexplained weight loss, and changes in bowel habits, which can be subtle and easily overlooked.
Individuals experiencing any combination of these symptoms, especially those with a history of asbestos exposure, should consider seeking a medical evaluation.
Peritoneal mesothelioma diagnosis involves imaging tests such as abdominal ultrasounds, CT scans, and PET scans to detect abnormalities, followed by a biopsy to confirm the presence of malignant mesothelioma cells.
Early diagnosis is crucial for improving treatment outcomes.
Treatment for peritoneal mesothelioma generally relies on a multimodal approach, primarily combining cytoreductive surgery (CRS) with Hyperthermic Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy (HIPEC).
Other options include systemic and intraperitoneal chemotherapy.
The combination and intensity will depend on the patient’s health, disease extent, and treatment objectives.
Several critical factors impact the prognosis for peritoneal mesothelioma patients, including tumor burden (Peritoneal Cancer Index score), age, overall health, tumor histology, and treatment response.
Understanding these factors allows patients and their care teams to make more informed decisions about treatment and supportive care options.
TruLaw is currently accepting clients for peritoneal mesothelioma cases and operates on a contingency fee basis, meaning they only get paid if you win.
With years of experience handling toxic tort cases and a successful track record, TruLaw can help you seek compensation for your damages.
Experienced Attorney & Legal SaaS CEO
With over 25 years of legal experience, Jessie is an Illinois lawyer, a CPA, and a mother of three. She spent the first decade of her career working as an international tax attorney at Deloitte.
In 2009, Jessie co-founded her own law firm with her husband – which has scaled to over 30 employees since its conception.
In 2016, Jessie founded TruLaw, which allows her to collaborate with attorneys and legal experts across the United States on a daily basis. This hypervaluable network of experts is what enables her to share reliable legal information with her readers!
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AFFF Lawsuit claims are being filed against manufacturers of aqueous film-forming foam (AFFF), commonly used in firefighting.
Claims allege that companies such as 3M, DuPont, and Tyco Fire Products failed to adequately warn users about the potential dangers of AFFF exposure — including increased risks of various cancers and diseases.
Suboxone Tooth Decay Lawsuit claims are being filed against Indivior, the manufacturer of Suboxone, a medication used to treat opioid addiction.
Claims allege that Indivior failed to adequately warn users about the potential dangers of severe tooth decay and dental injuries associated with Suboxone’s sublingual film version.
Social Media Harm Lawsuits are being filed against social media companies for allegedly causing mental health issues in children and teens.
Claims allege that companies like Meta, Google, ByteDance, and Snap designed addictive platforms that led to anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues without adequately warning users or parents.
Transvaginal Mesh Lawsuits are being filed against manufacturers of transvaginal mesh products used to treat pelvic organ prolapse (POP) and stress urinary incontinence (SUI).
Claims allege that companies like Ethicon, C.R. Bard, and Boston Scientific failed to adequately warn about potential dangers — including erosion, pain, and infection.
Bair Hugger Warming Blanket Lawsuits involve claims against 3M — alleging their surgical warming blankets caused severe infections and complications (particularly in hip and knee replacement surgeries).
Plaintiffs claim 3M failed to warn about potential risks — despite knowing about increased risk of deep joint infections since 2011.
Baby Formula NEC Lawsuit claims are being filed against manufacturers of cow’s milk-based baby formula products.
Claims allege that companies like Abbott Laboratories (Similac) and Mead Johnson & Company (Enfamil) failed to warn about the increased risk of necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) in premature infants.
Here, at TruLaw, we’re committed to helping victims get the justice they deserve.
Alongside our partner law firms, we have successfully collected over $3 Billion in verdicts and settlements on behalf of injured individuals.
Would you like our help?