Mesothelioma is a rare form of cancer that is almost always caused by exposure to asbestos. Asbestos is a toxic mineral that was used in a variety of commercial products and building supplies as a strengthener and flame repellent.

Asbestos fibers can be inhaled or ingested and become stuck in the cells in the abdominal cavity lining called the peritoneum. Although all forms of mesothelioma are serious and potentially deadly, peritoneal mesothelioma is especially serious because the cancer cells can divide quickly and spread throughout the body.

Common Symptoms of Peritoneal Mesothelioma

Although abdominal mesothelioma can occur relatively quickly, symptoms of peritoneal mesothelioma may not be noticed until decades after a person’s initial exposure to asbestos.

Typical symptoms of peritoneal mesothelioma include:

  • Anemia
  • Fever and night sweats
  • Stomach pain, nausea or abdominal swelling
  • Lumps under the skin of the stomach
  • Unexplained weight loss
  • Fatigue

Abdominal pain is the most common symptom of this type of mesothelioma, which makes delays in diagnosis common. The mean symptoms-to-diagnosis time for peritoneal mesothelioma is 122 days and many cancers are already at an advanced stage when they are detected.

Stomach Mesothelioma Treatment Options

Individuals who suffer from peritoneal mesothelioma typically undergo a combination of surgery, radiation therapy and chemotherapy. It is important to consult with an experienced physician to discuss your treatment options.

A variety of factors go into determining what treatment options are appropriate for a patient. The size of a tumor, a patient’s health history and preferences, and the growth and spread of the cancer are just some of the common relevant factors in a typical mesothelioma treatment plan.

Compensation for Abdominal Mesothelioma Patients

Patients who develop any type of mesothelioma are often entitled to compensation from the companies that made, sold or installed the asbestos that caused their cancer. When choosing a mesothelioma litigation law firm, it is important to find one that has experience handling complex mesothelioma cases and a proven track record for collecting substantial judgments and settlements for their clients.