Abdominal mesothelioma (also known as peritoneal mesothelioma) is a form of mesothelioma that develops in the abdominal region. It is caused by prolonged asbestos exposure, and can be easily avoided with the use of a specially designed mask. The mesothelium and peritoneum are infected with tiny asbestos fibers that cause the healthy cells to develop into cancer cells. Abdominal mesothelioma symptoms can also be present in dogs.
Abdominal Mesothelioma Symptoms and Types
There are 2 distinct types of abdominal mesothelioma, benign and malignant. Malignant mesothelioma abdominal cells are able to spread, compared to cells in the benign variant. The following are the abdominal mesothelioma symptoms common to any of the forms:
- pleural effusion which causes pain in the area
- weakness in the abdominal area
- nausea
- abdominal swelling
- loss of appetite
- weight loss
These are common symptoms of abdominal mesothelioma. If you experience all of them you should have a doctor check you and, if necessary give you a preliminary diagnosis. If mesothelioma abdominal is the initial diagnosis, further test will be necessary to determine certain details about the disease, helping the specialist decide what kind of treatment is best for the specific case.
Patients need to be diagnosed fast if they exhibit mesothelioma cancer symptoms. This is crucial and determines the mesothelioma abdominal prognosis of the certain individual.
Abdominal Mesothelioma Treatment
Treatment methods commonly used for abdominal mesothelioma:
- Surgery
- Chemotherapy
- Radiation Therapy
As you can see, these are the general treatment methods used for all mesothelioma types. With each distinct form of the cancer come new ways of treating it. Some experts have said that a sustained radiation therapy period is more effective against certain mesothelioma cancer cells, like the ones present in abdominal mesothelioma patients.
Some patients have tried some alternative methods, in order to stop some of the symptoms, mostly the constant abdominal pain. The most successful alternative therapies were acupuncture and TENS, a study showed. Other alternative methods provided with psychological support for the patient, and allowed him to concentrate on treatment and diet. Abdominal mesothelioma treatment also requires a form of diet prescribed by a nutritionist, but some times the patient is depressed and will not follow those instructions. This is where psychological support is needed.
Abdominal Mesothelioma Help!
Please, feel free to contact asbestosis and mesothelioma centers if you or any close person has been diagnosed with abdominal mesothelioma. We can help with information regarding the subject, and by contacting us you don't have to spend any kind of money.