Symptoms of mesothelioma cancer may appear at first to be nothing
more than common ailments or illnesses. However, a medical professional
should perform a thorough examination of an individual with
mesothelioma-type complaints to rule out other possible conditions. Some
individuals with mesothelioma cancer, however, do not have any symptoms
or present one or two that are often dismissed. Since the incubation
period of mesothelioma after asbestos exposure can take several decades,
the presentation of symptoms may be gradual and appear less serious
than they actually are.
One of the symptoms of peritoneal mesothelioma – where the abdominal
cavity is affected – is bowel obstruction. Though it is not a common
symptom, bowel obstruction can be present in some individuals. Typically
in the other types of mesothelioma cancer, bowel obstruction is not common and is often not reported.
One of the most painful and debilitating symptoms of peritoneal mesothelioma
is bowel obstruction. Often, bowel obstruction presents later, as a
secondary symptom due to the build up of fluid in the abdomen known as
ascites. Typically, if a bowel obstruction presents, along with other
associated symptoms of peritoneal mesothelioma, then it is a sign that
the disease has advanced.
As the mesothelium surrounding the abdominal cavity swells from the
retention of the fluid, pressure increases on all of the surrounding
organs, including the bowel. Often, the individual ignores primary
symptoms of peritoneal mesothelioma –generalized abdominal pain,
dysphagia and nausea – as symptoms of common gastrointestinal
conditions. However, it is critical to note that if a bowel obstruction
is found in an individual, the total of all other symptoms combined may
signal a malignant mesothelioma cancer.
Individuals may present additional symptoms along with a bowel
obstruction. Often nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain and constipation
accompany bowel obstruction. Though peritoneal mesothelioma can cause
the abdominal cavity to swell, a bowel obstruction may also cause
swelling and bloating in the lower pelvic region.
Whether the additional symptoms are caused by the bowel obstruction
or peritoneal mesothelioma, the obstruction must be dealt with
immediately. Risks with a bowel obstruction include dehydration due to
the lack or absorption of electrolytes, malnutrition, weight loss and
vitamin deficiency.
Typically, a bowel or intestinal obstruction in a peritoneal
mesothelioma sufferer signifies a mechanical issue rather than
functional. A mechanical issue arises with peritoneal mesothelioma
cancer due to the added pressure of the fluid collected in the abdominal
cavity, pushing down on the intestines.
However, a medical professional should also rule out whether there is
also a functional issue with the intestines. A functional issue is an
internal problem with the natural mechanics of the intestines, caused by
another underlying disease or an inherited condition. It is rare that
in peritoneal mesothelioma patients, bowel obstructions are due to a
functional issue presented by another disease.
As with all symptoms of mesothelioma cancers, including pleural mesothelioma and pericardial mesothelioma,
a medical professional should rule out other underlying conditions that
may cause symptoms. Many diseases have strikingly similar symptoms, and
eliminating all other possibilities will only ensure a proper and true
diagnosis.
With an individual suffering from peritoneal mesothelioma and
presenting a bowel obstruction, immediate medical attention is required.
Often, the bowel obstruction is surgically removed, but in some
individuals, the bowel obstruction may resolve on its own. However, with
peritoneal mesothelioma suffers, a natural clearing of the obstruction
may not happen. If the bowel obstruction is not immediately treated, it
can lead to additional medical problems.
Currently, all types of mesothelioma cancers comprise one percent of
the total cancer diagnoses, though the medical community expects that
number to increase rapidly over the next couple of decades. With
prolonged and persistent asbestos or erionite exposure, the particles
can become attached to the mesothelium or lining of the internal organs
and reside there for decades. However, there are rare mesothelioma cancer diagnoses where asbestos exposure was not present in an individual’s history.
Cases of all types of mesothelioma cancer may peak in the next
several decades because of the protracted incubation period. The medical
community continues to make important progress in the diagnosis and treatment of mesothelioma cancer.
The prognosis for malignant mesothelioma continues to improve, along with all of the other advancements stemming from the on-going research.
If an individual suspects a bowel obstruction, seek immediate medical attention.
Rabu, 23 Januari 2013
Bowel Obstruction
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