Mesothelioma Attorneys - Nationwide Representation

If you have been diagnosed with peritoneal mesothelioma, you may be facing a long and difficult road ahead. Napoli Shkolnik PLLC is here to guide and support you in your time of need. We can help you seek medical care and financial compensation through an asbestos exposure claim or lawsuit, depending on how and where your exposure occurred. With our experience in handling mesothelioma lawsuits across the U.S., we are confident in our ability to provide the level of representation you deserve. Continue reading to learn more about peritoneal mesothelioma, or contact our NYC headquarters to schedule a free case review with one of our mesothelioma attorneys.

About Peritoneal Mesothelioma

Peritoneal mesothelioma is the second-most common type of mesothelioma, accounting for about 300 to 600 of the 3,000 mesothelioma diagnoses in the United States each year. This type of cancer affects the peritoneum, a membrane that lines the abdomen and abdominal organs. There are two parts of the peritoneum: the visceral peritoneum and the parietal peritoneum. The visceral peritoneum covers the abdominal organs, including the liver, stomach, colon and intestinal tract; the parietal peritoneum covers the abdominal cavity. The sac formed by the visceral and parietal peritoneum protects the abdominal organs and lubricate this space. The lubrication allow the organs to move within the abdominal cavity. The inhalation or ingestion of asbestos fibers may have disastrous effects on the peritoneum. Asbestos fibers are fine and may be sharp and needle-like or curled. Asbestos fibers become airborne when working with or around asbestos products, where they may then be inhaled or swallowed. This often happens entirely without the victim's knowledge. Once asbestos fibers enter the body, they can migrate to the peritoneum and cause peritoneal mesothelioma. The size and shape of the fibers make it difficult for the body to expel once embedded in the peritoneum. Over time, they may cause irritation, inflammation and scarring. Asbestos fibers can change the genetic make-up of the peritoneal cells. This results in the overproduction of the lubricating fluid they produce to allow the organs to move against one another and the abdominal cavity. Excess fluid in the peritoneum may cause such symptoms as abdominal pain, unexplained weight loss, abdominal swelling, nausea, anemia and fever. These symptoms may take up to 50 years or more to develop. They may also be indicative of common illnesses, causing a patient to wait to seek medical care.

Diagnosing and Treating Peritoneal Mesothelioma

In treating peritoneal mesothelioma, an early diagnosis is crucial. Due to the long latency period of the disease and the fact that its symptoms mimic less serious medical conditions, it is often not diagnosed until it is in its later stages. This limits treatment options. A patient can work with an oncologist who specializes in mesothelioma to develop a plan of action based on the specific case. Asbestos exposure is known as the cause of peritoneal mesothelioma. A person with a history of asbestos exposure should inform his or her physician. The physician can take a proactive approach to watching for the early signs of mesothelioma. This may allow the doctor to diagnose the disease as early as possible. Treatment options may include the surgical removal of the tumor or tumors, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, drug therapy or a combination, depending on the scenario. From our headquarters in New York City and fully-staffed offices across the U.S., the attorneys and support staff at Napoli Shkolnik are dedicated to helping those who have been diagnosed with peritoneal mesothelioma. We represent veterans, miners, construction workers, shipyard workers, auto mechanics and many others who have been exposed to asbestos and are suffering the consequences. Contact a mesothelioma lawyer at our firm to talk about your case and options.