Peritoneal mesothelioma is a rare form of asbestos cancer that forms in the lining of the abdomen, which is called the peritoneum. Peritoneal mesothelioma accounts for up to 30 percent of all mesothelioma diagnoses.[1]
Symptoms of peritoneal mesothelioma often do not present themselves for decades following asbestos exposure. They all relate to the retention of fluids in the abdomen and to the expansion of the tumor. The symptoms of peritoneal mesothelioma include:[2]
- Abdominal swelling
- Weight loss and loss of appetite
- Elevated white blood count
Because the symptoms of peritoneal mesothelioma take a long time to manifest and are common to other diseases and conditions, the diagnosis of peritoneal mesothelioma often takes place when the cancer is already at an advanced stage.[3] The only way to diagnose peritoneal mesothelioma is through a surgical biopsy. Treatment options include radiation, chemotherapy and surgery to remove the tumor. These options do not always produce favorable outcomes for the patient, and many families ultimately decide on palliative care to maximize the patient’s quality of life.
The average survival rate from diagnosis is 10 months and just 16 percent of patients are still alive after five years.[4]
After receiving a mesothelioma diagnosis, families must make a number of medical and legal decisions in rapid succession. For over 40 years, our asbestos lawyers have helped mesothelioma patients pursue compensation from asbestos manufacturers and employers. In fact, our attorneys were some of the first in the country to successfully pursue mesothelioma lawsuits.
We stand ready to help you secure compensation for your mesothelioma diagnosis. We will begin with a free, no-obligation consultation and will walk you through your rights and the process for seeking compensation. We know the impact a mesothelioma diagnosis has on your life and will travel to meet you wherever you would like. Contact us to begin the process without delay.
RPWB is a nationally recognized asbestos and mesothelioma law firm. We are a 2026 “Best Law Firm” for our national work on mass torts and class action lawsuits by Best Lawyers, the oldest and most respected peer-reviewed legal publication in the country. Additionally, the firm is listed regionally for its work on personal injury, product liability and medical malpractice cases. Fifteen RPWB attorneys are on the Best Lawyers in America list. Four of the firm’s lawyers are recognized by Super Lawyers.
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[1] “Mesothelioma Statistics,” Mesothelioma Research News. Retrieved at https://mesotheliomaresearchnews.com/mesothelioma-statistics/
[2] “ABOUT PERITONEAL MESOTHELIOMA: A FORM OF ABDOMINAL MESOTHELIOMA,” Mesothelioma Applied Research Foundation. Retrieved at http://www.curemeso.org/site/c.duIWJfNQKiL8G/b.8578883/k.931C/Types_of_Mesothelioma__Peritoneal_Mesothelioma.htm
[3] Bridda, Alessio et al. “Peritoneal Mesothelioma: A Review.” Medscape General Medicine 9.2 (2007): 32. Print.
[4] Boffeta, P.“Epidemiology of peritoneal mesothelioma: a review,” Annals of Oncology, Volume 18, Issue 6, 1 June 2007, Pages 985–990
[5] Best Law Firms 2020, U.S. News & World Report. Retrieved online at https://bestlawfirms.usnews.com/profile/richardson-patrick-westbrook-brickman-llc/overview/34195
[6] Best Lawyers 2020. Retrieved at https://www.bestlawyers.com/firms/richardson-patrick-westbrook-brickman-llc/34195/US
[7] “PRODUCT LIABILITY, MASS TORT AND CLASS ACTION: TOXIC TORT – PLAINTIFF,” The Legal 500, 2018. Retrieved at https://www.legal500.com/c/united-states/dispute-resolution/product-liability-mass-tort-and-class-action-toxic-tort-plaintiff
