Mesothelioma Pain

Types of Mesothelioma Pain

Many patients with mesothelioma experience one or more types of pain as a symptom of their condition. Chronic pain that lasts for several months is common. The type of pain can change with different treatments or during periods of remission or tumor growth. 

Chest pain is among the most common types of chronic pain people with pleural mesothelioma experience. It often occurs in the side of the chest. 

Mesothelioma Pain Types

• Acute: This pain usually comes on quickly but lasts for a short period. It may be associated with an injury or treatment for mesothelioma.
• Breakthrough: When a spike of pain “breaks through” pain medication, it’s known as breakthrough pain.
• Chronic: Pain that persists for a long time is considered chronic pain. It usually lasts longer than 3 months.
• Diffuse: This generalized pain isn’t limited to a specific area. It can be a sign of nerve damage or result from chemotherapy treatments.
• Dull: Dull pain is usually less intense than sharp pain. It may feel like throbbing or pulsing. It can persist for prolonged periods over a large area of the body.

Acute mesothelioma pain can feel sharp or stabbing. It may come and go as breakthrough pain as your condition progresses. Neuropathic pain is a type of acute pain that results from nerve damage. It may feel burning or shooting.

What Causes Mesothelioma Pain?

The main cause of mesothelioma pain is tumors pressing on sensitive nerves or vital organs. As the disease advances, fluid buildup also adds to the pain. This happens during increased activity, breathing, coughing and eating.

Patients with mesothelioma may develop bone or muscle pain as tumors spread. Generalized back pain, joint stiffness and body aches become more likely as mesothelioma progresses. Palliative care can help ease these symptoms.

Many mesothelioma treatments can also cause pain. Radiation, chemotherapy and surgery can damage your healthy tissue and contribute to diffuse pain. They may also cause nerve damage and neuropathic pain. 

Chemotherapy, surgery and angiogenesis inhibitors can cause blood clots in the lungs. They can result in sudden, sharp chest pains. This serious complication requires immediate medical attention.

Common Symptoms of Mesothelioma Pain

Mesothelioma pain is a common symptom of the disease. It can cause or aggravate many other symptoms of mesothelioma. Some symptoms make pain worse for patients with mesothelioma. For example, chronic coughing can cause chest pain. 

Symptoms of Mesothelioma Pain

• Back Pain: Decreased activity, fatigue and poor sleep can lead to upper and lower back pain. Mesothelioma back pain can greatly limit daily activities.
• Fatigue: Ongoing pain can be exhausting and limit the amount of energy you have throughout your day. Pain and poor sleep or appetite may result in debilitating fatigue.
• Loss in Appetite: Pain can lead to nausea or digestive problems, which might reduce appetite. It can also change taste or cause dry mouth, making food less appealing.
• Mood Changes: Managing chronic pain can impact your mental health. It’s essential to seek help for cancer’s social and emotional aspects as well as its physical symptoms.
• Physical Activity Difficulties: Pain affects sleep and energy. This makes physical activity difficult. Pain may limit your ability to exercise or perform daily chores and routines.
• Sleep Disruption: It can be challenging to fall asleep or stay asleep when mesothelioma pain is high. Poor sleep can cause stress, depression and weight loss.

Pain can significantly disrupt your daily life. Untreated severe or chronic pain can lead to anxiety and depression, lowering your quality of life. However, treatments for mesothelioma pain can ease symptoms and boost energy and mood.

How Mesothelioma Location Affects Pain Symptoms

Mesothelioma pain is usually linked to the tumor’s location. Patients with pleural mesothelioma often experience pain in the chest, shoulders, lower back or the side of their body. Those with peritoneal mesothelioma often report abdominal pain. Chest pain is common with pericardial mesothelioma.

If your mesothelioma tumors spread or metastasize, you may experience pain where new tumors develop. Localized treatments, including surgery and targeted chemotherapy, may also cause pain.

Treating Mesothelioma Pain 

Mesothelioma pain can be treated with chemotherapy, radiation, medications and physical therapy. Some patients find relief and a better quality of life with alternative therapies.

Every mesothelioma survivor experiences pain differently. Various treatments and methods exist. Patients can use a pain patch or take oral medication to help manage mesothelioma pain. If pain disrupts daily life or is overwhelming, seek a referral to a pain clinic.

Treatments for Mesothelioma Pain

• Chemotherapy: Doctors may prescribe palliative chemotherapy to shrink tumors, reduce pain and improve quality of life. It often uses a lower dose or shorter treatment period than traditional chemotherapy.
• Complementary Approaches: Breathing exercises, massage or electrical stimulation may complement pain medication and palliative procedures. 
• Palliative Radiation: Radiation therapy can help manage pain in some pleural mesothelioma patients. It can shrink tumors and limit pain. 
• Physical Therapy: Physical therapy can help patients increase strength and mobility after strenuous treatments. This may help alleviate some mesothelioma pain.
• Pulmonary Therapy: A 2024 study in the journal Cancers shows pulmonary rehabilitation may help reduce pain from malignant pleural mesothelioma.
• Psychological Techniques: Look for distractions and manage emotions to prevent pain. You can also ask others for support.
• Regional or Local Anesthesia: Local and regional pain blockers or steroids can provide short-term relief from mesothelioma back pain.
• Surgery: Mesothelioma specialists might perform palliative surgeries to remove tumors or drain fluid, making breathing easier. They can also use nerve blocks to block pain signals to the brain.

Palliative care aims to reduce pain, increase quality of life and provide support to patients and caregivers. It’s a major component of most treatment strategies. Talk to your doctor about your symptoms and how to relieve them with a comprehensive mesothelioma treatment plan. 

Pain Medication

Over-the-counter and prescription medications can help ease mesothelioma pain. Doctors recommend starting with OTC medications, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen, for mild pain. 

As pain becomes moderate, doctors may add weak opioids. They may also add anticonvulsants, antiinflammatories or topical anesthetics. Treatment for severe mesothelioma pain includes stronger opioids like morphine.

Communicating With Your Doctor

Communication between you and your medical team is crucial for managing pain. Discuss your pain medications’ effectiveness and side effects with your doctors. Consider keeping a daily journal to note your treatments and their impacts. If you have questions about pain management safety, ask a pharmacist.

Back pain, chest pain and body aches disrupt life in many ways. They can cause insomnia, stress, fatigue, anxiety and depression. In turn, they aggravate pain symptoms. Talk with your doctor about pain before it becomes overwhelming to limit its impact on other areas of your life.

Kevin Hession

Verified Asbestos.com Survivor

Intense Pain Leads to Hospital Visits

“With pleurisy case No. 3, I presented myself to the ER and the doctor wanted me to lie on the examination table,” Kevin Hession tells us. “I told the doctor I really don’t want to do this because it’s really going to hurt. And she said ‘No, no, no, it’s not going to hurt.’” When he complied, the pain was so excruciating he found himself “screaming like I’ve never screamed before.” They then administered morphine.

Kevin Hession

Verified Asbestos.com Survivor

Read Survivor Story

Common Questions About Mesothelioma Pain

What types of pain are associated with mesothelioma?

Low back and chest pain are the most common types of mesothelioma pain. This pain is frequently described as dull and persistent.

Are there alternatives to medication for managing mesothelioma pain?

Palliative treatments, including radiation, chemotherapy and surgery, can help reduce mesothelioma pain. Physical and pulmonary therapy are additional pain management options.

Can mesothelioma pain be a sign of disease progression?

Pain that occurs in a new area may be a sign of disease progression. Sharp chest pains may indicate a blood clot in the lungs.

What should I do if my mesothelioma pain becomes unbearable?

When possible, speak to your doctor before your pain becomes unbearable. Effective treatment options are available to help reduce pain and improve your quality of life.

How can caregivers support mesothelioma patients experiencing pain?

Caregivers provide emotional support and see to a patient’s physical needs to make pain more manageable. They play a key role in supporting mesothelioma patients. Caregivers provide companionship, assist with daily activities and manage medical and pain treatments.

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