Respiratory Complications of Mesothelioma

What Causes Respiratory Complications?

Respiratory complications affecting the lungs can arise from tumors on the lung lining. Complications include shortness of breath and pleural effusion (fluid buildup). These symptoms worsen as the cancer advances.

Surgery, chemotherapy and radiation therapy may cause respiratory complications. Unfortunately, patients cannot prevent these complications. Breathing exercises, oxygen and some surgeries can help. 

Patients should report any changes in lung function or chest pain. This action will help catch respiratory complications early.

“Fluid buildup in the lining of the lungs can restrict the lungs from filling with air,” said Dr. Snehal Smart, Medical Doctor and Patient Advocate at The Mesothelioma Center. “This causes trouble breathing and lung infections.”

Virginia Beach

Verified Asbestos.com Survivor

Respiratory Issues Prompted Palliative Care

Virginia Beach became frightened by a sudden shortness of breath, prompting her oncologist to recommend hospice and palliative care. A nurse and a social worker started visiting her regularly. “After a while, the doctor told me my lungs were clear. I didn’t need them to do much, but the nurse did help me understand my iPad, and how to use it better,” she laughed. “That was a big help to me.”

Virginia Beach

Verified Asbestos.com Survivor

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Respiratory Complications Caused by Mesothelioma

Pleural mesothelioma can cause a variety of respiratory complications, including shortness of breath, pleural effusion and lung collapse.

As mesothelioma spreads in the chest cavity, it can cause many respiratory symptoms. A higher risk of severe complications develops over time.

Shortness of Breath

Dyspnea, or shortness of breath, is the most common issue. In a 2011 study of pleural mesothelioma patients, 79% reported shortness of breath.

Treatments: Breathing techniques and supplemental oxygen can help manage shortness of breath. Patients should talk to their doctor about exercises or see a lung specialist.

Mesothelioma survivor Daniel McCarthy and his wife noticed he was experiencing shortness of breath when walking on the beach at Martha’s Vineyard. His wife, who is also a nurse, suggested he get checked out by a doctor.

After multiple tests, doctors told Daniel he was in the early stages of pleural mesothelioma. Daniel was able to get chemo and radiation. Although treatment slowed him, he said the doctor visit after his shortness of breath episode saved his life.

Pleural Effusion

Pleural effusion is a buildup of fluid in the pleural lining. It makes breathing difficult. 

About 90% of pleural mesothelioma patients experience this. A 2021 clinical research study reported that pleural effusions affect more than 1.5 million U.S. patients each year.

Treatments: The main treatment for pleural effusions is thoracentesis. This procedure drains fluid. For recurring cases, doctors may suggest pleurodesis.

Rounded Atelectasis

Rounded atelectasis, or folded lung, is a partial lung collapse. It can be caused by fluid buildup or thickening around the lungs. Asbestos exposure is a common factor in up to 86% of cases.

Treatments: Managing treatments include physical therapy or surgery.

Collapsed Lung

A collapsed lung, or pneumothorax, is rare in mesothelioma patients. It occurs when air gets between the lung and chest wall. Less than 10% of patients experience it.

Treatments: Physical therapies and surgical procedures may help release trapped air.

Pneumonia and Other Respiratory Infections

Pleural patients are at higher risk for pneumonia and lung infections. A 2017 study found that about 2% of pleural surgery patients developed pneumonia.

Treatments: Doctors prescribe antibiotics and antivirals to treat these conditions.

Severe Breathing Issues

Acute respiratory distress syndrome occurs when air sacs fill with excess fluid. It can occur after surgery, talc pleurodesis or pneumonia.

Treatments: Doctors treat acute respiratory distress syndrome with mechanical ventilation. About 50% of ARDS patients face respiratory failure within 10 days. Most deaths from pleural mesothelioma tend to be a result of respiratory failure.

Respiratory Complications from Treatment

Common mesothelioma treatments can worsen or cause new breathing issues. These treatments include surgery, chemotherapy and radiation therapy.

Working with a team of specialists can help reduce side effects. That team of doctors understands the cancer and its treatment complications best.

Complications By Treatment Type

• Surgery: Pulmonary edema, pulmonary embolus, bronchial air leaks, mediastinal shift, hemothorax and ARDS
• Chemotherapy: Excess white blood cells in the lungs, lung inflammation, bleeding in the lungs, ARDS and lung tissue scarring
• Radiation Therapy: Lung inflammation and lung tissue scarring

If patients notice any of these respiratory symptoms appearing after mesothelioma treatments, they should call their doctor immediately. Early treatment improves prognosis.

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