Early stage mesothelioma is not typically associated with a great deal of pain. Because the cancer develops so slowly, early symptoms are typically not pain. Early symptoms may be effusions in the pleura or abdomen. While these are not by definition painful, they are indicative of mesothelioma and those who develop them should be monitored carefully. It is typically when the cancer begins to spread in the body that pain will develop. To understand where the pain comes from it is important to understand how the cancer develops initially.
Asbestos fibers, upon being inhaled, become lodged in the pleural lining of the lung. Over a period of time, these fibers cause a chronic inflammation to develop in the pleural tissue. Scar tissue then develops, laying the groundwork for cancer cells to grow and multiply. As the cancer grows, it then begins to create pressure on the surrounding body structures. Cancer begins to impede on lung function, causing a shortness of breath. Chest pains develop as the cancer begins to spread throughout the chest cavity. Pressure on the digestive system or kidneys makes daily functions painful and difficult if left untreated.
As there is no cure for mesothelioma, most treatments administered are done so for the purpose of eliminating pain. Surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy can all be used to this end. Surgical resection of the tumor is likely the most effective way to extend prognoses and prevent pain, but can be difficult as most patients of malignant mesothelioma will be ineligible for surgery upon diagnosis. Chemotherapy has been extremely effective in managing tumor size and effects within the body, but comes with its own set of side effects, many of which will be treated with alternate medications. Radiation is likely the least invasive way to prevent pain as either internal or external radiation is capable of preventing aggressive tumor growth.
If you or a loved one have been diagnosed with malignant mesothelioma and are experiencing pain, these treatments may be able to help you. Over the counter pain killers are commonly used for acute pain, but should only be taken upon the advice of an experienced physician. If you have questions about pain management for malignant mesothelioma, speak to your physician immediately if symptoms manifest.