Treating mesothelioma symptoms

Breathlessness is a common symptom of pleural mesothelioma. It is often caused by a build-up of the fluid between the 2 layers of the pleura (the membranes that cover the lungs). This is called a pleural effusion.

We have more information about managing breathlessness.

Coughing is also a common symptom of mesothelioma. This can be difficult to cope with, as it can sometimes cause other symptoms such as pain, vomiting and tiredness.

Your doctor may be able to give you medicines, such as a low dose of morphine painkiller, to help. You may also find it helpful to:

• sleep in a different position – maybe propped up with pillows
• use steam inhalations or saline nebulisers – a nebuliser is a small machine that turns saline into a fine mist, so you can breathe it deep into your lungs.

Pain

Pain is a common symptom of mesothelioma. Tell your doctors or specialist nurse if you have pain so that they can treat it early on.

Some people have nerve pain, which happens when mesothelioma presses on nerves. This type of pain is best treated with painkillers such as:

• gabapentin
• pregabalin (Lyrica^®)
• amitriptyline.

If you have nerve pain that has been more difficult to control, your doctor may suggest other methods of pain control. This may include a specialised procedure called a nerve block.

Sometimes, your doctor or nurse may suggest a short stay in hospital or a hospice to get your pain under control. They may also refer you to a doctor who specialises in pain control, or to a pain clinic.

We have more information about managing pain and different types of painkillers..

Night sweats

Mesothelioma can cause some people to sweat a lot at night. This can be distressing, especially if you wake up at night with damp pyjamas and bedding. Tell your doctor if this happens, as they may be able to give you medicines to help. You may also find the following tips helpful:

• Try to avoid having drinks that contain caffeine before you go to bed, or during the night.
• Keep the room temperature cool or use a fan.
• Avoid using duvets or blankets that make you too hot.
• Lie on a towel so that you avoid getting your bedding damp.
• Use cotton sheets and pyjamas and have some spare so that you can change them in the night if you need to.

Loss of appetite

Mesothelioma and some cancer treatments can cause problems with eating and digestion. If you do not have much of an appetite, try having smaller, more frequent meals. You can also add high-protein powders to your normal food. Or you can boost your meals with nutritious, high-calorie drinks.

We have more information on:

• eating problems
• tips for managing appetite loss
• tips to help you gain weight (building-up diet).

Tiredness

Many people with mesothelioma feel tired and have less energy to do the things they normally do. It is important not to do too much. Try to balance rest with gentle exercise, such as walking. We have more information about coping with tiredness.