Pain is among the common symptoms of mesothelioma. But it’s also a common side effect of treatment. The pain can be generalized, which means you may be unable to pinpoint its origin. It can also be mild, severe, intermittent or consistent.
Here is what you should know about this pain.
What causes it?
Like any other cancer, the pain of mesothelioma occurs when the tumor grows and, in turn, presses or puts pressure on adjacent organs, bones and nerves. It can also occur due to damage to these body parts. For example, when a tumor grows into a nerve, leading to nerve damage.
A tumor can also release chemicals that produce pain. Further, mesothelioma cells secrete procoagulant factors (factors that promote clot formation). Therefore, mesothelioma patients are at high risk of blood clots, which can result in pain.
Cancer treatments, such as surgery, radiation therapy and chemotherapy, can also cause pain, including headaches/migraines, numbness or pain in hands or feet (which can result from nerve damage), stomach pain and chest pain.
Pain from treatment usually goes away in itself, but in some cases, it can be serious, lasting months or even years.
How can you manage it?
Cancer treatments can reduce mesothelioma pain since they focus on reducing the size of the tumor or removing it altogether in the case of surgery. This protects your body parts from being pressed.
Additionally, pain-relieving medications can be helpful. Consider informing your doctor about the pain sooner to manage it with mild medicines. Waiting too long to get medical attention can lead to the prescription of strong medicines in large doses.
Your doctor can also provide you with medications to manage any pain-related side effects from your treatment.
If you developed mesothelioma due to another party’s negligence, obtain more information to receive compensation that will cover your pain and suffering.