As a mesothelioma tumor grows, symptoms that were initially slight can become more severe. One of the main mesothelioma symptoms alerting people exposed to asbestos that they may have a health problem can be mesothelioma pain. Depending on the type of mesothelioma, pain may be felt in the chest or the abdomen. If the cancer has spread, pain may be experienced in other areas of the body as well.

Most pain is caused by fluid buildup, a common mesothelioma symptom. As the tumor grows and expands, it produces fluid in the chest or abdomen. Fluid in the chest compresses the lung, causing intense pain. Mesothelioma pain can cause difficulties sleeping and loss of appetite as the fluid slowly crushes vital organs.

Mesothelioma pain occurs with both types of mesothelioma: 71% of all pleural cases, and in 63% of all peritoneal cases. Studies have shown that patients taking the drug pemetrexed (Alimta) have less mesothelioma pain than patients taking other drug therapies. For patients with Stage IV mesothelioma, pain management may be the most important aspect of care since the cancer is so far advanced. Some treatments, like radiation therapy, can help relieve certain mesothelioma symptoms. Doctors may also help relieve pain by using a tube to drain fluid from the chest or abdomen. If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with mesothelioma, you may want to read and share stories at the Mesothelioma Discussion Board.