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How to Deal with Mesothelioma Pain

It's a difficult fact of life for most mesothelioma patients: Pain is usually part of the disease. Pain can be caused by one or a number of treatments for or by the natural progression of the cancer. In fact, chest or abdominal pain is often one of the earliest warning signs that mesothelioma is developing. But a mesothelioma patient should never live in pain. Physicians, cancer doctors in particular, are keenly aware of pain management for their patients and how best to accomplish this important part of tackling their disease.

A central part of dealing with mesothelioma pain for a patient is that the patient is willing to talk to family members and especially doctors and nurses about any pain and discomfort that comes their way. This is the easiest way for a patient and doctor to collaborate on and then develop an effective pain management plan. The plan can include prescription or over-the-counter medications, more serious palliative treatments and/or alternative therapies. The pain plan should have a singular goal, to give a high quality of life during cancer treatment.

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Evaluating Pain

You are the only person who can judge how much pain you are in. Your doctor will only be able to help you improve your situation if he or she knows how you feel. Tell your doctor of any pain you experience, and be sure to note if your pain changes.

Take note of these factors and inform your doctor of any changes
  • Where is the pain?
  • When did it begin?
  • How long does it last?
  • What does it feel like?
  • What helps alleviate the pain?
  • What makes the pain worse?
  • How much does it affect your daily life?

You may also want to begin rating your pain on a number scale. You can rate your pain on a scale of 0 to 10, with 0 being no pain whatsoever, and 10 being the worst pain imaginable. Often, this helps patients convey to their doctors how intense their pain is, as well as if it is worsening over time.

In addition to telling your doctor how you currently feel, you should use the rating scale to describe how you usually feel, how you feel at your worst, how you feel at your best, and how you feel after treatment. Once your doctor understands what you are feeling, you can work together to decide how to best manage your pain. Your doctor will most likely suggest that you begin one or more medications.

Pain Medication

Pain medicine is normally the first option in pain relief. Your doctor will recommend a type and amount of medicine depending on the type and intensity of your pain. If you experience mild discomfort, your doctor may advise you to begin taking an over-the-counter medication such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen. These medicines, which can be bought without a prescription, can help with mild bone and muscle pain, as well as general aches.

If you have more severe pain, or if you experience breakthrough pain (moments of sharp pain), you may be given a prescription for opioids. These drugs, such as morphine or oxycodone, are stronger and can help relieve chronic or intense pain. Be sure you completely understand a new medicine's instructions and uses before you begin taking it. Your doctor can answer any questions you may have about new prescriptions. He or she can also work with you if your medication is not adequately easing your pain.

Other Medical Options for Mesothelioma Pain

If medications are not working for you, you and your doctor may explore other medical pain relief options. These options usually include standard palliative treatments, which are used to improve quality of life and reduce pain. They may include surgery, chemotherapy or radiation therapy. These techniques can be used to minimize the tumor or slow its growth. This effectively reduces the internal pressure the tumor creates, which can relieve a significant amount of pain. Similarly, some pressure may be relieved by surgically draining fluid buildup.

Pain Management Techniques

Your doctor may also suggest you try certain pain management techniques, many of which you can do in your own home. The techniques that may work for you depend on the type and severity of your pain. If you have minor aches and pains, try taking a warm bath or placing a warm washcloth on the bothersome areas. If that doesn't help, try using ice or cold packs on painful areas. You may also consider using alternative therapies. For example, muscular or superficial pain may be eased by a gentle massage, and acupuncture can help reduce inflammation.

Cognitive and behavioral techniques work for many cancer patients as well. These tend to focus on the mental aspects of pain. They can be done in your home to help with any type of pain.

  • Relaxation: Relaxation techniques such as deep breathing and releasing muscles have been shown to help control pain. In addition to relieving anxiety, these techniques reduce tension, thereby managing some of your pain.
  • Distraction: Changing the focus of your attention can temporarily relieve pain. This is especially helpful when you experience breakthrough pain or when you are waiting for pain medications to kick in.
  • Visualization: This technique requires you to visualize your pain as a certain symbol or object, such as a large fire. Then, visualize the pain diminishing. For example, imagine slowly putting out the flames with water.

It is important to speak with your doctor before beginning new treatments, especially when your designed pain management program involves new medicine or potentially strenuous physical activity. Discuss all of your options and work together to decide what is best for you. For more information on coping with mesothelioma pain, request a free book from the Mesothelioma Center. Complete the form on this page to request a book about nutrition, common concerns or survivors.

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