Respiratory Complications of Mesothelioma
Respiratory complications of mesothelioma can be caused by the cancer and its treatment. Shortness of breath and pleural effusion are among the most common lung problems mesothelioma patients experience. Treatments and management therapies are available to control respiratory complications.

Written by Karen Selby, RN • Edited By Walter Pacheco • Medically Reviewed By Dr. Jeffrey Velotta
Asbestos.com is the nation’s most trusted mesothelioma resource
The Mesothelioma Center at Asbestos.com has provided patients and their loved ones the most updated and reliable information on mesothelioma and asbestos exposure since 2006.
Our team of Patient Advocates includes a medical doctor, a registered nurse, health services administrators, veterans, VA-accredited Claims Agents, an oncology patient navigator and hospice care expert. Their combined expertise means we help any mesothelioma patient or loved one through every step of their cancer journey.
More than 30 contributors, including mesothelioma doctors, survivors, health care professionals and other experts, have peer-reviewed our website and written unique research-driven articles to ensure you get the highest-quality medical and health information.
About The Mesothelioma Center at Asbestos.com
- Assisting mesothelioma patients and their loved ones since 2006.
- Helps more than 50% of mesothelioma patients diagnosed annually in the U.S.
- A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau.
- 5-star reviewed mesothelioma and support organization.
Testimonials
My family has only the highest compliment for the assistance and support that we received from The Mesothelioma Center. This is a staff of compassionate and knowledgeable individuals who respect what your family is experiencing and who go the extra mile to make an unfortunate diagnosis less stressful. Information and assistance were provided by The Mesothelioma Center at no cost to our family.LashawnMesothelioma patient’s daughter
How to Cite Asbestos.com’s Article
APA
Selby, K. (2023, June 12). Respiratory Complications of Mesothelioma. Asbestos.com. Retrieved December 5, 2023, from https://www.asbestos.com/mesothelioma/symptoms/respiratory-complications/
MLA
Selby, Karen. "Respiratory Complications of Mesothelioma." Asbestos.com, 12 Jun 2023, https://www.asbestos.com/mesothelioma/symptoms/respiratory-complications/.
Chicago
Selby, Karen. "Respiratory Complications of Mesothelioma." Asbestos.com. Last modified June 12, 2023. https://www.asbestos.com/mesothelioma/symptoms/respiratory-complications/.
What Causes Respiratory Complications?
Respiratory complication stem from tumors growing on the lining of the lungs. Other respiratory complications include shortness of breath and pleural effusion. These mesothelioma symptoms worsen as the cancer progresses to later stages.
Surgery, chemotherapy and radiation therapy may cause respiratory complications.
Unfortunately, patients cannot avoid or reduce the risk of respiratory complications. Breathing exercises, supplemental oxygen and palliative surgical procedures can ease these symptoms.
Patients should report any changes in lung function or worsening chest pain to catch respiratory complications early.
Respiratory Complications Caused by Mesothelioma
Pleural mesothelioma can cause a variety of respiratory complications such as shortness of breath, pleural effusion and lung collapse.
Shortness of Breath
Dyspnea, or shortness of breath, is the most common respiratory complication of mesothelioma. In a 2011 study of 238 pleural mesothelioma patients published in Industrial Health, 79% reported shortness of breath.
Treatments: Breathing techniques and supplemental oxygen help patients manage shortness of breath. Ask your oncologist about breathing exercises or for a referral to a pulmonologist.
Pleural Effusion
Pleural effusion is a buildup of fluid between the layers of the pleural lining. The excess fluid presses against the lungs and contributes to breathing difficulties.
Approximately 90% of pleural mesothelioma patients get effusions. A 2021 clinical research study noted that pleural effusions affect more than 1.5 million patients per year in the U.S.
Treatments: Most patients with pleural effusions receive a thoracentesis. This procedure drains fluid from the pleural space to relieve pressure on the lungs. Doctors may also recommend a pleurodesis, a longer-term solution for recurring pleural effusions.
Rounded Atelectasis
Rounded atelectasis, or folded lung, is a partially collapsed lung. Pleural effusion and pleural thickening trigger this respiratory condition. Asbestos exposure accounts for 29% to 86% of cases.
Treatments: Physical therapies or surgical procedures can address the cause.
Collapsed Lung
Pneumothorax, or collapsed lung, is an uncommon respiratory complication in mesothelioma patients. It happens when air enters the pleural space between the lung and chest wall. Less than 10% of patients experience a spontaneous pneumothorax.
Treatments: Physical therapies and surgical procedures may help release trapped air.

Respiratory Complications from Mesothelioma Treatment
Common pleural mesothelioma treatments, such as surgery, chemotherapy and radiation, therapy can lead to new or worsening respiratory complications.
Working with a team of mesothelioma specialists can help reduce these side effects. Doctors who understand this cancer also know common complications of treatments and how best to address them.
Pneumonia and Respiratory Infections
Pleural mesothelioma patients have an increased risk of developing pneumonia and respiratory infections. According to a 2017 study published in Annals of Translational Medicine, approximately 2% of pleural patients who undergo surgery develop pneumonia.
Treatments: Doctors prescribe antibiotics and antivirals to treat pneumonia and respiratory infections.
Respiratory Distress and Failure
Acute respiratory distress syndrome happens when the lung’s tiny air sacs fill with excess fluid. It can develop after certain treatments, such as surgery or talc pleurodesis, or as a result of pneumonia.
Treatments: Doctors treat ARDS with mechanical ventilation (sometimes called an artificial lung). Around 50% of all ARDS patients experience respiratory failure within 10 days. Most deaths from pleural mesothelioma tend to be a result of respiratory failure.
Other Respiratory Complications of Surgery
- Pulmonary edema: Excess fluid in the lungs
- Pulmonary embolus: Blood clotting in the lungs
- Bronchial air leaks: Air leaking from lungs
- Mediastinal shift: The shifting of organs inside the chest
- Hemothorax: Internal bleeding around lungs
- Acute respiratory distress syndrome: Lung failure
Possible Respiratory Complications of Chemotherapy
- Cisplatin: May cause eosinophilic pneumonia, known as accumulation of a certain type of white blood cells in the lungs.
- Pemetrexed (Alimta): May cause pneumonitis (lung inflammation), diffuse alveolar hemorrhage (bleeding in the lungs) and ARDS.
- Gemcitabine: May cause pneumonitis, eosinophilic pneumonia and pulmonary fibrosis, also known as lung tissue scarring.
Respiratory Complications of Radiation Therapy
- Radiation pneumonitis (lung inflammation)
- Chronic radiation fibrosis (lung tissue scarring)
Call your oncologist immediately if you experience any changes in respiratory function. Catching respiratory complications early improves treatment outcomes.