Respiratory Complications of Mesothelioma

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.

Call your oncologist immediately if you experience any changes in respiratory function. Catching respiratory complications early improves treatment outcomes.