Mesothelioma Pain

For some people with mesothelioma, pain can result from the tumor itself or from treatment for the disease. In most cases of mesothelioma, pain can be relieved using medications, alternative treatments (such as acupressure), or both. Other options for controlling pain include radiation therapy and a nerve block.

 

Mesothelioma Pain: An Introduction

People with mesothelioma may experience pain as a result of their illness. Whether you have pain (and the amount of pain you have) may depend on the type of mesothelioma, the stage (extent) of the disease, and your pain threshold (tolerance for pain).
 
For people with mesothelioma, pain can be caused by a number of things, including:
 
  • A tumor that is pressing against nerves or bones or other organs
  • Mesothelioma treatment
  • Things not related to the cancer, such as headaches or muscle pain.
     

Options for Reducing Mesothelioma Pain

The patient's doctor (or a specialist in pain control) can relieve or reduce mesothelioma pain in several ways, which include:
 
  • Pain medicine
  • Alternative treatments
  • Radiation therapy
  • Nerve block.

 

In most cases, medicine and alternative treatments are able to reduce mesothelioma pain.

 
Pain Medicine
Medicines can often relieve mesothelioma pain. Ask your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist for advice before you take any medicine for pain. Medicines are safe when they are used properly. You can buy some effective pain relievers without a prescription or doctor's order. These medicines are called nonprescription or over-the-counter pain relievers. For other pain medications, a prescription from your doctor is necessary.
 
Although these medicines may make people drowsy and constipated, resting and taking laxatives can help. Many people worry that they will become addicted to pain medicine; in fact, this rarely happens.
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Written by/reviewed by: Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Arthur Schoenstadt, MD