Essential Questions to ask if you or a loved one has been diagnosed with Mesothelioma ***IMPORTANT***

Complications arising from Pleural Mesothelioma

Posted on: April 7, 2024 *Updated on: May 27, 2024

Pleural mesothelioma, a form of cancer primarily affecting the pleural lining of the lungs, can lead to a variety of complications due to both the disease itself and the treatments used to combat it. Here’s a breakdown of some common complications associated with pleural mesothelioma:

  1. Blood Clots: The presence of cancer, including mesothelioma, increases the risk of blood clots. These clots can be particularly dangerous if they travel to the lungs, potentially causing a pulmonary embolism, a life-threatening condition.
  2. Hemothorax: This complication involves bleeding into the pleural space, the thin gap between the lung’s surface and the inner chest wall. Hemothorax can significantly impair breathing and lead to shock if the bleeding is extensive.
  3. Infection: Cancer and its treatments can weaken the immune system, making the body more susceptible to infections. This risk is compounded in pleural mesothelioma due to the proximity of the disease to the lungs, a critical area vulnerable to infections.
  4. Malnutrition: The symptoms of mesothelioma, alongside the side effects of cancer treatment, can lead to a reduced appetite and difficulty eating. This can result in malnutrition, affecting the body’s ability to heal and respond to treatment.
  5. Metastasis: In advanced stages, mesothelioma can spread (metastasize) beyond the pleura to other parts of the body. This spread is facilitated by cancer cells entering the bloodstream or lymphatic system, potentially affecting distant organs and tissues.
  6. Pleural Effusions: A hallmark of pleural mesothelioma is the accumulation of fluid in the pleural space (pleural effusion), which can compress the lung and make breathing difficult.
  7. Pneumothorax: Although less common, pleural mesothelioma can lead to pneumothorax, or a collapsed lung, if air accumulates in the pleural space. This condition requires immediate medical attention to re-expand the lung.
  8. Respiratory Failure: This serious complication occurs when the lungs are unable to effectively exchange oxygen and carbon dioxide. It can be precipitated by several factors, including the growth of the tumor, pleural effusions, and other related complications.

These complications highlight the multifaceted impact of pleural mesothelioma on the body and underscore the importance of comprehensive care and management to mitigate these risks and improve patient outcomes.