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Can Mesothelioma Cause Hiccups?
Mesothelioma is a form of cancer that’s almost always caused by exposure to airborne asbestos particles. It most often develops in the chest, but can also develop in the stomach and other areas of the body. Mesothelioma presents a wide range of symptoms, including shortness of breath, nausea, fatigue and more.
One of the more annoying symptoms of mesothelioma is hiccups. Hiccups are formed by involuntary contractions of the diaphragm at the same time the larynx contracts, causing a total closure of the glottis (the middle part of the larynx).[1] While the exact cause of hiccups is unknown, it can be related to breathing and gastrointestinal problems.
Mesothelioma of the chest (Pleural mesothelioma) can cause shortness of breath and other respiratory issues. This can both lead to hiccups, and cause hiccups to become more painful. Mesothelioma of the stomach (Peritoneal mesothelioma) can cause gastrointestinal and digestive issues, which can also lead to hiccups.[2]
There have been reports that chemotherapy can cause hiccups as well.[3] Chemotherapy is often the preferred treatment for mesothelioma, since patients are usually older and more prone to complications during surgery. Chemotherapy treatments involve a number of different drugs, including corticosteroids, receptor antagonists, cytotoxic agents, and more. As such, identifying the specific drug that causes hiccups is difficult.
However, one study published in 2009 identified corticosteroids as the likely cause of hiccups during chemotherapy.[4] A more recent study from 2018 also showed cisplatin, a cytotoxic drug, may also contribute to the occurrence of hiccups.[5]
The studies above, in addition to other studies, did point out that no large-scale clinical study has shown a definitive link between hiccups and mesothelioma or chemotherapy. Again, this is due to the fact that the root cause of hiccups is not well-understood.
Hiccups are not a life-threatening condition. In fact, the longest known case of hiccups reportedly lasted for 68 years.[6] However, when a person with mesothelioma develops hiccups, they can be painful, and can affect their standard of living.
No definitive cure for hiccups has been identified. However, for short-term or acute hiccups, medical experts recommend a variety of home remedies, including controlled breathing and slowly drinking water.[7] Prolonged or chronic hiccups, especially ones seemingly caused by cancer or chemotherapy, can often be treated with certain drugs. Some patients may also find relief from hiccups with alternative treatments like acupuncture.[8]
[1] https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/181573.php
[2] https://www.cancer.org/cancer/malignant-mesothelioma/detection-diagnosis-staging/signs-symptoms.html
[3] https://academic.oup.com/jnci/article/94/10/772/2519727
[4] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19276142
[5] https://www.scirp.org/journal/PaperInformation.aspx?PaperID=86791
[6] http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/shared/spl/hi/pop_ups/05/health_guinness_medical_record_breakers/html/2.stm
[7] https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/9896.php
[8] https://www.healthline.com/health/chronic-hiccups#treatment
