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Fatigue & Tiredness from Mesothelioma
The cancer known as pleural malignant mesothelioma can directly cause fatigue as a result of its strain on the body. Additionally, common cancer treatments such as chemotherapy, radiation, and surgery can all contribute to fatigue on their own. As a result, sufferers of mesothelioma may notice constant tiredness as an early symptom, and this tiredness may progress further as they receive treatment and/or the disease advances.
Mesothelioma is a rare type of cancer affecting the mesothelial linings that protect and lubricate vital organs within the torso[1]. Pleural mesothelioma is the most commonly seen type of this cancer, and it is likely to develop over decades in individuals who have been exposed to asbestos.
One of the major signs that you may have pleural mesothelioma is a general feeling of fatigue[2]. This fatigue may be accompanied by a persistent dry cough, pain near the ribs, shortness of breath, and unexplained weight loss.
Cancers of all types are known to cause a general sense of fatigue on sufferers, especially as they advance towards later stages[3]. The medical community does not yet fully understand why cancer-related fatigue (CRF) happens. This type of fatigue goes beyond normal tiredness after a long day. It is debilitating — sometimes even paralyzing. More importantly, this tiredness does not onset after an obvious cause, and it usually cannot be relieved by normal rest or sleep.
CRF tends to develop as a mild, nagging symptom that can sometimes grow in waves to the point that it is overwhelming. One possible reason for this type of fatigue is that the body’s metabolism gets worn out as it fights tumor cells with antibodies while at the same time competing with tumors for nutrients[4]. General inflammation that results from tumors can also be a contributor.
Common treatments used to address mesothelioma can also lead to compounding fatigue. Radiation treatment, for instance, can kill healthy red blood cells, leading to anemia, which deprives your body of oxygen and makes you feel weak[5].
Chemotherapy treatment likewise causes fatigue because it can overwhelm the body while killing healthy cells[6].
Managing chronic pain associated with cancer can be yet another cause of fatigue. Dealing with constant pain can make patients feel worn down while also disrupting their sleep cycle[7]. They may then feel depressed as a result, leading to a lack of desire to engage in physical activities or other healthy habits that can manage fatigue symptoms.
Put simply: mesothelioma sufferers can develop fatigue for a number of reasons, and all of these causes can compound to create a vicious cycle where treatments wear them down and rest feels all but impossible. As a result, constant fatigue is sometimes a major component of pain and suffering damages awarded to asbestos exposure victims who develop mesothelioma
[1] https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/mesothelioma/symptoms-causes/syc-20375022
[2] https://www.cancer.org/cancer/malignant-mesothelioma/detection-diagnosis-staging/signs-symptoms.html
[3] https://www.cancer.org/content/cancer/en/treatment/treatments-and-side-effects/physical-side-effects/fatigue/what-is-cancer-related-fatigue.html
[4] https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/5230-cancer-fatigue
[5] https://www.cancer.org/treatment/treatments-and-side-effects/treatment-types/radiation/coping.html
[6] https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/cancer/in-depth/cancer-fatigue/art-20047709
[7] https://www.arthritis.org/living-with-arthritis/pain-management/fatigue/fatigue-and-arthritis-pain.php
