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Can Mesothelioma Cause Internal Bleeding?
Mesothelioma is a rare cancer that is almost exclusively caused by asbestos exposure. It is an aggressive disease, with no present cure available. Generally, internal bleeding is not a symptom of mesothelioma, at least not until late stages. However, some treatment options that are available to slow down the progression of mesothelioma and provide some comfort to patients may cause internal bleeding.
One such treatment that may be available is thoracentesis. When there is fluid build-up around the lungs, a patient may be diagnosed with pleural effusion. Thoracentesis involves a needle or a tube being inserted into the chest to remove some of the fluid build-up. This process may also be used for mesothelioma diagnosis[1]. While this is generally a low-risk procedure, there have been cases of internal bleeding, especially in older adults who may be more prone to bleeding with or without mesothelioma present.
In addition, chemotherapy can cause internal bleeding and bruising. Chemotherapy drugs are known to cause blood platelet counts to drop. Platelets are the part of the blood that cause clotting to stop bleeding. As such, any impact or incident that may cause an internal vein or organ to bleed may lead to internal bleeding that is difficult to control[2]. Though not as common, radiation therapy can destroy blood platelets as well, causing internal bleeding.
Mesothelioma itself can cause internal bleeding in its late stages. Approximately 10% of all late stage cancer patients experience internal bleeding[3]. Mesothelioma may spread to nearby structures, such as blood vessels, as early as stage IB. However, as the cancer progresses, the risk of it spreading to nearby and distant structures increases, which can weaken blood vessels in the immediate area and in distant structures[4].
There are a variety of treatments that may be used to treat internal bleeding. For minor episodes, rest and hydration may be prescribed. However, if blood platelet counts are low, other measures may be taken. A doctor may prescribe vitamin K to encourage clotting, as well as plasma and platelet transfusions. A cocktail of medicines may also be prescribed to work alongside any chemotherapy or other treatments to encourage clotting. In severe incidents, surgical treatment may be required[5].
Any unexpected bruising, numbness, dizziness or other symptoms of internal bleeding experienced by a mesothelioma patient should be reported to their doctor immediately.
[1] https://www.cancernetwork.com/lung-cancer/diffuse-malignant-mesothelioma-pleural-space-and-its-management
[2] https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/treatment/side-effects/bleeding-bruising
[3] http://theoncologist.alphamedpress.org/content/9/5/561.long
[4] https://www.cancer.org/cancer/malignant-mesothelioma/detection-diagnosis-staging/staging.html
[5] https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/320322.php
