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Does Mesothelioma Cause Night Sweats?
Mesothelioma, mainly caused by exposure to asbestos, is a rare, aggressive form of cancer that most often affects the lining of the lungs. There are many different symptoms of mesothelioma, including shortness of breath, dizziness, fatigue and more. Less common symptoms include fevers and night sweats.
According to Mayo Clinic, night sweats are defined as “repeated episodes of extreme perspiration,” like hot flashes. However, as the name suggests, night sweats happen while you’re sleeping, and may soak through your bedding and bedclothes. These episodes are not caused by external heat, such as too many blankets. Instead, they’re caused by an underlying condition[1]. In many cases, mesothelioma may be that underlying condition.
In one study, a patient was admitted to the hospital with a variety of symptoms, including night sweats. She was diagnosed with malignant pleural mesothelioma (mesothelioma affecting the lungs). Because she had no prior history of asbestos exposure, the diagnosis was delayed. However, night sweats were a present symptom[2].
Fevers and night sweats can happen at any time while mesothelioma progresses.[3] However, it becomes more common in the later stages of the cancer[4]. Night sweats may occur as a natural symptom of mesothelioma, or they may may indicate a more serious issue, such as an infection. Fevers are the body’s natural way of fighting infections and disease, and night sweats may also be involved in this bodily process.
In addition, certain types of treatments for mesothelioma may also cause night sweats.[5] In particular, women undergoing radiation therapy or chemotherapy for mesothelioma may go into early menopause. Hot flashes and night sweats are a common symptom of menopause.
In addition, certain drugs may cause night sweats. For instance, certain steroids used to reduce swelling, antidepressants, and opioids used to use to control pain man cause night sweats.
There are a variety of different treatments available for night sweats. Certain medicines may be able to help; however, the patient’s doctor will need to approve any new medication. In addition, relaxation techniques, hypnosis and acupuncture may help some people. Finally, sleeping in a cold room may help combat night sweats.
Any instance of night sweats should be reported to the patient’s doctor to ensure they do not indicate a more serious underlying condition aside from mesothelioma.
[1] https://www.mayoclinic.org/symptoms/night-sweats/basics/definition/sym-20050768
[2] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3645896/
[3] https://www.cancer.net/cancer-types/mesothelioma/symptoms-and-signs
[4] https://mesotheliomaresearchnews.com/night-sweats-or-fever-and-mesothelioma/
[5] https://medlineplus.gov/ency/patientinstructions/000826.htm
