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Mesothelioma and Nausea
Nausea is a common symptom cancer patients must grapple with. Although nausea is not a commonly presented symptom for undiagnosed pleural mesothelioma patients, it does commonly occur as the malignancy advances and sufferers approach their end of life. Peritoneal mesothelioma, which affects the stomach, does present nausea early on, which can aid in diagnosis.
Additionally, common cancer treatments like radiation therapy and chemotherapy can induce nausea, and this is a common complaint among cancer patients receiving treatment.
Mesothelioma refers to a rare type of cancer that develops on the body’s mesothelial tissues, usually after an individual is exposed to asbestos earlier in life[1]. Mesothelial tissues form a protecting and lubricating layer on top of certain major organs[2].
Pleural mesothelioma, which affects the tissues lining the lungs, is the most commonly developed version of this cancer. Peritoneal mesothelioma affects the peritoneum lining upon the stomach, and it is much more rare. Researchers estimate that just 10% to 15% of all mesothelioma cases in the U.S. originate in the peritoneum[3].
The origination site of mesothelioma affects the symptoms the condition presents. Unfortunately, many of these symptoms can be vague and easily confused with other medical conditions. Mesothelioma, including peritoneal mesothelioma, is often diagnosed late into the disease’s advancement[4]. The majority of patients are older, usually in the 50 – 69 age group, and they are disproportionately men[5].
Pleural mesothelioma exhibits symptoms similar to lung cancers and other lung diseases. These can include shortness of breath, pain at the chest or lower back, a dry cough, trouble swallowing, swelling in the arms, and loss of appetite[6].
Peritoneal mesothelioma, on the other hand, can lead to abdominal pain, swelling, a feeling of bloatedness, constipation, nausea, and vomiting. Those with a prior history of asbestos exposure and concerned about possible mesothelioma malignancy should, therefore, consider whether they have peritoneal mesothelioma if nausea is a persistent symptom.
However, all cancer patients tend to report nausea at some point during their disease’s advancement, especially in relation to treatment. Around 36% of late-stage patients report nausea, while 71% of patients in their last week of life report it as a symptom[7].
Chemotherapy is one of the worst culprits for inducing nausea, but radiation therapy can also lead to adverse gastrointestinal effects that present as nausea[8]. Looking beyond these treatment-related sources, 60% of late-stage cancer patients report nausea that is unrelated to treatment.
In conclusion, pleural mesothelioma may not cause nausea in its early stages and especially prior to diagnosis, but treatment and the advancement of the disease can later lead to nausea. Peritoneal mesothelioma, however, can present nausea as an early symptom.
[1] https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/mesothelioma/symptoms-causes/syc-20375022
[2] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/14592528
[3] https://www.uptodate.com/contents/malignant-peritoneal-mesothelioma-epidemiology-risk-factors-clinical-presentation-diagnosis-and-staging
[4] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5497105/
[5] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1994863/
[6] https://www.cancer.org/cancer/malignant-mesothelioma/detection-diagnosis-staging/signs-symptoms.html
[7] https://www.mdedge.com/emergencymedicine/article/104470/hematology/nausea-and-vomiting-cancer-its-not-always-chemotherapy
[8] https://www.mdedge.com/emergencymedicine/article/104470/hematology/nausea-and-vomiting-cancer-its-not-always-chemotherapy/page/0/1
