What Are the Mesothelioma Symptoms Near Death?
As mesothelioma spreads, it affects more of the body, and symptoms can become harder to manage. Breathing may become harder, eating may feel like a challenge, and simple daily tasks can take a lot of energy.
Symptoms of mesothelioma end stages may include:
- Coughing up blood
- Difficulty sleeping
- Feeling extremely tired or mentally foggy
- Fluid buildup in the lungs or abdomen
- General weakness
- Night sweats
- Significant weight loss or loss of appetite
- Trouble breathing
Mesothelioma symptoms are usually mild at first, which can make it harder to get a timely diagnosis. However, doctors can still offer support, ease symptoms, and help patients feel more comfortable.
Use our Free Doctor Match to find a specialist near you who understands how to treat end-of-life mesothelioma symptoms.
Late vs. Early Mesothelioma Symptoms
In the beginning, mesothelioma symptoms are often mistaken for something minor, like a cold, the flu, or even allergies. That’s one reason this cancer can go undiagnosed for so long.
Early mesothelioma symptoms can include:
- A dry, persistent cough
- Feeling more tired than usual
- Fluid around the lungs or belly
- Getting short of breath after light activity
- Mild pain in the chest or abdomen
Early symptoms of mesothelioma might not affect your daily life too much at first. But as the cancer grows, symptoms often get worse, and they can take a serious toll on your quality of life.
If you’re feeling any of these symptoms and have ever been exposed to asbestos (the only known cause of mesothelioma), it’s important to let your doctor know. That information can help them figure out what’s really going on.
Symptoms of Pleural Mesothelioma Near Death
Pleural mesothelioma is the most common type of this cancer, and it affects the lining of the lungs (pleura). As pleural mesothelioma progresses, tumors can spread to nearby organs like the lungs, lymph nodes, or even the brain, causing severe symptoms.
Pleural mesothelioma symptoms near death may include:
- Coughing up blood or sputum (mucus)
- Drowziness
- Fatigue and confusion
- Loss of sleep
- Muscle weakness
- Night sweats
- Pain
- Poor mood
- Severe pleural effusion (buildup of fluid in the lung lining)
- Significant breathing issues
- Weight loss
Most people at this stage are diagnosed with stage 4 pleural mesothelioma, meaning the cancer has spread throughout the body.
“John said, ‘I just don’t feel good.’ And I knew something was wrong. We went to the ER and they found over two liters of fluid on his left lung. They were amazed that he was even able to breathe. They did a CAT scan, and that’s when the doctor said, ‘You have stage 4 mesothelioma, John.’”
Symptoms of Peritoneal Mesothelioma Near Death
Peritoneal mesothelioma develops in the lining of the abdomen (peritoneum). This type of mesothelioma causes digestive issues and abdominal pain, which get worse as the disease progresses.
Common end-stage peritoneal mesothelioma symptoms include:
- Abdominal or lower back pain
- Digestion issues like diarrhea
- Fatigue and weakness
- Nausea
- Severe peritoneal effusion (fluid buildup in the abdominal lining)
- Swelling in the belly (distention)
- Weight loss
Malignant peritoneal mesothelioma usually stays confined to the abdominal cavity, but it can spread to other organs within the abdomen, like the liver and ovaries, causing the severe symptoms above.
That said, not everyone experiences intense symptoms in the advanced stages of mesothelioma. One case reported in the journal Medicine described a 75-year-old man who was diagnosed after developing abdominal pain and swelling. Sadly, despite receiving treatment, he passed away less than 2 months later.
Symptoms of Rare Types of Mesothelioma Near Death
In very rare cases, mesothelioma can sometimes develop in the linings of the heart (pericardium) or testicles (tunica vaginalis).
Because the heart is so close to the lung and chest, those with pericardial mesothelioma who are near death may experience similar symptoms to those with pleural mesothelioma. Testicular mesothelioma mainly affects the scrotum.
Here are end-stage symptoms of the rarer types of mesothelioma:
- Pericardial mesothelioma: Fever, fatigue, chest pain, swelling of hands and feet, pericardial effusion, and fatal complications like cardiogenic shock
- Testicular mesothelioma: Worsening testicular pain, hydrocele (fluid buildup in testicle lining), and masses or growths
A specialist can help manage your specific mesothelioma symptoms near death and provide the support you need.
Call (866) 608-8933 if you or a loved one is suffering from mesothelioma symptoms near death. Our Patient Advocates can help you find top doctors and treatments for your diagnosis.
Treatment for Near-Death Mesothelioma Symptoms
When treating symptoms of mesothelioma near death, doctors typically use different types of palliative care. Palliative care focuses on relieving symptoms rather than improving life expectancy.
Learn about different palliative care options for advanced-stage mesothelioma patients facing severe symptoms.
Thoracentesis, Paracentesis, and Other Procedures
A thoracentesis uses a needle to drain pleural effusions, allowing patients with pleural mesothelioma to breathe more easily and ease pain.
Similarly, a paracentesis drains peritoneal effusions from the abdominal cavity in cases of peritoneal mesothelioma to reduce swelling, help with appetite, and manage discomfort.
Other procedures to ease fluid buildup include:
- Catheters: Oncologists (cancer doctors) can insert catheters into the pleura or peritoneum so patients can drain recurring effusions at home without the need for hospital visits.
- Pleurodesis: This is used to seal the two layers of the pleural space by irritating it mechanically or with a substance like talc, preventing pleural effusions from coming back.
- Surgical drainage: Doctors perform minor surgeries to drain excess fluid in the heart or testicle linings.
Your mesothelioma doctor can determine which procedure(s) will work best in your case.
Less Invasive Treatments
Specialists may recommend scaled-back versions of curative mesothelioma treatments to reduce the size of cancer tumors and, in turn, ease symptoms.
These treatments include:
- Chemotherapy: These medications kill cancer cells and can help reduce symptoms in most patients, according to a Journal of Thoracic Disease report.
- Palliative surgery: Doctors take out some of the cancer to prevent symptoms from worsening. They can also potentially remove nonvital organs that cancer tumors have grown into.
- Radiation therapy: Low doses of radiation can manage chest-wall pain and other symptoms.
- Clinical trials: Doctors are studying new ways of treating mesothelioma and managing symptoms in trials. You may qualify to get a palliative treatment not available elsewhere by joining one.
Mesothelioma cancer patients can receive several of these treatments together to help manage their symptoms more effectively.
Use our Free Doctor Match for help finding specialists who can recommend top treatments for mesothelioma symptoms near death.
Other Palliative Care Options
Besides the treatments listed above, there is a wide range of other palliative options available at their disposal to help patients manage mesothelioma symptoms near death.
These palliative mesothelioma treatments include:
- Dietary changes
- Medication for pain management
- Oxygen therapy to make breathing easier
Mesothelioma patients and their family members can work with cancer care teams to find the best palliative options for their case.
“I think patients who are pretty symptomatic and who don’t have resectable disease should be seen by palliative care specialists. It helps in setting expectations and setting goals of care.”
Coping Strategies
End-stage mesothelioma can cause anxiety, depression, and even anger for many patients. These emotional symptoms can be just as taxing as the physical ones.
Mesothelioma patients may benefit from seeing a psychologist or social worker who can recommend coping skills to help them manage their emotions.
Other tips include:
- Finding ways to make life meaningful
- Focusing on the day-to-day rather than the future
- Making end-of-life decisions
- Seeking faith-based or spiritual support
- Using alternative treatments like acupuncture or meditation
All of these steps can help counter the painful or worrisome emotions that come with late-stage mesothelioma.
In-Home and Hospice Care for End-Stage Mesothelioma Symptoms
Mesothelioma symptoms near death can be challenging to manage. While mesothelioma cancer centers offer high-quality care, alternatives like in-home care or hospice may be a better fit.
Here’s what to know about each option:
- In-home care: The patient receives care for symptoms and help with basic living tasks from professionals within the comfort of their own home.
- Hospice care: These facilities specifically focus on managing symptoms of mesothelioma near death, and professionals are available 24/7 to help patients.
Contact us now to learn about options for end-of-life care for mesothelioma that can help you or a loved one.
Caregiving Tips for Mesothelioma Symptoms Near Death
Family and friends may be the main caregivers for mesothelioma patients near the end of life. While caregiving can be rewarding, it’s also undeniably incredibly challenging to watch a loved one experience mesothelioma symptoms near death.
Mesothelioma caregivers can take steps to manage their own health so they can provide the help a patient needs.
These steps include:
- Adjusting as needed: The symptoms of mesothelioma may change over time depending on cancer spread, how the body reacts to treatments, and more. Staying flexible can ensure a patient’s health care needs are promptly met.
- Getting emotional support: It’s common for caregivers who are managing mesothelioma symptoms near death to feel isolated, scared, or overwhelmed. Attending mesothelioma support groups or grief counseling can help them feel less alone.
- Taking breaks: Resting and recharging can go a long way to helping care for a mesothelioma patient suffering from severe, end-stage symptoms. You can contact an in-home care service to help your loved one while you take a break and avoid burnout.
All of these options can ensure that you stay on top of your own needs while caring for someone you love after a mesothelioma diagnosis.
Compensation for Mesothelioma Symptoms Near Death
If you or a loved one is suffering from severe mesothelioma symptoms near death, it’s important to explore potential compensation options.
Mesothelioma compensation can help cover medical expenses of managing symptoms, potential funeral costs, and any other bills.
You or a loved one may qualify for compensation from:
- Mesothelioma lawsuits: The average mesothelioma lawsuit awards $1 million or more. These legal claims demand compensation from companies that used asbestos, the only known cause of mesothelioma. If a loved one passes away, you can pursue a mesothelioma wrongful death lawsuit.
- Trust funds: Asbestos trust funds contain over $30 billion, and you may qualify to access some of this compensation without going to court.
- VA benefits: Veterans with mesothelioma can typically receive over $4,000 a month in VA benefits as of 2025. The VA also offers free health care to help manage mesothelioma symptoms near death.
Mesothelioma Hope has partnered with top law firm Simmons Hanly Conroy to help families affected by this cancer. The firm has secured $9.8 billion in mesothelioma compensation for clients across the country.
Get a Free Case Review to learn if the firm can help secure compensation for you and your family.
Get a Free Mesothelioma Case Review
Get Support for Mesothelioma Symptoms Near Death
Mesothelioma patients deserve dignity at all stages of their cancer battle, but particularly at the end of life.
If you or a loved one is experiencing mesothelioma symptoms near death, our team may be able to assist you.
Mesothelioma Hope can help you access:
- Palliative care from top doctors
- Resources and compensation for health care costs
- Support groups and counseling services
While facing end-stage mesothelioma and its symptoms can bring uncertainty, our team will walk with you to ensure you get high-quality care and can take action to protect your family.
Use our Free Doctor Match or call (866) 608-8933 now to get started.
Near-Death Mesothelioma Symptoms FAQs
What are the symptoms of the final stage of mesothelioma?
Stage 4 is the final stage of mesothelioma, and patients may experience severe fatigue, trouble breathing, coughing up blood, and significant weight or appetite loss.
Stage 4 mesothelioma is considered fatal since tumors have spread to different parts of the body and may cause life-threatening complications. Still, doctors can recommend care for mesothelioma symptoms near death so patients can live with dignity.
Is peritoneal mesothelioma painful near death?
Peritoneal mesothelioma symptoms near death can cause a lot of pain. Cancer tumors may be invading vital organs and nerves within the abdomen, and fluid may build up in the abdominal lining, leading to swelling, appetite loss, and discomfort.
Call (866) 608-8933 now if you’re experiencing symptoms of peritoneal mesothelioma near death. Our Patient Advocates can help you access treatments needed to ease painful symptoms and have the best quality of life possible.
How fast does mesothelioma progress?
Mesothelioma can quickly progress without treatment since the cancer is so aggressive. In fact, some patients pass away in months if they aren’t able to get medical care.
If you’re experiencing potential symptoms of mesothelioma, like a cough or difficulty breathing, and were ever exposed to asbestos, make sure to see a doctor promptly to get diagnosed and start treatment.
Even if your cancer is considered end-stage, doctors can recommend therapies to help you live as comfortably as possible — and potentially extend your life.
John Stahl was diagnosed with stage 4 mesothelioma after complaining of chest pain. He had severe fluid buildup to the point that his doctors were surprised he could even breathe. John decided to undergo chemotherapy and is still alive today, more than 6 years after his diagnosis.
How does mesothelioma kill you?
Mesothelioma kills patients when cancer tumors overwhelm vital body functions. As the end of a patient’s life approaches, they may experience symptoms like severe trouble breathing, noticeable weight loss, and weakness.
Mesothelioma symptoms near death can be scary, but doctors and hospice care providers will do all they can to help you or a loved one manage them and feel better.
Use our Free Doctor Match for help finding prompt medical care near you to ease symptoms.
What is the death process for mesothelioma?
When mesothelioma has spread extensively throughout the body, it can put pressure on vital organs that eventually causes them to fail. In the final mesothelioma stages, patients may experience worsening symptoms of fatigue, difficulty breathing, and chest pain.
If you or your loved one is facing late-stage mesothelioma, it’s important to consider your end-of-life decisions and share them with your family, caregivers, and medical team.
Additionally, there are many options for palliative care and pain relief available to help make the final transition through mesothelioma death stages more bearable.
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