What Are the Side Effects of Mesothelioma Treatment?
Mesothelioma treatments are designed to keep the cancer from spreading, manage symptoms, and help patients like you live longer. However, they often come with side effects.
Side effects vary depending on the type of treatment you receive, how your body responds to them, and your overall health. For example, nausea and fatigue are common with chemotherapy, while surgery can cause pain and a higher risk of infection.
Some side effects are temporary and manageable, while others may last longer or require extra medical support. Knowing common side effects of mesothelioma treatment helps patients and families prepare, ask the right questions, and work with their care team on ways to ease them.
It’s important to remember that the side effects of mesothelioma affect everyone differently. Your doctor can explain which ones are most likely to occur and what can be done to manage them. With the right guidance and support, you can get the treatment you need while still maintaining a good quality of life.
Get our Free Mesothelioma Guide to learn more about what to expect during treatment and different support resources available to you and your family.
Mesothelioma Side Effects by Treatment Type
Every mesothelioma treatment works in a different way, which means each comes with its own set of possible side effects. Some may show up right away, while others build over time.
Here are some side effects linked to common mesothelioma treatments:
- Surgery: Bleeding, feeling tired, infection, loss of appetite, pain, swelling, fluid buildup, or numbness near the surgery site
- Chemotherapy: Easy bruising, getting sick more easily, hair loss, loss of appetite, mouth sores, tiredness, and upset stomach, causing nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea
- Immunotherapy: Achy joints, diarrhea, flu-like symptoms, mouth irritation, skin rash, tiredness, and inflammation
- Radiation therapy: Diarrhea, hair loss in the treated area, red or irritated skin, sore throat, tiredness, and upset stomach
If you’re experiencing very uncomfortable side effects, let your mesothelioma doctor know. They can make adjustments to your treatment plan as needed. For example, they may recommend palliative care to help ease mesothelioma treatment side effects while continuing to undergo standard treatments.
Other Types of Mesothelioma Treatment Side Effects
In addition to the more common side effects linked directly to surgery, chemotherapy, and immunotherapy, mesothelioma treatment can affect the body and mind in many other ways. Not everyone experiences these, and for those who do, there are many ways to manage them, allowing you to continue living your life as normally as possible.
Eating & Dietary Issues
Mesothelioma can lead to eating and digestion problems, especially during treatment. These changes often affect appetite, weight, and the body’s ability to process food.
Chemotherapy drugs like pemetrexed and cisplatin are known to cause nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.
Radiation therapy and immunotherapy can also lead to stomach issues. Many patients report constipation, bloating, or sensitivity to certain foods. Some drugs used to manage pain or nausea may also slow digestion.
Doctors often suggest eating smaller meals, getting enough water, and limiting spicy, fatty, or dairy-heavy foods. A dietitian may adjust plans based on side effects, treatments, your overall health, and other factors.
Following a mesothelioma nutrition plan helps you maintain strength and avoid further complications. Supportive care teams often provide custom guidance for each patient’s needs.
Appetite & Weight Loss
You may have less of an appetite when getting mesothelioma treatments like chemotherapy or radiation. However, because your body needs more energy to fight cancer and recover from treatment, appetite loss can lead to malnutrition if it’s not addressed.
In significant cases, you may experience cancer-induced anorexia, reduced appetite that leads to weight loss and fatigue. You may also develop cachexia, a total loss of appetite that cuts down your weight and muscle tone.
Let your mesothelioma doctor know right away if you start to experience problems with your appetite or weight. They may prescribe appetite stimulants, steroids, or dietary supplements. A dietitian may recommend small, frequent meals rich in calories and protein to slow weight loss.
Download our Free Checklist of Questions to Ask Your Doctor so you’ll feel more prepared to talk about the side effects of mesothelioma treatment.
Chemo Brain
Chemo brain is a term for memory and thinking problems caused by cancer treatment, especially chemotherapy. It affects many mesothelioma patients.
Symptoms may include:
- Difficulty remembering words, names, or tasks
- Mental fog
- Short attention span
- Taking longer to complete everyday work
Some people feel side effects while they’re in treatment, while others don’t notice them until later. Stress can make symptoms worse, but many patients find relief with simple tools like occupational therapy, journaling, and getting enough rest. For some, “chemo brain” can make returning to work challenging. When that happens, a doctor may connect you with a specialist or help you find ways to adjust.
Hair Loss
Hair loss is a common side effect of chemotherapy drugs used to treat mesothelioma, including cisplatin and pemetrexed. These drugs attack fast-growing cells, including hair follicles. Patients may lose scalp hair, facial hair, or body hair depending on the chemotherapy dosage and treatment length.
Radiation therapy can also lead to hair loss near the treatment site, particularly in malignant pleural mesothelioma.
Doctors may recommend gentle hair care, cooling caps, or simply planning ahead for changes. Hair often regrows after treatment ends, but may come in differently.
Lowered Immune System and Infections
Mesothelioma treatments can weaken the immune system, making patients more vulnerable to infections. This is especially true during chemotherapy. Healthy white blood cells are often damaged during treatment. This limits the body’s ability to fight off viruses, bacteria, or even mild illness.
Infections can lead to complications like blood clots, fever, or pneumonia. These risks are higher in older patients or those with late-stage disease. A weakened immune system may also limit eligibility for certain clinical trials or aggressive therapies.
Doctors may delay treatment if your blood counts drop too low. They may also prescribe antibiotics or recommend extra hygiene precautions to help your immune system recover.
Trouble Sleeping
Sleep problems are common among mesothelioma patients during and after treatment. Many side effects of mesothelioma treatments, such as pain and infections, can make it hard to fall and stay asleep.
In addition, having cancer, going through treatments, and having to pay for often unexpected medical costs are all stressful. Patients may suffer from anxiety, depression, or other mental health conditions as a result, which can prevent them from sleeping restfully.
Doctors may suggest sleep aids, cognitive behavioral therapy, or relaxation techniques if you’re experiencing trouble sleeping during and after mesothelioma treatment. Getting enough rest is crucial for maintaining daily energy and mental well-being.
Mental Health Effects
Living with mesothelioma can bring extreme emotional stress. The diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment demands often weigh heavily on patients and caregivers.
Common mental health issues caused by cancer include anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Many also report fear of recurrence (where the cancer comes back) or worsening symptoms.
Uncertainty about finances, caregiving, and the future can add to emotional strain. Patients may worry about their family’s well-being more than their own. Caregivers also may experience guilt, exhaustion, and isolation.
Counseling, mesothelioma support groups, and spiritual care can help. Your health care team may recommend early mental health support as part of your cancer care plan.
Managing the Side Effects of Mesothelioma Treatment
Consulting with your doctors, you can get the care needed to manage malignant mesothelioma treatment side effects and help you feel better at every stage of your cancer journey. Your health care team can tailor specific pain-relieving therapies to your unique side effects.
Physical Side Effects
You could experience different physical mesothelioma side effects depending on which treatments you get and how your body and cancer react to them. You and your doctors can plan ahead to address issues like pain and make adjustments as you go through treatment.
Strategies used to manage physical side effects include:
- Chemotherapy: Anti-nausea meds, hydration, and rest
- Immunotherapy: Monitoring for autoimmune responses and inflammation
- Radiation: Skin care routines and fatigue management
- Surgery: Pain relief, mobility support, and infection prevention
In general, mesothelioma doctors may also recommend taking pain medications, following a nutrition plan, and doing light physical activities if you’re able. All of these can support your overall well-being and help you recover from major treatments, such as surgery, more easily.
Mental Health Effects
The emotional burden of mesothelioma can be just as serious as the physical effects. Top cancer care teams understand this and will help guide you through.
Patients and caregivers have several options for support and guidance:
- Counseling: Licensed counselors provide support for grief, stress, and anxiety.
- Patient Advocates: Help patients navigate treatment and access support resources.
- Spiritual guidance: Chaplains or faith leaders can offer meaning and comfort.
- Therapy: One-on-one or group therapy can help patients process emotions and fears.
Many of these services are available at mesothelioma treatment centers, making it easier for you and your family to get the mental health care you deserve.
How Long Do the Side Effects of Mesothelioma Treatment Last?
The duration of mesothelioma treatment side effects can vary significantly from person to person. Some, such as fatigue or nausea, may only appear during treatment and subside once it’s finished. Others, such as nerve pain or emotional changes, can last longer and sometimes become ongoing issues.
Duration depends on the type of cancer, treatment plan, patient age, prognosis, and overall health at diagnosis. In the advanced stages or with aggressive treatments like chemotherapy or surgery, side effects may linger longer.
Regular follow-ups, palliative care, and support programs can help ease long-term discomfort and improve quality of life.
Find Support for Mesothelioma Treatment Side Effects
If you or a loved one is facing mesothelioma, you don’t have to go through it alone. Side effects like fatigue, nausea, pain, and “chemo brain” can feel overwhelming, but the right care and resources can make them easier to manage.
Mesothelioma Hope can connect you with:
- Free resources for nutrition, mental health, and supportive therapies
- Guidance from top mesothelioma doctors
- Help managing side effects and improving comfort
- Patient Advocates who offer personalized support
Call our team at (866) 608-8933 or get our Free Mesothelioma Guide for help finding relief from mesothelioma treatment side effects.
Side Effects of Mesothelioma Treatment FAQs
What are common mesothelioma side effects from treatment?
Different mesothelioma treatments can cause a wide range of side effects:
- Chemotherapy side effects often include fatigue, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, hair loss, and a weakened immune system.
- Radiation therapy side effects may include skin irritation, fatigue, and inflammation in the treated area, which can sometimes make breathing more difficult if the chest is targeted.
- Surgery side effects can leave patients with pain, swelling, infections, or reduced lung function during recovery.
- Immunotherapy side effects can include flu-like symptoms, rashes, or inflammation in different parts of the body.
Beyond the direct effects of these treatments, patients may also experience more general side effects such as weight loss, difficulty sleeping, or emotional strain from the demands of ongoing care.
Since each patient’s diagnosis and treatment plan are unique, the severity and duration of side effects can vary widely. The good news is you can work with your mesothelioma doctor to manage and ease any side effects and have the best quality of life possible.
What are the side effects of immunotherapy for mesothelioma?
These are among the most common immunotherapy for mesothelioma side effects, although not every patient experiences them:
- Cough or shortness of breath
- Fatigue
- Joint or muscle pain
- Nausea or loss of appetite
- Skin changes such as rash or itching
In some cases, immunotherapy can affect the immune system more strongly and cause inflammation in organs like the lungs, liver, or intestines. These effects are less common, and your doctor will monitor you closely to catch and treat them early if they happen.
The good news is that many patients are able to continue treatment with the right care and support. If you do notice new or worsening symptoms during immunotherapy, let your care team know right away so they can help manage them and keep you feeling as comfortable as possible.
Are there natural or alternative mesothelioma treatments?
Yes — there are a variety of natural and alternative treatments that people with mesothelioma may turn to, often with the goal of easing symptoms and improving well-being. These methods aren’t designed as cures but as ways to promote comfort and quality of life.
Some alternative mesothelioma treatments include:
- Acupuncture to help with pain management and nausea relief
- Energy-based practices like Reiki or healing touch aimed at restoring balance and reducing stress
- Herbal medicine (such as turmeric, green tea extract, or medicinal mushrooms) used to support general wellness
- Massage therapy for relaxation, circulation, and muscle comfort
- Mind-body practices like meditation, mindfulness, guided imagery, and breathing exercises
- Nutritional therapies such as plant-based or anti-inflammatory diets, juicing, or supplements (vitamins, minerals, antioxidants)
- Physical therapies such as yoga, tai chi, or gentle stretching to improve flexibility and reduce stress
Many people combine these approaches with simple lifestyle changes, such as limiting exposure to toxins, staying active as much as possible, and caring for their emotional and spiritual well-being. Everyone’s experience is different, but these steps can provide welcome relief from symptoms and help improve overall quality of life.
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