Unintentional weight loss is common with mesothelioma and is caused by symptoms and treatment side effects. Weight loss is dangerous and leads to other complications but can often be improved with treatments and dietary adjustments.
Why Does Mesothelioma Cause Weight Loss?
Mesothelioma, as well as other cancers, cause weight loss in several ways:
- There are often physical symptoms that limit food intake, such as abdominal pain, bloating, or nausea caused by the cancer itself.
- A patient’s metabolic needs are often higher than the amount of calories they can consume.
- Any patient losing weight may have multiple factors contributing to the problem, from the tumors to the side effects of treatment.
- It is essential to look at the underlying causes to manage and support the regaining of weight.
Peritoneal Tumors
Any type of mesothelioma can cause unplanned weight loss, but it is especially common in peritoneal mesothelioma. Loss of appetite and resulting weight loss can come directly from the tumors in the abdomen. They cause pressure and fluid buildup, which triggers more pressure.
The tumors cause a feeling of fullness and bloating, leading to appetite loss, eating less, and weight loss. The tumors may also trigger digestive issues, such as pain, indigestion, diarrhea, or constipation, reducing appetite. Larger tumors may even block the bowels, making eating nearly impossible.
Cancer Cells Trigger Weight Loss
Another reason patients with mesothelioma lose weight is because of the cancer cells. The cells require a lot of energy as they grow, divide, and spread throughout the body. This takes energy away from healthy cells and ultimately can lead to significant and dangerous weight loss.[1]
Treatment Side Effects Cause Loss of Appetite
The side effects of mesothelioma treatments can lead to reduced appetite and weight loss:[1]
- Abdominal pain
- Changes in taste and smell
- Constipation
- Digestive upset
- Mouth sores
- Nausea
- Sore throat
- Vomiting
Mental Health-Related Weight Loss
Living with mesothelioma can impact mental health, causing anxiety, depression, and other symptoms. These can affect appetite and weight as well. Depression, in particular, can cause weight loss due to reduced appetite and apathy regarding preparing and eating nutritious foods.
Anorexia
Many cancer patients develop anorexia, often for the reasons listed above. Studies have found many cancer patients experience weight loss even with nutritional supplements and after stopping difficult treatments.
Researchers suggest that the underlying cause in these cases is disruption of the body’s normal body weight regulation systems. The cancer cells release chemicals known as cytokines and neuropeptides, which may trigger anorexia.
Cachexia – Muscle Wasting
Rapid and significant weight loss is a serious health problem in many patients with mesothelioma. It can become even more severe if the patient develops cachexia, a type of weight loss characterized by reductions in skeletal muscle tissue.[2]
Cachexia leads to weakness and fatigue and significantly interferes with mobility, activity, and quality of life. This is most often an issue in the late stages of any type of cancer, including mesothelioma.
There can be a close relationship between the level of cancer present and cachexia. It is important to begin interventions as soon as the signs appear:[3]
- Treating or managing any complications contributing to cachexia, such as nausea caused by chemotherapy
- Working with a dietitian
- Using nutritional supplements with added nutrients and calories
- Taking appetite stimulants
- If necessary, getting nutrition through intravenous fluids
In What Stage Does Weight Loss Occur?
Cachexia, severe weight loss and muscle wasting, typically occurs in the later stages of mesothelioma. Unexplained weight loss is also a common sign of early mesothelioma and any type of cancer.
Studies show that about 40% of people diagnosed with cancer described unexpected weight loss as an initial sign that something was wrong.[1]
When Should I Be Worried About Mesothelioma Weight Loss?
Weight loss is a harmful complication of mesothelioma and other types of cancers. Unlike healthy adults trying to shed pounds to achieve a healthy weight, cancer patients often lose weight without trying. This can affect one’s overall strength and can be an indicator of the level of disease present.
Losing too much weight can cause several problems and complications:
- Dizziness
- Fatigue
- Poor mobility
- Excessive thirst
- Poor response to or toleration of treatment
- Increased infections
- Poor prognosis
A study of patients with lung cancer or mesothelioma found that weight loss affected survival time. Patients with significant weight loss had more toxic side effects from chemotherapy, especially anemia. They tolerated it less and could not complete as many cycles as those without weight loss.[4]
Talking about weight changes with your entire healthcare team is essential, especially when losing three or more pounds per week.[5] Maintaining weight is important for overall health. A healthy weight helps patients heal and respond better to treatments.
Managing and Reversing Weight Loss
Managing weight loss begins with treating cancer, the ultimate underlying condition. But there are other ways to deal with weight loss, including palliative care and home remedies:[6]
- Medications. Drugs that stimulate appetite can be helpful for patients who don’t feel like eating. Nausea is a big part of appetite loss for patients undergoing chemotherapy, so medications that reduce nausea are important.
- Palliative treatments. When the cause of appetite loss is clear, such as fluid buildup in the abdomen, a palliative procedure may help. For instance, draining the fluid reduces fullness and discomfort, which can improve appetite.
- Follow cravings. If appetite loss is related to discomfort or changes in taste and smell, patients should eat what does seem appealing. Eating what tastes good is better than struggling to eat only healthy foods.
- Eat foods that are comfortable. Likewise, if pain or difficulty swallowing contributes to weight loss, it helps to eat foods that are easier to take in. Shakes and soft, moist foods will be easier to swallow.
- Work with a dietitian. Medical teams for cancer patients should include all types of experts, including those who guide nutrition. A dietitian helps patients plan meals and select palatable, easy-to-eat, and nutritious foods.
Losing weight is not a benefit of living with mesothelioma. It can present other challenges during treatment for the cancer. Talk to your doctor if you are losing weight or if your appetite makes eating difficult.
