Mesothelioma Night Sweats and Fever
Page Medically Reviewed and Edited by Anne Courtney, AOCNP, DNP This page has been fact checked by a Doctor of Nursing Practice who specializes in Oncology and has experience working with mesothelioma patients.
Sources of information are listed at the bottom of the article. We make every attempt to keep our information accurate and up-to-date.
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Mesothelioma night sweats and fever can occur with any form of this cancer. These are more common symptoms in late stages when the cancer has spread. Treatment of the underlying cancer along with palliative care measures can relieve night sweats and fever to improve quality of life.
About Fever and Night Sweats
A fever is a high body temperature, usually caused by an illness. Normal body temperature is around 98.6 degrees Fahrenheit, although it can vary by one or two degrees and not be of concern. A fever is generally considered to be 100.4 degrees and higher.[1]
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Night sweats is excessive sweating during sleep. It goes beyond simply getting too warm. The amount of sweat produced can be enough to soak clothing and bedding and cause an individual to wake up in discomfort.[2]
Signs of Fever and Night Sweats
Having a fever is an unpleasant sensation that most people are familiar with, but in addition to raised body temperature, it can cause several symptoms:
- Appetite loss
- Chills
- Dehydration
- Headache
- Irritability
- Muscle aches
- Shivering
- Weakness
A fever can also cause sweating, which occurring at night is referred to as night sweats. Night sweats are more than simply feeling to warm in the night. It causes excessive sweating that can soak the bedding.
Does Mesothelioma Cause Fever or Night Sweats?
Fever is not common in the early stages of mesothelioma, but most types of cancer in late stages can cause this symptom.[3] A fever is especially likely if the cancer has impacted the immune system. One study found that 18 percent of peritoneal patients experience night sweats.[4] Medications may also cause night sweats.
Managing Night Sweats and Fever
Because these are usually symptoms associated with late-stage, terminal cancer, treatment options for the underlying cause are limited. Initially, focus is on treating the underlying cancer. If that is not possible or helping, then focusing on palliation of this symptom can be helpful to feel better.
Typically, fever can be managed with antipyretics, over-the-counter drugs that reduce fever including acetaminophen, aspirin, and ibuprofen.
If a patient cannot take medications, or if they don’t work, other management strategies may help:[5]
- Keeping the temperature low in the house at night
- Sleeping with just a sheet
- Using a cold compress
- Using a fan or air conditioning
- Staying hydrated with cold drinks
- Using ice packs
- Avoiding caffeine, alcohol, and spicy foods
- Using relaxation strategies
Mesothelioma causes several uncomfortable symptoms, like fever and night sweats, but treatments help. Talk to your medical team if you have these symptoms and are struggling to manage them.
Page Medically Reviewed and Edited by Anne Courtney, AOCNP, DNP
Anne Courtney has a Doctor of Nursing Practice degree and is an Advanced Oncology Certified Nurse Practitioner. She has years of oncology experience working with patients with malignant mesothelioma, as well as other types of cancer. Dr. Courtney currently works at University of Texas LIVESTRONG Cancer Institutes.