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Mesothelioma and Sleep Apnea
Mesothelioma is a rare form of cancer that most often develops in the lining of the lungs. While mesothelioma is usually caused by occupational asbestos exposure, there are other known causes, such as radiotherapy to treat other forms of cancers.[1] Because mesothelioma so often develops on the lining of the lungs, it can cause breathing problems.
In a similar fashion, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a disease that causes difficulty breathing. While COPD is usually caused by smoking, it can also be caused by exposure to asbestos.[2] As such, COPD and mesothelioma can occur concurrently in a patient.
While there has not been an established link between mesothelioma and sleep apnea, sleep apnea is commonly associated with COPD. In fact, the overlap of COPD and sleep apnea has been shown to increase the risk of mortality in patients suffering from both conditions.[3] About 20 percent of those with sleep apnea have COPD.[4]
Like mesothelioma, COPD can cause shortness of breath, tightness in the chest, fluid build-up in the lungs, and wet and dry coughing.[5] Because COPD presents many of the same symptoms and difficulties as mesothelioma, one may draw the conclusion that sleep apnea can be caused by or present itself simultaneously with mesothelioma.
Beyond sleep apnea, mesothelioma can cause a variety of other sleep disturbances. Patients have reported sleeping too much, or not sleeping enough. Such issues are also described by patients with sleep apnea.
Because sleep apnea often goes undiagnosed, especially in people who live alone, it’s important for mesothelioma patients who experience symptoms of sleep apnea to be diagnosed properly. These symptoms include excessive fatigue and daytime sleeping, headaches or dry mouth when walking, frequently waking up at night to urinate, and decreased motor functions, memory and concentration.[6]
Sleep apnea can only be diagnosed by a sleep study. A doctor will investigate a patient’s medical history and conduct a physical exam to rule out other conditions. An overnight sleep study will allow the doctor to detect apnea events; that is, times when a patient’s breathing slows or stops during the night. The doctor will also be able to detect blood oxygen levels and monitor brain and heart activity.
Based on the study, the doctor will diagnose the sleep apnea as mild, moderate or severe. There are treatments available to patients with sleep apnea, especially if it occurs simultaneously with mesothelioma.
[1] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3709083/
[2] https://erj.ersjournals.com/content/23/3/402.long
[3] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3387564/
[4] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/2117188
[5] https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/copd/symptoms-causes/syc-20353679
[6] https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health-topics/sleep-apnea
