Talc Treatment for Mesothelioma
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Nursing experts recommend talc pleurodesis for pleural mesothelioma patients. This is because it improves mesothelioma survivorship rates and relieves symptoms by removing excessive fluid from the chest cavity.
Pleurodesis
Pleurodesis is an minimally invasive procedure that helps to manage one of the most common symptoms of pleural mesothelioma, which is the accumulation of fluid in the pleura, which is the thin membrane that surrounds the lung. The procedure involves inserting a small tube in the chest cavity. The tube is filled with a mixture of talc, saline and other substances. This irritates the pleural linings, causing them to adhere to one another, thereby sealing off the space that allows fluid to collect.
Pleural mesothelioma patients that do not have pleural effusions have better quality of life than patients with this complication, which can cause pain and difficulty breathing. Doctors recommend pleurodesis and other options for treatment, such as thoracentesis to stop the buildup of fluid. Pleurodesis is typically performed on the right side of the body, however it can also be done on the left.
In a study recently published in the Journal of Thoracic Disease, researchers compared talc pleurodesis to more invasive surgical options for mesothelioma, such as extrapleural pneumonectomy and pleurectomy with decortication (P/D). The results indicate that patients with pleurodesis are healthier than those who undergo more invasive surgeries.
Patients with a diagnosis of pleural mesothelioma are often prescribed chemotherapy to help treat the cancer however, this can only prolong the duration of treatment by about 12 months. Pleurodesis is a less invasive procedure, can help prolong the survival time and reduce the pain. Pleurodesis is a less-invasive procedure that can improve the duration of survival and decrease the pain.
For this reason, mesothelioma talc is gaining recognition as an effective palliative treatment for mesothelioma patients, particularly as it may be used in conjunction with other types of cancer therapies. A mesothelioma specialist can determine the best treatment for each patient.
During talc pleurodesis, patients are given oral morphine and local anesthetic for pain control. A small tube is placed into the chest cavity, and a mixture containing saline, talc and other ingredients is slowly added. A doctor will remove drain taps after the talc has been inserted and will continue to monitor for complications. After the procedure patients will be required to take painkillers prescribed by their doctor to alleviate any discomfort. Fever, low blood pressure and flu-like symptoms may occur within the first few days following the procedure. However, these are not common. Patients should discuss these potential risks with a mesothelioma expert.
Thoracentesis
Thoracentesis is the procedure doctors use to drain lymphatic effusions, or the fluid accumulation around one or both of your lungs. It can be performed in the hospital or at the doctor's office. It is usually done while you are awake. However, some people may be sedated. In these cases you'll require someone to drive home afterward.
Your healthcare provider will sterilize the area where they are going to insert the needle and inject a numbing medicine. They will then move your body in order to access the pleural cavity, which is usually between your ribs. They can also use ultrasound to locate the right area.
Once they have inserted the needle, they will utilize an instrument or syringe to drain the fluid from your pleural space. The pleural fluid will then be tested to determine what is causing the fluid buildup. It is possible that you will require additional tests such as an MRI or CT to determine the source of your fluid buildup, and how to treat.
After the pleural fluid is removed The doctor will then close the needle and then cover the wound with a bandage. You may experience a slight cough afterward however, this is normal. Coughing helps your lung expand and rid it of the extra fluid. It is likely that you will need to keep the bandage on for about an hour. You could be required to stay at the hospital for a few days, based on the reason for your fluid buildup as well as the amount of fluid removed during thoracentesis.
The doctor will take an X-ray scan of your chest when you are ready to remove the well differentiated papillary mesothelioma treatment bandage to make sure there were no issues during the procedure. There may be a need for another X-ray within the next couple of hours to make sure that all fluids have been removed.
Some people who suffer from an issue with blood clotting or who take medications that reduce blood clotting could not be able Thoracentesis. Your doctor will discuss the risks with you prior to the procedure and will review your medical history to see if there are any reasons that it isn't safe for you. They will also perform a blood test to ensure that you don't have a condition that makes it hard for your body to form clots.