Talc Treatment for Mesothelioma
The results of studies have revealed asbestos fibers in a variety of cosmetic talcum powder products. The talc particles that are contaminated typically contain anthophyllite, tremolite, or the chrysotile asbestos.
Experts in nursing recommend talc pleurodesis for pleural mesothelioma patients. This is due to the fact that it can increase survival rates for mesothelioma patients and alleviate symptoms by removing fluids from the chest cavity.
Pleurodesis
Pleurodesis is a minimally-invasive surgery to help manage one of the most common symptoms of pleural mesothelioma: fluid buildup in the pleura, the thin membrane that surrounds the lung. The procedure involves placing a small tube into the chest cavity. It is then filled with a combination of talc and saline. This causes the pleural linings to become adsorbent, causing irritation to.
Pleural mesothelioma patients that do not have pleural effusions have higher quality of life than patients with this condition, which can cause pain and trouble breathing. Because of this, doctors suggest preventing the buildup of fluid by pleurodesis or other options such as thoracentesis. Pleurodesis is usually performed on the right side of the body, but it can also be performed on the left side.
Researchers compared talc pleurodesis with more aggressive surgical options to treat mesothelioma. This included extrapleural pneumonectomy (EPP) and pleurectomy/decortication (P/D). The results show that patients who have pleurodesis live longer than those who undergo more invasive surgeries.
Patients with a diagnosis of mesothelioma pleural are usually prescribed chemotherapy to help fight the cancer, but this only extends the duration of treatment by about 12 months. Pleurodesis, a less-invasive procedure, can extend life span and decrease pain. Pleurodesis is a less invasive procedure that can improve the duration of survival and decrease pain.
Mesothelioma Talc is becoming more popular as a palliative therapy for patients with mesothelioma, especially because it can be used with other cancer therapies. A mesothelioma doctor can decide the most appropriate treatment for each patient.
During talc pleurodesis, the patient receives the drug orally as well as local anesthetics for pain control. A small tube is placed into the chest cavity. Then, a mixture containing saline, the talc, and other ingredients are slowly added. Once the talc has been put placed, a doctor will remove the drain tap and monitor for any complications. After the surgery patients must take painkillers as prescribed by their physician to alleviate any discomfort. Low blood pressure, fever, and flu-like symptoms can be experienced in the days following the procedure. However, these are uncommon. Patients should discuss the potential risks with a mesothelioma expert.
Thoracentesis
Thoracentesis is the method doctors use to remove the pleural effusions or fluid accumulation around one or both of your lung tissue. It can be done in the hospital or in a doctor's office. It is usually performed while you're awake, but some people are asleep. In these instances you'll need someone to drive home afterward.
Your doctor will clean the area in which they are going insert the needle, and then inject an analgesic medicine. They will then move your body to reach the pleural cavity, which is normally between your ribs. They can also use ultrasound to pinpoint the correct spot.
Once they have inserted the needle, they use an instrument or syringe to drain the fluid from your pleural space. The pleural fluid is examined to determine what is creating the fluid buildup. You may need to undergo additional tests, such as an MRI or CT scan to determine what is causing the problem and how to address it.
After the pleural liquid is removed, the doctor will close the needle and cover it with a new mesothelioma treatment bandage. You may cough a bit afterward however this is normal. Coughing can help expand your lungs and eliminate the extra fluid. You will probably have to keep the bandage on for approximately an hour. You might need to stay at the hospital for a few days, depending on the cause of your fluid buildup as well as the amount of fluid removed during thoracentesis.
Your doctor will perform an X-ray scan of your chest when you are ready to remove the bandage in order to make sure that there was no issue during the procedure. It is possible that you will require another X-ray within a few hours to confirm that all fluid has been removed.
Some people who have a blood-clotting issue or take medications that reduce blood clotting might not be able to undergo the thoracentesis. Your doctor will discuss the risks of the procedure with you, and will also review your medical records to determine if it is safe for you. They'll also perform tests on your blood to confirm that you do not suffer from a condition that makes it difficult for your body to make clots.