A thoracentesis is a palliative surgical procedure that can help alleviate pain and pressure associated with malignant pleural mesothelioma. Like any treatment, it is not possible for a thoracentesis to cure mesothelioma. However, it can make the symptoms of the disease much more manageable so that patients may enjoy more time with their family and loved ones. Most patients of malignant mesothelioma will a thoracentesis performed at some point during their battle with the disease.
Mesothelioma occurs in mesothelium, which is a thin layer of cells that surrounds the body's internal organs and other body structures. Malignant pleural mesothelioma occurs in the pleural lining, which surrounds the lung and chest cavity. Among the more common symptoms of pleural mesothelioma is a pleural effusion, or build up of fluid in the pleura. The thoracentesis will alleviate the pain caused by these buildups. This fluid can cause pressure upon the lungs or other body structures in the vicinity of the effusion, causing pain or shortness of breath.
To remove the fluid, a physician must extract it surgically. Under localized anesthesia, a long needle will be inserted into the patient's back and into the lung, much like a biopsy. The surgeon then pulls the fluid from the area of concern and reduces the effusion, alleviating pressure and pain within the patient. The entire procedure takes less than an hour is relatively painless, and complications are extremely rare.
If you or a loved one is suffering from malignant pleural mesothelioma, it is possible that a thoracentesis may be able to assist in relieving difficult symptoms of the disease. Though it is not possible to cure mesothelioma through thoracentesis, sometimes a pain free day is the best gift a patient of mesothelioma can receive. If you believe thoracentesis could benefit you or someone you, speak to your physician about your possible treatment options.
On other occasions, a thoracentesis will be performed as a diagnostic tool. Samples of the fluid will be examined under a microscope by an experienced oncologist to determine the nature of the malignancy.