Talc Treatment for Mesothelioma
Studies have found asbestos fibers in a variety of cosmetic talcum powder products. The talc particles that are contaminated typically contain anthophyllite, tremolite or chrysotile asbestos.
Nursing experts recommend talc pleurodesis for pleural patients with mesothelioma. This is due to the fact that it increases mesothelioma survivorship rates and relieves symptoms by removing excessive fluid from the chest cavity.

Pleurodesis
Pleurodesis is a minimally invasive procedure that helps to manage one of the most common symptoms of pleural mesothelioma: fluid accumulation in the pleura, the thin membrane that surrounds the lungs. The procedure involves placing a small tube inside the chest cavity. It is then filled with a combination of saline and talc. This irritates the pleural linings and causes them to stick to one another, closing the area that allows fluid to collect.
Patients with mesothelioma who do not suffer from pleural effusions enjoy higher quality of life than those suffering from this complication, which could cause pain and trouble breathing. Due to this, doctors suggest preventing the buildup of fluid through pleurodesis, or other options for treatment like thoracentesis. Pleurodesis is typically performed on the right side of the body, though it can also be done on the left.
In a study recently published in the Journal of Thoracic Disease researchers examined the relationship of talc pleurodesis to more aggressive surgical options for mesothelioma such as extrapleural pneumonectomy and pleurectomy with decortication (P/D). The results reveal that patients who have pleurodesis live longer than those who undergo more invasive surgery.
Chemotherapy is frequently recommended to patients suffering from pleural asbestosis, but it does not increase survival by 12 months. Pleurodesis is a less invasive procedure that can add time to survival and reduce discomfort and pain. Pleurodesis is a less-invasive procedure that can increase the duration of survival and lessen pain.
Mesothelioma is becoming more well-known as a treatment for palliative care for mesothelioma sufferers, especially because it is able to be used with other cancer therapies. A mesothelioma specialist can determine the most appropriate treatment for each patient.
In talc pleurodesis, a patient receives morphine orally and local anesthetic to aid in pain relief. treating mesothelioma is placed into the chest cavity, and a mixture of saline as well as talc is slowly added. Once the talc is placed, a doctor will take out the drain tap and continue monitoring for complications. After the procedure patients will be required to take medications prescribed by their doctor to manage any discomfort. Low blood pressure, fever and flu-like symptoms may occur in the days following the procedure. However, these are not common. Patients should discuss the risk with a specialist for mesothelioma.
Thoracentesis
Thoracentesis is the procedure that doctors use to remove lymphatic effusions, or the fluid accumulation around one or both of your lungs. It can be done in a hospital or a the doctor's office. It is typically performed while you are awake, but some people are asleep. In these cases you'll need someone to drive home afterward.
Your doctor will sterilize the area in which they are going to insert the needle and then inject a numbing medication. They will then move your body to access the pleural cavity, which is usually between your ribs. They might also employ ultrasound to locate the proper spot.
Once they have inserted the needle, they utilize a tube or syringe to draw the fluid from your pleural space. They will then analyze the fluid in your pleural space to determine the reason for your fluid buildup. You may need to undergo additional tests, such an MRI or CT scan to determine the root of the issue and the best way to treat it.
After the pleural liquid is removed after which the doctor will close the needle and cover it with a bandage. It is normal to experience a small amount of coughing after the procedure. The coughing process helps your lung expand and eliminate of the extra fluid. It is likely that you will need to keep the bandage in place for approximately an hour. You could be required to stay in the hospital for a few days, depending on the reason behind your fluid buildup as well as the amount of fluid removed during thoracentesis.
Your doctor will conduct an X-ray of your chest when you are ready to remove the bandage to ensure that there were no issues during the procedure. It is possible that you will need another X-ray later, to ensure that all the fluid has gone.
Some people who have a blood-clotting issue or take medications that reduce blood clotting might not be able to have Thoracentesis. Your doctor will discuss the risks with you before the procedure and will also check your medical history to determine if there are any reasons why it might not be suitable for you. They will also do an examination of your blood to make sure that you don't have a medical condition that makes it difficult for your body to make clots.