Talc Treatment for Mesothelioma
Certain cosmetic talcum products have been found to contain asbestos fibers. These talc particles are typically contaminated. contain anthophyllite, tremolite or the chrysotile asbestos.
The experts in nursing recommend talc-based pleurodesis surgery for pleural patients with mesothelioma. This is because it improves mesothelioma survivorship rates and relieves symptoms by removing excessive fluid from the chest cavity.
Pleurodesis
The minimally invasive procedure of Pleurodesis is designed to manage the primary symptom associated with pleural Mesothelioma which is the accumulation of fluid within the pleura (the thin membrane that covers the lung tissue). The procedure involves inserting a small tube inside the chest cavity, which is then filled with a combination of saline and talc. This causes the pleural linings to stick together, which causes them to cause irritation.
Pleural mesothelioma patients that do not have pleural effusions experience higher quality of life than those suffering from this condition, which can cause pain and difficulty breathing. Doctors recommend pleurodesis and other treatment options such as thoracentesis to stop the buildup of fluid. Pleurodesis can be performed on either side of the body.
In a study recently published in the Journal of Thoracic Disease, researchers compared pleurodesis using talc to more aggressive surgical options for mesothelioma including extrapleural pneumonectomy as well as pleurectomy with decortication (P/D). The results suggest that patients who undergo pleurodesis last longer than those who undergo more invasive surgery.
Patients who have been diagnosed with mesothelioma pleural are usually given chemotherapy to treat the cancer but this only extends survival by a mean of 12 months. Pleurodesis, a less-invasive procedure, can help prolong the duration of survival and lessen the pain. Pleurodesis is a procedure that can be done prior to or after mesothelioma treatment, and can also be combined with other cancer treatments such as chemotherapy or radiation.
This is why mesothelioma is now being recognized as an effective palliative treatment for mesothelioma patients especially when it is utilized in conjunction with other cancer therapies. A mesothelioma specialist can determine which treatment is best for each patient.
During the procedure, patients are given oral morphine as well as a local anesthetic to ease pain. A small tube is placed into the chest cavity and a mixture containing saline, talc and other ingredients is slowly added. A doctor will take out the drain taps after the talc has been inserted and will continue to monitor for complications. After the surgery, patients will need to take medications prescribed by their doctor to alleviate any discomfort. A few complications of this procedure include low blood pressure, fever and flu-like symptoms within a one or two days following the procedure. However, these are uncommon. Patients should discuss the risk with a specialist for mesothelioma.
Thoracentesis
Thoracentesis is the procedure that doctors use to remove pleural effusions, or fluid accumulation around one or both of your lung tissue. It can be done in a hospital or a doctor's office. It usually takes place while you are awake. However, some people may be sedated. In these cases you'll need someone to drive you home following the procedure.
Your doctor will sterilize the area in which they will insert the needle and then inject a numbing drug. Then, they will move your body so they are able to access the pleural area, which is usually between your ribs. They might also employ ultrasound to locate the proper spot.
After inserting the needle the doctor will then use tubes to remove the fluid from the pleural space. The pleural fluid will then be assessed to determine what's the cause of the buildup of fluid. peritoneal mesothelioma treatment It is possible that you will require additional tests like an MRI or CT to determine the cause of your fluid buildup and what treatment options are available.
After the pleural fluid is removed after which the doctor will close the needle and cover it with bandage. You may experience a slight cough after this however this is normal. Coughing can help increase the size of your lungs and remove the excess fluid. You'll likely need to keep the bandage on for about an hour. You might have to stay in the hospital for a few days, depending on what caused your fluid buildup and how much of it was removed during the thoracentesis.
If you are ready to remove the bandage the doctor will take an X-ray of your chest in order to ensure that there are no complications occurred during the procedure. It is possible that you will require another X-ray within the next few hours to ensure that all fluids have been removed.
Certain people who suffer from blood-clotting disorders or who take medications that reduce clotting may not be able to undergo Thoracentesis. Your doctor will discuss the risks with you before the procedure and will also check your medical history to determine any possible reasons why it might not be safe for you. They will also conduct a blood test to make sure that you don't have a condition that makes it difficult for your body to make clots.