Category Archives: Mesothelioma Treatment  Mesothelioma
Thoracentesis: Pleural Effusion Therapy  Thoracentesis is a
mesothelioma treatment and diagnostic procedure in which a small
needle is inserted into the chest cavity, usually from the back,
to drain fluid away from the cavity between the lungs and the
chest wall. This chest cavity, referred to as the “pleural
space”, is the area in which pleural mesothelioma (cancer in the
lungs) can cause excess fluid to accumulate, making it difficult
for the patient to breath and causing pain. Mesothelioma
thoracentesis is an invasive procedure that requires at least
local anesthesia and cooperation from the patient to avoid
unintentional injury to the nearby lung. In severe cases of
pleural effusion, a condition in which the lining of the lungs
(pleura) secretes too much serous fluid, thoracentesis may be
replaced with a chest tube procedure.  Thoracentesis and
pleurodesis are the two most common treatments for mesothelioma
related pleural effusions. Anyone exposed t