Talc Treatment for Mesothelioma
The results of studies have revealed asbestos fibers in some cosmetic talcum powders. These talc particles are typically contaminated. contain anthophyllite, tremolite or Chrysotile asbestos.
The experts in nursing recommend talc-based pleurodesis surgery as a possible alternative to more invasive procedures for pleural mesothelioma patients. This is because it improves mesothelioma survivability rates and eases symptoms by removing excess fluid from the chest cavity.
Pleurodesis
Pleurodesis is an minimally invasive procedure to treat the primary symptom of pleural mesothelioma: the accumulation of fluid in the pleura. It is the thin membrane that covers the lung. The procedure involves inserting a small tube in the chest cavity. The tube is filled with a mixture of talc, the saline, and other substances. This causes irritation to the pleural linings and causes them to stick to one another, sealing the area that allows fluid to accumulate.
Pleural mesothelioma patients who don't have pleural effusions enjoy better quality of life than those with this condition, which can cause pain and difficulty breathing. Because of this, doctors recommend preventing fluid buildup through pleurodesis, or other options for treatment like thoracentesis. Pleurodesis is usually performed on the right side of the body, but it can also be done on the left.
In a study recently published in the Journal of Thoracic Disease researchers compared pleurodesis with talc against more aggressive surgical options for mesothelioma, such as extrapleural pneumonectomy and pleurectomy with decortication (P/D). The results suggest that patients who undergo pleurodesis survive longer than those who undergo more intensive surgery.
Chemotherapy is often recommended for patients suffering from asbestosis pleural, but it does not increase survival by 12 months. Pleurodesis is a less invasive procedure, can help prolong the life span and decrease pain. Pleurodesis can be done before or after mesothelioma treatment, and it is also possible to combine with other treatment for cancer, such as radiation or chemotherapy.
radiation treatment in mesothelioma is getting 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 expert can determine the best treatment for each patient.
During the procedure, patients are given oral morphine as well as a local anesthetic to control pain. A small tube is put into the chest cavity and a mixture of saline and talc is slowly added. After the talc is placed, a doctor will remove the drain tap and continue to monitor for any complications. After the procedure patients must take painkillers as prescribed by their physician to ease any discomfort. A few complications of this procedure include low blood pressure, fever and flu-like symptoms within a days or two following the procedure. These are rare. Patients should discuss the risks with a mesothelioma specialist.
Thoracentesis
Thoracentesis, also known as pleural effusions or fluid accumulation around your lungs is a procedure utilized by doctors to eliminate these fluids. It is performed either in a hospital or your doctor's office. It is usually performed while you are awake, however, some patients are sedated. In those cases you'll need someone to take you home afterward.
Your healthcare provider will disinfect the area where they'll insert the needle, and then inject a numbing medication. They will then move your body in order to access the pleural cavity, which is normally between your ribs. They may employ ultrasound to pinpoint the right location.
Once they have inserted the needle, they will utilize an instrument or syringe to drain the fluid from your pleural space. The pleural fluid is tested to determine what is causing the fluid buildup. You may require further tests, such as an MRI or CT to determine the source of the fluid buildup and the best way to treat it.
After the pleural liquid is removed, the doctor will close the needle and cover the wound with a bandage. You might cough a little after this, but this is normal. The coughing process helps your lung expand and get rid of the extra fluid. It is likely that you will need to keep the bandage in place for approximately an hour. You might have to stay in the hospital for a few days, depending on the cause of your fluid buildup and how much was removed during the thoracentesis.
The doctor will take an X-ray scan of your chest when you are ready to take off the bandage to ensure that there were no issues during the procedure. It is possible that you will require another X-ray within the next few hours to confirm that all fluid has been eliminated.
Some people with blood-clotting disorders or who are taking medications to decrease clotting could not be able have a Thoracentesis. Your doctor will discuss the risks with you prior the procedure and will also check your medical history to determine any possible reasons for why the procedure isn't safe for you. They will also perform an examination of your blood to ensure that you do not have a medical condition that makes it hard for your body to make clots.