Malignant Mesothelioma Treatment, pleural mesothelioma

Though researchers continue to develop new ways to diagnose and treat mesothelioma, there are a number of techniques that have been on the scene for several decades. One such technique, thoracentesis, was developed in the late 19th century and is still used today.Thoracentesis, the extraction of fluid from the lungs and the pleura (pleural effusion), can be used for two purposes.

The first is as a mesothelioma diagnostic tool. In this procedure, a doctor uses a hollow needle, or cannula, to extract pleural fluid. This procedure helps to determine the causes behind the fluid buildup. The fluid is then examined for certain qualities that may indicate disease. Usually, however, thoracentesis is not sufficient to determine whether or not a person has mesothelioma. A biopsy is typically required as well.

Before performing the test, doctors will first take an x-ray of the chest, which reveals the extent of the problem and allows them to make the best insertion possible. The skin around the insertion will be disinfected and local anesthesia will be injected to numb the pain. The needle is then inserted. This may cause a feeling of pressure, but not  mesothelioma pain (with the help of anesthesia). The procedure is often followed by an x-ray to verify the success of the thoracentesis and the amount of fluid removed.

After the fluid is collected from the lung's chest cavity, it is sent to a lab for analysis. There are a number of factors that doctors examine to determine whether mesothelioma is present. These include:

Fluid in the pleural region can indicate a number of concerns other than mesothelioma. Although cancer is a common  mesothelioma cause of excess fluid in the chest, the fluid may also indicate lung infection, connective tissue disease, congestive heart failure, cirrhosis, and a number of other conditions.