Mesothelioma is a cancer which is caused by exposure to asbestos fibers. It is a disease which has not been understood at all until recently. It has been treated like lung cancer in most regards because of the symptoms that the individual displays being so similar to those which a lung cancer patient will display. As more is understood about mesothelioma, more is discovered about how to diagnose and treat the disease. While no cure has been found to date, the treatments which have been created can help to offer more comfort and even prolong the life expectancy for patients.
One of the methods which are used when dealing with mesothelioma is thoracentesis. This is the process by which a long hollow needle is inserted into the pleura to find out if there are cancer cells residing in the area. After the material has been tested, it is possible to determine whether the person is suffering from mesothelioma or some other kind of cancer. The doctors will also look for asbestos in the pleural lining to see if there is the possibility that the cancer invading the body was caused by exposure. It is important to note that there are some risks involved with the procedure.
Diagnosis from Thoracentesis
In order to decide whether the pleural fluid removed indicates mesothelioma, a biopsy will have to be performed. This is done in the confines of a laboratory and the things that the doctors are looking for in the fluid include levels which are out of sink in: cell counts, glucose presence, cholesterol, pH levels and protein levels. By looking at these different numbers together, it is possible to judge whether the individual is suffering from mesothelioma, another cancer or any other illnesses.
Thoracentesis as a Treatment
If asbestos has caused the individual to have malignant mesothelioma, it is necessary to give them the ability to live a more fulfilling life. By using thoracentesis, it is possible to alleviate the pressure which is being put on the lungs. This makes it easier to breath and will cause less pain for those who have been suffering from mesothelioma. When used as a treatment the doctor will perform a CAT scan on the lungs to see where the problem is located at. After the procedure is over, another scan will be made to see how much remains.
Dangers of Thoracentesis
Using thoracentesis can help to bring a lot of relief to those who suffer from mesothelioma. It is also possible that the procedure will cause a lot of problems. Pulmonary Edema is a condition in which after the fluid has been removed from the pleura, additional fluid builds up and the lungs are caused to fail. Another problem is pneumothorax. This is where the doctor can mistakenly puncture the lung or cause a disruption in the air gathering in the pleural cavity which leads to a collapsed lung. A collapsed lung will often lead to hemopneumothorax. This is when blood fills the pleural space after damage has occurred.