Mesothelioma Thoracentesis

Pleural mesothelioma refers to a specific condition that involves the collection of fluid in the chest cavity between the lining in the chest wall and the lining over the lungs. In general, it is considered normal to have a small amount of fluid in the cavity to provide a lubricating effect for the organs it houses. When the fluid becomes excessive, however, it creates pressure on the lungs and chest wall. This may be distressing and disturbing for the patient.

Thoracentesis Procedure

To reduce the amount of fluid or pleural effusion (pleurodesis) as it is known in medical terminology, and the consequent pressure, the following method is followed:

• A small area of the skin in the back between the ribs is sterilized.
• A numbing medication is injected into the area between the ribs and the lung to dull the sensations in that part.
• A special needle or catheter is inserted into this region.
• The excessive fluid is drained from the body through this needle.

The above procedure takes very little time, is painless, and without complications in general.

The procedure is called Thoracentesis and the result of the practice is termed Pleural Fluid Aspiration.

In the normal course, the fluid produced by the body is clear and is absorbed by the blood and lymph vessels and only the required amount is maintained in the pleural space for lubricating purposes. The process of mesothelioma thoracentesis is considered when excessive fluid accumulation in the chest cavity is suspected. It may initially be used for diagnostic purposes to ascertain the cause of fluid increase in the chest cavity.

In diseases of the mesothelial cells, including mesothelioma, the condition is indicated by a cloudy fluid called exudates that may contain many cells and proteins. The clear or transudative fluid may only accumulate when there is an imbalance in the normal process of production and removal of the fluid from the body. Congestive Heart Failure is the most common reason for this. In this condition, the heart does not pump sufficiently and as a result, the fluid is not absorbed at the same rate.

It may be noted that very often tests of pleural effusions are inconclusive and definitive diagnosis may be achieved only in 15% cases. A biopsy of the pleural material provides the most reliable diagnosis of mesothelioma.