Pericardiocentesis is a procedure that drains fluid from the tissue around the heart called the pericardium. For patients with pericardial mesothelioma, the procedure relieves the uncomfortable symptoms of pericardial effusion, the buildup of fluid. This is a palliative procedure that treats symptoms, but not cancer itself. What Is a Pericardiocentesis? Pericardiocentesis is a minimally-invasive procedure
Thoracentesis (pleurocentesis) is a procedure to withdraw fluid from the pleural space. Fluid tends to build up in patients with pleural mesothelioma, which is uncomfortable. Thoracentesis provides symptom relief. Doctors also use it for diagnostic tests. What Is a Thoracentesis? Thoracentesis, which is also called pleurocentesis, is a minor procedure doctors use to remove fluid
Pleurodesis is a procedure to treat and reduce the recurrence of pleural effusion, a common complication of pleural mesothelioma. It involves adhering the two layers of pleural tissue together so that fluid cannot accumulate. Pleurodesis is not a cancer treatment but relieves common symptoms and improves quality of life. Mesothelioma and Pleural Effusion Pleurodesis is
Two of the main types of surgery for pleural mesothelioma are pleurectomy/decortication (P/D), which spares the lung, and extrapleural pneumonectomy (EPP), which removes an entire lung. Pleurectomy/decortication vs. extrapleural pneumonectomy is an important debate for patients. What Is Pleurectomy/Decortication? A pleurectomy/decortication, also known as P/D, is a surgery often used for mesothelioma. This procedure removes
Pleurectomy/decortication (P/D) is a two-part surgery that treats pleural mesothelioma. Surgeons remove the pleura and any portions of the lung with cancerous tissue. P/D is sometimes called a lung-sparing surgery because it removes as much diseased tissue as possible without removing the entire lung. What Is Pleurectomy/Decortication? Pleurectomy/decortication is a complex, two-part surgery that removes
Diffuse pleural thickening is a disease that causes the pleura, layers of tissue around the lungs, to thicken. Pleural thickening may be a symptom of mesothelioma and related conditions, or it may be benign. It causes difficulty breathing, shortness of breath, and chest pains. About Pleural Thickening Also known as pleural parenchymal scarring, pleural thickening
Some pleural mesothelioma patients need a prosthetic diaphragm after undergoing surgery. A surgeon might also use prosthetics to reconstruct part of the chest wall or the pericardium. In the future, prosthetic lungs may be available to patients with pleural mesothelioma. What Is a Mesothelioma Prosthetic? A prosthetic is any type of synthetic or biosynthetic body
Asbestos is made up of small fibers, which can come loose and get into the air. It is possible to work around asbestos and be safe with the right precautions, safety equipment, and training, but no one told me about it. Always be aware of the materials and safety procedures being used on a job
Asbestos exposure in oil refinery workers is an ongoing problem. Oil refineries convert petroleum into refined products, a process that requires a lot of heat and insulation, which in the past was high in asbestos. Some refineries still contain asbestos today, putting workers at risk of developing serious illnesses like mesothelioma. About U.S. Oil Refineries
Complications of mesothelioma vary by individual and range from uncomfortable pleural effusions to emotional distress and mental health challenges. Complete care for mesothelioma patients must consider all possible complications. Treatments should address cancer itself as well as these secondary conditions and symptoms. How Does Mesothelioma Cause Complications? Mesothelioma, like all cancers, affects the body in