{"id":21825,"date":"2023-05-09T15:55:11","date_gmt":"2023-05-09T19:55:11","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.mesotheliomahope.com\/?page_id=21825"},"modified":"2025-08-27T13:07:03","modified_gmt":"2025-08-27T17:07:03","slug":"thoracentesis","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.mesotheliomahope.com\/treatment\/surgery\/thoracentesis\/","title":{"rendered":"Mesothelioma Thoracentesis"},"content":{"rendered":"<h2>What Is Thoracentesis for Mesothelioma?<\/h2>\n<p>A thoracentesis is a common and simple medical procedure that can help patients with <a href=\"\/mesothelioma\/\">mesothelioma<\/a>, a rare cancer caused by asbestos exposure.<\/p>\n<div class=\"callout-shortcode\"><style type=\"text\/css\">.callout-shortcode{background:#EDF8F9;border-radius:0 10px 10px 0;padding:20px 20px 20px 24px;margin:40px 0;max-width:860px;position:relative}.callout-shortcode:before{content:\" \";position:absolute;top:0;bottom:0;width:4px;height:100%;left:0;background:linear-gradient(180deg, #0FAEBF 0%, #EDF8F9 100%)}.callout-shortcode .callout-shortcode-heading{color:#100134;font-size:22px;display:block;margin:0 0 15px}.callout-shortcode:first-child{margin-top:0}.callout-shortcode:last-child{margin-bottom:0}.callout-shortcode .img-wrap{margin-bottom:20px}.callout-shortcode.hope>strong{padding-top:17px;padding-bottom:15px;padding-left:74px}.callout-shortcode.hope .img-wrap{left:22px;position:absolute;top:20px;width:59px}.callout-shortcode.hope .img-wrap:before{background:#fff url(\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/mh-icon-65.png);background-position:center;background-repeat:no-repeat;background-size:70%;border-radius:30px;bottom:-10px;content:\"\";display:block;height:30px;position:absolute;right:-10px;width:30px}@media screen and (min-width: 768px){.callout-shortcode{padding:25px 25px 25px 34px}.callout-shortcode .callout-shortcode-heading{font-size:24px}.callout-shortcode .img-wrap{margin-bottom:0}.callout-shortcode.has-img{min-height:170px;padding-left:175px}.callout-shortcode.has-img .img-wrap{position:absolute;left:29px;top:25px;width:119px}.callout-shortcode.hope.has-img{padding-left:170px}.callout-shortcode.hope>strong{padding:0}.callout-shortcode.hope .img-wrap{width:109px}.callout-shortcode.hope .img-wrap:before{background-size:66%;bottom:-15px;height:42px;width:42px}}<\/style><strong class=\"callout-shortcode-heading\">Thoracentesis Definition<\/strong><div class=\"content\"><p>During a thoracentesis, the doctor inserts a hollow needle through the chest wall to drain pleural effusions.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<p><strong>Doctors may use a thoracentesis to:<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Diagnose mesothelioma:<\/strong> Doctors can examine fluid that\u2019s removed from the pleura under a microscope to see if mesothelioma cells are present, according to Cleveland Clinic.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Treat pleural effusions:<\/strong> Pleural effusions are a common condition in cases of malignant (cancerous) pleural mesothelioma. The fluid buildup causes pain and difficulty breathing. In many cases, doctors can easily drain a pleural effusion with a thoracentesis.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>A thoracentesis is minimally invasive and a quick way to help patients get relief from their <a href=\"\/mesothelioma\/symptoms\/pleural\/\">pleural mesothelioma symptoms<\/a>. Since it only takes about 15 minutes, it\u2019s usually performed as an outpatient procedure (where the patient goes home the same day).<\/p>\n<p>Pleural mesothelioma patients can get a thoracentesis and other top treatments from cancer doctors. Find a specialist who can help you with our <strong>Free Mesothelioma Doctor Match<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<div id=\"25223\" class=\"one-off-25223 widget widget_oscar-vque one-off\" data-vqueid=\"25223\"><style type=\"text\/css\" data-style=\"one-off\">.one-off-25223{margin:60px auto}.one-off-25223 a{box-shadow:0 4px 4px 0 rgba(0,0,0,.25);display:block;background:#e4f4f6;padding:20px 25px 200px;text-decoration:none;color:inherit;position:relative;overflow:hidden;max-width:360px;margin:0 auto}.one-off-25223 a::before{background:#0FAEBF;border-radius:50% 50% 0 0;content:'';position:absolute;bottom:0;height:19%;width:135%;left:-60px;z-index:0}.one-off-25223 .vque-content,.one-off-25223 .image-wrap{z-index:1;position:relative}.one-off-25223 .image-wrap{width:100%;position:absolute;left:-10px;bottom:-15px}.one-off-25223 .image-wrap img{position:absolute;bottom:0;width:100%;max-width:unset;left:0}.one-off-25223 .heading{font-size:27px;line-height:33px;text-align:center;display:block;max-width:340px;margin:5px auto 25px}.one-off-25223 ul{list-style:none;margin:-10px auto 22px;text-align:left;font-size:16px;line-height:26px}.one-off-25223 ul li{margin:0 0 15px;position:relative;padding-left:35px}.one-off-25223 ul li::before{font-family:\"mesohope\"!important;speak:none;font-style:normal;font-weight:normal;font-variant:normal;text-transform:none;line-height:1;content:\"\\e904\";background:#0FAEBF;width:21px;height:21px;display:block;position:absolute;left:0;top:4px;border-radius:50%;color:#fff;font-size:11px;text-align:center;line-height:21px}.one-off-25223 p{text-align:center}.one-off-25223 .button{padding:12px 16px;display:block}@media screen and (min-width:768px){.one-off-25223 a{max-width:620px;padding:30px 30px 35px;border-radius:0 0 4px 4px}.one-off-25223 a::before{border-radius:50%;height:155%;width:150%;right:-550px;left:unset;bottom:-295px}.one-off-25223 .heading{text-align:left;margin:2px 0 25px;max-width:unset;font-size:24px}.one-off-25223 ul{margin:-7px 0 30px;max-width:365px;line-height:23px}.one-off-25223 ul li::before{top:1px}.one-off-25223 .image-wrap{max-width:unset;position:absolute;right:-25px;bottom:-35px;margin:0 0 -2px;left:unset;width:380px}.one-off-25223 .image-wrap img{position:relative;bottom:0;left:0;width:380px}.one-off-25223 .button{display:inline-block;padding:14px 25px}.one-off-25223 p{text-align:left}}@media screen and (min-width:1150px){.one-off-25223 a{padding:30px}}<\/style><a href=\"\/get-matched\/\" title=\"Get Matched With a Mesothelioma Doctor\" class=\"cte\" data-ce-category=\"In-Content Ads\" data-ce-label=\"Get Matched With a Mesothelioma Doctor Ad\"><div>\r\n    <div class=\"vque-content\">\r\n        <strong class=\"heading\">Get Matched With a Mesothelioma Doctor<\/strong>\r\n        <ul>\r\n            <li>Find top specialists near you<\/li>\r\n            <li>Seek compensation for travel & care<\/li>\r\n            <li>Get medical guidance<\/li>\r\n        <\/ul>\r\n        <p><strong class=\"button arrow\" title=\"Get Matched Now\">Get Matched Now<\/strong><\/p>\r\n    <\/div>\r\n    <div class=\"image-wrap\"><img decoding=\"async\"  src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==\" data-src=\"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/Doctors-ad.png\" alt=\"Get Matched With a Mesothelioma Doctor\" class=\"lazyload\" ><\/div>\r\n<\/div><\/a><\/div>\n<h2>Paracentesis vs. Thoracentesis<\/h2>\n<p>A paracentesis is the same treatment as a thoracentesis, but fluid is drained from the abdominal lining (peritoneum) instead of the lung lining.<\/p>\n<p>This makes paracentesis a good treatment for peritoneal mesothelioma. Specifically, it can treat a common peritoneal mesothelioma symptom called <a href=\"\/mesothelioma\/peritoneal\/effusion\/\">ascites<\/a>, which causes bloating, pain, and nausea.<\/p>\n<p>Your <a href=\"\/treatment\/doctors\/\">mesothelioma doctor<\/a> can determine if a thoracentesis or a paracentesis would be better, depending on which type of cancer you have.<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"steps\">Steps for Getting a Thoracentesis for Mesothelioma<\/h2>\n<p>The following steps outline what to expect when undergoing a thoracentesis for mesothelioma.<\/p>\n<h3>1. Initial Consultation and Imaging Scans<\/h3>\n<p>Oncology (cancer) doctors will typically recommend getting a thoracentesis if you have pleural effusions. During an initial visit to a doctor, you\u2019ll be able to ask them questions and voice any concerns you have before agreeing to the procedure.<\/p>\n<p>Your doctor may also recommend imaging tests, like X-rays or CT scans, to see exactly where the effusion is beforehand.<\/p>\n<h3>2. Thoracentesis Procedure<\/h3>\n<p>Once the pleural effusion has been located, thoracic surgeons (who treat ailments of the chest) can then begin the mesothelioma thoracentesis procedure. Cleveland Clinic notes that a thoracentesis usually takes<strong> just 15 minutes<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Here\u2019s how doctors perform a thoracentesis:<\/strong><\/p>\n<ol>\n<li><strong>Prepare the patient:<\/strong> The patient may need to wear a hospital gown and be hooked up to machines that monitor their vital signs. If the patient requires oxygen during a thoracentesis procedure, they might receive a face mask or nasal tube.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Get the patient into the proper thoracentesis position:<\/strong> Positioning for thoracentesis is very important in making the procedure go smoothly. Patients typically need to sit upright or on their sides so doctors can easily access their back (which is where the needle will be inserted), according to Cleveland Clinic.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Numb the skin:<\/strong> The doctor will apply a sterile numbing medicine to the skin.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Insert the needle:<\/strong> Once the skin becomes numb, the health care provider will put the needle into the chest. An ultrasound is often used to make sure the needle is inserted properly. A 2022 report in the medical journal <em>Diagnostic Cytopathology<\/em> recommends that doctors use an ultrasound-guided thoracentesis if the patient has (or might have) cancer.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Drain the fluid:<\/strong> The provider will use a tube that\u2019s hooked up to the needle to drain the pleural effusion. The amount of fluid drained will depend on how much has built up. In a 2019 study from <em>Cureus<\/em>, a man had almost a gallon of fluid drained with a thoracentesis. He was later diagnosed with <a href=\"\/mesothelioma\/pleural\/\">pleural mesothelioma<\/a>.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Perform fluid analysis:<\/strong> If the underlying cause of the pleural effusion isn\u2019t clear, the doctor will conduct a biopsy using the thoracentesis sample. During this process, they\u2019ll look at the pleural fluid under a microscope to see if cancer cells are present.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<h3>3. Mesothelioma Thoracentesis Recovery<\/h3>\n<p>After a thoracentesis for pleural effusions, the doctor will monitor the patient&#8217;s vital signs, including respiration, temperature, blood pressure, and heart rate. They may also provide a chest X-ray to make sure no complications have occurred.<\/p>\n<p><strong>The average thoracentesis recovery time isn\u2019t very long<\/strong> \u2014 most patients can remove the bandage from the incision site after a day. Patients should schedule a follow-up visit to make sure no complications have occurred.<\/p>\n<div class=\"callout-shortcode\"><style type=\"text\/css\">.callout-shortcode{background:#EDF8F9;border-radius:0 10px 10px 0;padding:20px 20px 20px 24px;margin:40px 0;max-width:860px;position:relative}.callout-shortcode:before{content:\" \";position:absolute;top:0;bottom:0;width:4px;height:100%;left:0;background:linear-gradient(180deg, #0FAEBF 0%, #EDF8F9 100%)}.callout-shortcode .callout-shortcode-heading{color:#100134;font-size:22px;display:block;margin:0 0 15px}.callout-shortcode:first-child{margin-top:0}.callout-shortcode:last-child{margin-bottom:0}.callout-shortcode .img-wrap{margin-bottom:20px}.callout-shortcode.hope>strong{padding-top:17px;padding-bottom:15px;padding-left:74px}.callout-shortcode.hope .img-wrap{left:22px;position:absolute;top:20px;width:59px}.callout-shortcode.hope .img-wrap:before{background:#fff url(\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/02\/mh-icon-65.png);background-position:center;background-repeat:no-repeat;background-size:70%;border-radius:30px;bottom:-10px;content:\"\";display:block;height:30px;position:absolute;right:-10px;width:30px}@media screen and (min-width: 768px){.callout-shortcode{padding:25px 25px 25px 34px}.callout-shortcode .callout-shortcode-heading{font-size:24px}.callout-shortcode .img-wrap{margin-bottom:0}.callout-shortcode.has-img{min-height:170px;padding-left:175px}.callout-shortcode.has-img .img-wrap{position:absolute;left:29px;top:25px;width:119px}.callout-shortcode.hope.has-img{padding-left:170px}.callout-shortcode.hope>strong{padding:0}.callout-shortcode.hope .img-wrap{width:109px}.callout-shortcode.hope .img-wrap:before{background-size:66%;bottom:-15px;height:42px;width:42px}}<\/style><div class=\"content\"><p>Our Patient Advocates can help you access a mesothelioma thoracentesis and other top treatments. <a href=\"\/about\/contact\/\">Contact us now<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<h2 id=\"benefits\">Benefits of Mesothelioma Thoracentesis<\/h2>\n<p>For many patients, mesothelioma thoracentesis is a quick and effective way to treat pleural effusions and the symptoms they cause, such as breathing difficulties and chest pain.<\/p>\n<p>A 2021 study published in the <em>British Medical Journal<\/em> looked at how thoracentesis could help patients with malignant pleural effusions.<\/p>\n<p><strong>This study revealed thoracentesis eased symptoms like:<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Breathlessness<\/li>\n<li>Cough<\/li>\n<li>Pain<\/li>\n<li>Sleeplessness<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Another benefit of this procedure is that it can be performed multiple times with minimal risks to the patient if fluid builds up again in the pleural cavity.<\/p>\n<div class=\"video-shortcode-container\"><style type=\"text\/css\">.video-shortcode-container{margin:40px 0;background:#F3F2F0;border-radius:15px;overflow:hidden;max-width:605px;font-size:16px}.video-shortcode-container:first-child{margin-top:0}.video-shortcode-container:last-child{margin-bottom:0}.video-shortcode-container>.youtube-video-place{background-size:cover;background-repeat:no-repeat;background-position:center;border:1px solid #fff;height:0;margin-bottom:0;padding-bottom:55.77%;position:relative}.video-shortcode-container>.youtube-video-place iframe{height:100%;left:0;position:absolute;top:0;width:100%}.video-shortcode-container>.youtube-video-place img{margin:0;width:100%}.video-shortcode-container>.youtube-video-place button[type=button]{background:none;border-radius:0 !important;box-shadow:none;border:none;height:100%;left:0;outline:0;position:absolute;top:0;transition:all 0.25s ease-in-out;width:100%}.video-shortcode-container>.youtube-video-place button[type=button]:before{font-family:\"mesohope\" 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.header{font-size:18px;padding-bottom:30px;text-align:center;max-width:370px;margin:0 auto 30px;border-bottom:2px solid #0FAEBF;position:relative}.video-shortcode-container .what-next .header img{position:absolute;bottom:-17px;left:50%;transform:translateX(-50%);width:36px;height:36px;margin:0}.video-shortcode-container .what-next a{color:#fff;font-weight:700}.video-shortcode-container .what-next a:visited{color:#fff}.video-shortcode-container .what-next a:hover{text-decoration:none}.video-shortcode-container .what-next ol{list-style:decimal;margin-left:25px}.video-shortcode-container .what-next ol>li{margin-bottom:10px;padding-left:10px}.video-shortcode-container .what-next ol>li:before{display:none}.video-shortcode-container .what-next ol>li::marker{font-weight:700;color:#fff}@media screen and (min-width: 550px){.what-next{font-size:18px}.what-next .header{font-size:24px}}@media screen and (min-width: 768px){.what-next{padding:50px 40px}.what-next .header{padding-bottom:35px;margin-bottom:50px}.what-next ol{column-count:2}.what-next ol>li{margin-bottom:25px}}<\/style><script defer type=\"text\/javascript\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/iframe_api\"><\/script><div class=\"what-next\" data-video-name=\"Thoracentesis for Pleural Mesothelioma | Mesothelioma Hope\">\n\t\t\t        \t<div class=\"header\">\n\t\t\t        \t\t<strong>What would you like to do now?<\/strong>\n\t\t\t        \t\t<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/MH-logo.png\" alt=\"Mesothelioma Hope Logo\" class=\"no-lazyload\" \/>\n\t\t\t        \t<\/div>\n\t\t\t        <\/div><div id=\"oscar-video-24607\" class=\"youtube-video-place embed-wrap-placeholder\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Thoracentesis for Pleural Mesothelioma | Mesothelioma Hope Video Thumbnail\" data-src=\"https:\/\/www.mesotheliomahope.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/mesothelioma-thoracentesis-screenshot-603x337.jpg\" class=\"attachment-full size-full lazyload\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==\" width=\"603\" height=\"337\"><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.mesotheliomahope.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/mesothelioma-thoracentesis-screenshot-603x337.jpg\" alt=\"Thoracentesis for Pleural Mesothelioma | Mesothelioma Hope Video Thumbnail\" class=\"attachment-full size-full\" width=\"603\" height=\"337\" \/><\/noscript><button type=\"button\" aria-label=\"Youtube Video\" class=\"embed-play\" data-youtube-url=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/lUWqKCcVWvE\" data-embed-id=\"lUWqKCcVWvE\" data-video-category=\"treatment\" data-ce-category=\"Video\" data-ce-label=\"Play Button of Thoracentesis for Pleural Mesothelioma | Mesothelioma Hope\"><span class=\"screen-reader-text\">Play Video<\/span><\/button><\/div><div class=\"under-video-text\"><p>With a thoracentesis, doctors use a needle or catheter to drain pleural effusions (fluid buildup in the lung lining) in cases of pleural mesothelioma. This can help ease symptoms and improve quality of life. <a href=\"#\" data-collapsed=\"true\" title=\"Click to read Thoracentesis for Pleural Mesothelioma | Mesothelioma Hope transcript \" class=\"show-more\" data-ce-category=\"Video\" data-ce-label=\"Read Transcript of Thoracentesis for Pleural Mesothelioma | Mesothelioma Hope\">View Transcript.<\/a><\/p><p class=\"duration\">Duration: <strong>2 min 02 sec<\/strong><\/p><div class=\"video-transcript\"><p>Mesothelioma thoracentesis, also known as pleurocentesis, is a minimally invasive procedure designed to alleviate the symptoms of pleural effusions. Pleural effusions refer to the buildup of excess fluid in the lining of the lungs, which can cause discomfort and difficulty breathing for patients with pleural mesothelioma. During a thoracentesis, a healthcare professional will insert a thin needle or catheter into the pleural space between the chest wall and the lung. This procedure allows for the drainage of the accumulated fluid, providing relief and improving the patient\u2019s quality of life.<\/p>\n<p>The thoracentesis procedure offers several benefits for those with pleural mesothelioma. First and foremost, it can effectively alleviate the symptoms associated with pleural effusions, including shortness of breath and chest pain. By removing the excess fluid, thoracentesis also helps restore lung function and improves respiratory capacity. This can lead to a significant improvement in the patient\u2019s ability to breathe comfortably.<\/p>\n<p>When considering palliative treatments for pleural mesothelioma, it\u2019s important to understand how thoracentesis compares to other palliative or symptom-relieving procedures. While thoracentesis provides immediate relief by draining the accumulated fluid, other palliative treatments, such as pleurodesis or a tunneled pleural catheter, may offer longer-term fluid management. If you\u2019re experiencing symptoms related to pleural effusions caused by mesothelioma, it\u2019s essential to consult with a doctor. They can evaluate your individual situation and recommend the most suitable treatment options based on your needs and preferences.<\/p>\n<p>Remember, a mesothelioma specialist is your best resource for understanding the benefits and potential risks associated with each treatment option. They will guide you through the decision-making process to help you find the most effective way to manage your symptoms and improve your quality of life. To get personalized information on mesothelioma treatments, procedures, and top doctors, visit our website or contact us today.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><div class=\"see-more-videos\"><a href=\"\/video-library\/?cat=treatment\" data-ce-category=\"Video\" data-ce-label=\"See More - Thoracentesis for Pleural Mesothelioma | Mesothelioma Hope\">See More Treatment Videos<\/a><\/div><script type=\"application\/ld+json\">{\"@context\": \"https:\/\/schema.org\", \"@graph\": [{\"@type\": \"VideoObject\", \"name\": \"Thoracentesis for Pleural Mesothelioma | Mesothelioma Hope\", \"uploadDate\": \"2024-06-12T00:00:00-04:00\", \"thumbnail\": \"https:\/\/www.mesotheliomahope.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/mesothelioma-thoracentesis-screenshot.jpg\", \"thumbnailUrl\": \"https:\/\/www.mesotheliomahope.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/mesothelioma-thoracentesis-screenshot.jpg\", \"embedUrl\": \"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/lUWqKCcVWvE\", \"url\": \"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=lUWqKCcVWvE\", \"caption\": \"With a thoracentesis, doctors use a needle or catheter to drain pleural effusions (fluid buildup in the lung lining) in cases of pleural mesothelioma. This can help ease symptoms and improve quality of life.\", \"description\": \"With a thoracentesis, doctors use a needle or catheter to drain pleural effusions (fluid buildup in the lung lining) in cases of pleural mesothelioma. This can help ease symptoms and improve quality of life.\", \"transcript\": \"&lt;p&gt;Mesothelioma thoracentesis, also known as pleurocentesis, is a minimally invasive procedure designed to alleviate the symptoms of pleural effusions. Pleural effusions refer to the buildup of excess fluid in the lining of the lungs, which can cause discomfort and difficulty breathing for patients with pleural mesothelioma. During a thoracentesis, a healthcare professional will insert a thin needle or catheter into the pleural space between the chest wall and the lung. This procedure allows for the drainage of the accumulated fluid, providing relief and improving the patient\u2019s quality of life.&lt;\/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;The thoracentesis procedure offers several benefits for those with pleural mesothelioma. First and foremost, it can effectively alleviate the symptoms associated with pleural effusions, including shortness of breath and chest pain. By removing the excess fluid, thoracentesis also helps restore lung function and improves respiratory capacity. This can lead to a significant improvement in the patient\u2019s ability to breathe comfortably.&lt;\/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;When considering palliative treatments for pleural mesothelioma, it\u2019s important to understand how thoracentesis compares to other palliative or symptom-relieving procedures. While thoracentesis provides immediate relief by draining the accumulated fluid, other palliative treatments, such as pleurodesis or a tunneled pleural catheter, may offer longer-term fluid management. If you\u2019re experiencing symptoms related to pleural effusions caused by mesothelioma, it\u2019s essential to consult with a doctor. They can evaluate your individual situation and recommend the most suitable treatment options based on your needs and preferences.&lt;\/p&gt; &lt;p&gt;Remember, a mesothelioma specialist is your best resource for understanding the benefits and potential risks associated with each treatment option. They will guide you through the decision-making process to help you find the most effective way to manage your symptoms and improve your quality of life. To get personalized information on mesothelioma treatments, procedures, and top doctors, visit our website or contact us today.&lt;\/p&gt; \",\"publisher\" : {\"@id\": \"https:\/\/www.mesotheliomahope.com\/#organization\"}}, {\"@type\": \"MediaObject\", \"thumbnailUrl\": \"https:\/\/www.mesotheliomahope.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/mesothelioma-thoracentesis-screenshot.jpg\", \"embedUrl\": \"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/lUWqKCcVWvE\", \"uploadDate\": \"2024-06-12T00:00:00-04:00\", \"duration\": \"T02M02S\", \"startTime\": \"0:00\", \"endTime\": \"2:02\"}]}<\/script><\/div>\n<h2>Mesothelioma Thoracentesis Side Effects<\/h2>\n<p>Though rare, some patients may suffer from complications or side effects following a thoracentesis for mesothelioma.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Side effects of thoracentesis may include:<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/p>\n<ul class='columns-2'>\n<li>Bleeding<\/li>\n<li>Blood or fluid oozing from the incision site<\/li>\n<li>Chest pain<\/li>\n<li>Coughing up blood<\/li>\n<li>Fever<\/li>\n<li>Infection<\/li>\n<li>Laceration of the liver, spleen, or lung<\/li>\n<li>Pneumothorax (collapsed lung)<\/li>\n<li>Shortness of breath<\/li>\n<li>Tumor seeding (cancer spread if the needle hits a tumor)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>\n<p>A persistent cough is another potential complication of thoracentesis. However, this isn\u2019t something to be concerned about, and it typically goes away within an hour.<\/p>\n<p>Patients should watch for serious complications as they recover and contact their doctor if any appear.<\/p>\n<h3>What Is the Prognosis After Thoracentesis?<\/h3>\n<p>Mesothelioma thoracentesis doesn&#8217;t significantly affect <a href=\"\/mesothelioma\/prognosis\/\">prognosis<\/a> since it\u2019s mainly used to diagnose patients and manage symptoms.<\/p>\n<p>Doctors can recommend more aggressive <a href=\"\/treatment\/surgery\/\">mesothelioma surgeries<\/a>\u00a0or other treatments like chemotherapy for patients who want to improve their prognosis. Thoracentesis may be performed alongside these treatments to improve quality of life.<\/p>\n<p>Learn about treatments that can help you live longer and manage your symptoms in our <strong>Free Pleural Mesothelioma Guide<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<div id=\"26222\" class=\"one-off-26222 widget widget_oscar-vque one-off\" data-vqueid=\"26222\"><style type=\"text\/css\" data-style=\"one-off\">.one-off-26222{margin:60px auto}.one-off-26222 a{border-radius:10px;display:block;background:#0FAEBF;padding:20px 30px 75px;text-decoration:none;color:inherit;position:relative;overflow:hidden;max-width:335px;margin:0 auto;color:#000}.one-off-26222 a::before{background:#e4f4f6;border-radius:0 0 70% 0;content:'';position:absolute;top:0;height:96%;width:85%;right:-70px;z-index:0}.one-off-26222 a::after{background:#e4f4f6;border-radius:0;content:'';position:absolute;top:0;height:96%;width:60%;left:0;z-index:0}.one-off-26222 .vque-content,.one-off-26222 .image-wrap{z-index:1;position:relative}.one-off-26222 .image-wrap{max-width:163px;display:block;position:absolute;bottom:-20px;right:0}.one-off-26222 .heading{font-size:22px;line-height:26px;text-align:center;display:block;max-width:340px;margin:0 auto 25px;letter-spacing:-1px;max-width:280px}.one-off-26222 ul{list-style:none;margin-top:-10px;margin-left:0;text-align:left;font-size:16px;line-height:20px;margin-bottom:45px}.one-off-26222 ul li{margin:0;position:relative;padding-left:30px;margin-bottom:15px}.one-off-26222 ul li::before{font-family:\"mesohope\"!important;speak:none;font-style:normal;font-weight:normal;font-variant:normal;text-transform:none;line-height:1;content:\"\\e904\";background:#0FAEBF;width:20px;height:20px;display:block;position:absolute;left:0;top:0;border-radius:50%;color:#fff;font-size:10px;text-align:center;line-height:20px}.one-off-26222 .button{padding:12px 16px}.one-off-26222 .button::after{display:none}@media screen and (min-width:768px){.one-off-26222 a{max-width:620px;padding:25px 30px 37px}.one-off-26222 a::before{height:96%;border-radius:0 0 66% 0}.one-off-26222 a::after{height:96%;width:64%}.one-off-26222 .heading{text-align:left;margin:0 0 15px;font-size:24px;line-height:28px;max-width:350px}.one-off-26222 ul{margin:0 0 25px;font-size:17px;line-height:24px;max-width:315px}.one-off-26222 ul li{margin-bottom:10px}.one-off-26222 .button{padding:14px 28px}.one-off-26222 .button.arrow::after{display:inline-block}.one-off-26222 .image-wrap{max-width:260px;position:absolute;right:30px;bottom:-15px;margin:0 0 -2px;z-index:1}}<\/style><a href=\"\/pleural-guide\/\" title=\"Free Pleural Mesothelioma Patient Guide\" class=\"cte\" data-ce-category=\"In-Content Ads\" data-ce-label=\"Free Pleural Mesothelioma Patient Guide Ad\"><div>\r\n    <div class=\"vque-content\">\r\n        <strong class=\"heading\">Get Your Free Pleural Mesothelioma Patient Guide<\/strong>\r\n        <ul>\r\n            <li>Top doctors and treatments<\/li>\r\n            <li>Managing signs & symptoms<\/li>\r\n            <li>Options for compensation<\/li>\r\n        <\/ul>\r\n        <p><strong class=\"button arrow\" title=\"Download It Now\">Download It Now<\/strong><\/p>\r\n    <\/div>\r\n    <div class=\"image-wrap\"><img decoding=\"async\"  src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAAAAACH5BAEKAAEALAAAAAABAAEAAAICTAEAOw==\" data-src=\"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/pleural-guide-tablet.png\" alt=\"Free Pleural Guide\" class=\"lazyload\" ><\/div>\r\n<\/div><\/a><\/div>\n<h2 id=\"other\">Thoracentesis vs. Other Palliative Mesothelioma Treatments<\/h2>\n<p>A mesothelioma thoracentesis is a <a href=\"\/treatment\/palliative\/\">palliative treatment<\/a>, meaning doctors use it to reduce pain and discomfort. It\u2019s helpful for those with early-stage cancer, as well as for late-stage patients with metastatic cancer (which has spread through the body).<\/p>\n<p>Thoracentesis may not be the best option to help patients suffering from frequent pleural effusions. Even though thoracentesis allows excess fluid to be drained, it does not prevent fluid from accumulating in the pleura again.<\/p>\n<p>Learn about other palliative care options for pleural mesothelioma below.<\/p>\n<h3>Mesothelioma Thoracentesis vs. Chest Tube<\/h3>\n<p>An indwelling pleural catheter (IPC) or chest tube continually drains the pleura. As a result, the patient does not have to go back to the hospital for repeated thoracentesis procedures.<\/p>\n<p>A PleurX catheter is often recommended for pleural mesothelioma patients who experience effusions that keep returning. This catheter allows patients to drain pleural effusions at home.<\/p>\n<h3>Thoracentesis vs. Pleurodesis<\/h3>\n<p>Pleurodesis is another <a href=\"\/treatment\/surgery\/pleural\/\">surgery for pleural mesothelioma<\/a> that permanently seals the lung lining to prevent future pleural fluid buildup.<\/p>\n<p>Doctors seal the pleura by using medical-grade talc or causing mild irritation, which allows the lung to adhere to the chest.<\/p>\n<p>Your mesothelioma doctors may recommend a thoracentesis, chest tube, <a href=\"\/treatment\/surgery\/pleurodesis\/\">pleurodesis<\/a>, or another procedure depending on the nature of your case.<\/p>\n<h2 id=\"help\">Find Doctors for Mesothelioma Thoracentesis<\/h2>\n<p>If you or a loved one are interested in getting treatments like a thoracentesis for mesothelioma, we can help.<\/p>\n<p>Mesothelioma Hope has provided patients and their loved ones with <strong>personalized medical guidance and financial assistance<\/strong> for over 25 years. With our assistance, you can pursue a mesothelioma thoracentesis and other treatments to improve your prognosis.<\/p>\n<p>Call us at <strong><a href=\"tel:+18666088933\" title=\"Click to call (866) 608-8933\" class=\"in-content-tel-link\" data-ce-category=\"Click to Call\" data-ce-label=\"(866) 608-8933\">(866) 608-8933<\/a><\/strong> now or use our <a href=\"\/get-matched\/\">Free Doctor Match service<\/a> to find top mesothelioma specialists in your area.<\/p>\n<div class=\"faq-wrap\"><h2 class=\"faq-wrap-heading\">Mesothelioma Thoracentesis FAQs<\/h2><div class=\"faq\" data-faq=\"1\"><h3 class=\"faq-heading\">How do they remove fluid between the lungs and the chest for mesothelioma?<\/h3><div><p>A <strong>thoracentesis<\/strong> is used to remove fluid between the lungs and chest. During a thoracentesis, the patient sits upright, and the doctor numbs the area with local anesthesia.<\/p>\n<p>Using ultrasound for guidance, the doctor inserts a thin, hollow needle through the chest wall into the pleural space to drain the excess fluid. This relieves pressure on the lungs, helping the patient breathe easier.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><div class=\"faq\" data-faq=\"2\"><h3 class=\"faq-heading\">What is the most common side effect of a thoracentesis?<\/h3><div><p>Pain at the incision site is the most common side effect of a thoracentesis. It&#8217;s usually mild and goes away a few days after the procedure.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><div class=\"faq\" data-faq=\"3\"><h3 class=\"faq-heading\">Does fluid come back after thoracentesis? <\/h3><div><p><strong>In some cases.<\/strong> Pleural effusions may recur (return) for some patients despite this treatment. In such cases, health care teams may recommend a pleurodesis, a catheter, or another palliative care option.<\/p>\n<p>Some pleural mesothelioma patients may need multiple thoracentesis procedures performed, as pleural effusions can come back even if they\u2019re drained.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><div class=\"faq\" data-faq=\"4\"><h3 class=\"faq-heading\">What is the survival rate for thoracentesis?<\/h3><div><p>Thoracentesis is generally considered safe and well tolerated. Nearly all patients survive the procedure itself.<\/p>\n<p>In one study of 308 people who had thoracentesis, about 1 in 5 passed away within 30 days, and about half had passed away within a year. These numbers were due to the seriousness of their underlying illnesses, not from the surgery.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><div class=\"faq\" data-faq=\"5\"><h3 class=\"faq-heading\">How do you treat mesothelioma in the lungs?<\/h3><div><p>Doctors can use a thoracentesis, major surgeries, and other treatments to help patients with malignant pleural mesothelioma (which is found in the lung linings).<\/p>\n<p>Pleural effusions can cause uncomfortable symptoms like difficulty breathing and chest pain, which is why doctors often recommend using a mesothelioma thoracentesis to treat them.<\/p>\n<p>Besides a thoracentesis, pleural mesothelioma patients must undergo aggressive treatments to remove the cancer from their body and live longer.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><script type=\"application\/ld+json\">{\"@context\": \"https:\/\/schema.org\",\"@type\": \"FAQPage\",\"mainEntity\": [{\"@type\": \"Question\",\"name\": \"How do they remove fluid between the lungs and the chest for mesothelioma?\",\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\": \"Answer\",\"text\": \"&lt;p&gt;A &lt;strong&gt;thoracentesis&lt;\/strong&gt; is used to remove fluid between the lungs and chest. During a thoracentesis, the patient sits upright, and the doctor numbs the area with local anesthesia.&lt;\/p&gt;\n&lt;p&gt;Using ultrasound for guidance, the doctor inserts a thin, hollow needle through the chest wall into the pleural space to drain the excess fluid. This relieves pressure on the lungs, helping the patient breathe easier.&lt;\/p&gt;\n\"}},{\"@type\": \"Question\",\"name\": \"What is the most common side effect of a thoracentesis?\",\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\": \"Answer\",\"text\": \"&lt;p&gt;Pain at the incision site is the most common side effect of a thoracentesis. It&amp;#8217;s usually mild and goes away a few days after the procedure.&lt;\/p&gt;\n\"}},{\"@type\": \"Question\",\"name\": \"Does fluid come back after thoracentesis? \",\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\": \"Answer\",\"text\": \"&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;In some cases.&lt;\/strong&gt; Pleural effusions may recur (return) for some patients despite this treatment. In such cases, health care teams may recommend a pleurodesis, a catheter, or another palliative care option.&lt;\/p&gt;\n&lt;p&gt;Some pleural mesothelioma patients may need multiple thoracentesis procedures performed, as pleural effusions can come back even if they\u2019re drained.&lt;\/p&gt;\n\"}},{\"@type\": \"Question\",\"name\": \"What is the survival rate for thoracentesis?\",\"acceptedAnswer\":{\"@type\": \"Answer\",\"text\": \"&lt;p&gt;Thoracentesis is generally considered safe and well tolerated. Nearly all patients survive the procedure itself.&lt;\/p&gt;\n&lt;p&gt;In one study of 308 people who had thoracentesis, about 1 in 5 passed away within 30 days, and about half had passed away within a year. 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A thoracentesis is a common and simple medical procedure that can help patients with mesothelioma, a rare cancer caused by asbestos exposure. Doctors may use a thoracentesis to: Diagnose mesothelioma: Doctors can examine fluid that\u2019s removed from the pleura under a microscope to see if mesothelioma cells are present, according&hellip;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":49,"featured_media":0,"parent":130,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-21825","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.mesotheliomahope.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/21825","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.mesotheliomahope.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.mesotheliomahope.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.mesotheliomahope.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/49"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.mesotheliomahope.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=21825"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.mesotheliomahope.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/21825\/revisions"}],"up":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.mesotheliomahope.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/130"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.mesotheliomahope.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=21825"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}