Malignant Pleural Effusions: Comparing Treatment Costs
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Malignant Pleural Effusions: Comparing Treatment Costs

An indwelling pleural catheter may be the most effective way to deal with malignant pleural effusions in mesothelioma patients, but it can also be very costly.  Spanish researchers reached that conclusion after evaluating four different studies including 152 patients.  Their analysis shows that IPCs do help people with malignant pleural effusions feel better. But the procedure tends to be more complicated in people with pleural mesothelioma. This can make it much more expensive for them.   The Problem of Malignant Pleural Effusions Malignant pleural effusions occur when fluid builds up between the layers of the pleural membrane surrounding the lungs. It is a common problem in people with advanced mesothelioma and several other types of cancer.  The fluid is a byproduct…

Shortness of Breath Treatment Can ‘Seed’ New Mesothelioma Tumors
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Shortness of Breath Treatment Can ‘Seed’ New Mesothelioma Tumors

Mesothelioma patients who get pleural catheters to help with shortness of breath may pay a high price. New research shows about a quarter of them will develop new mesothelioma tumors at the spot where the catheter was placed. In a newly published paper, Canadian researchers say doctors need to consider the possibility of these catheter tract metastases (CTMs) when advising mesothelioma patients. Indwelling Pleural Catheters and Mesothelioma Many mesothelioma patients develop excess fluid around their lungs. This fluid puts pressure on the lungs and makes it hard for patients to get a deep breath. Shortness of breath is a common symptom of pleural mesothelioma. Indwelling pleural catheters (IPCs) can help. An IPC is a little tube inserted into the pleural…

Catheter Metastasis Manageable for Mesothelioma Patients

Catheter Metastasis Manageable for Mesothelioma Patients

The largest study yet of mesothelioma patients with metastatic disease along the path of their lung catheters has some reassuring news for patients. Australian researchers find that the problem is usually treatable. Many later-stage mesothelioma patients have indwelling pleural catheters put in place to help them deal with pleural effusions, a buildup of fluid that is a common symptom of the cancer. Untreated pleural effusions in mesothelioma can cause severe chest pain, shortness of breath, coughing and other life-limiting problems. For mesothelioma patients who are not candidates for pleurodesis, studies have shown that the installation of a catheter to drain off the lung fluid can create other problems.The most serious problem associated with indwelling pleural catheters (IPCs) is the risk…

New Approach to Decrease Mesothelioma Symptom
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New Approach to Decrease Mesothelioma Symptom

Draining off excess lung fluid with an indwelling catheter may be a better way to deal with this mesothelioma symptom than surgery, according to a new study. Pleural effusion, a build-up of fluid between the two layers of the lining around the lungs, is a common side effect of several cancers, including malignant pleural mesothelioma. Approximately half of all patients with metastatic cancer develop pleural effusion, which can have a dramatic impact on quality of life by inhibiting a person’s ability to breathe freely. Many mesothelioma patients also experience chest pain and fatigue as a result of pleural effusion. If untreated, pleural effusion can lead to pneumonia or lung collapse. Some mesothelioma patients with pleural effusion are treated with pleurodesis,…