Medical Thoracoscopy Safe and Effective for Mesothelioma Diagnosis
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Medical Thoracoscopy Safe and Effective for Mesothelioma Diagnosis

ByAlex Strauss

UK researchers say a minimally invasive procedure called medical thoracoscopy is safe and effective for diagnosing mesothelioma and treating its symptoms.  The word comes from a large medical center in Northumberland. The UK has one of the highest rates of pleural mesothelioma in the world. Rates of pleural mesothelioma in Northumberland are especially high.  Mesothelioma diagnosis usually requires a biopsy. The new study finds that medical thoracoscopy enabled “high diagnostic sensitivity” with few serious complications.   Understanding Medical Thoracoscopy Medical thoracoscopy is a minimally invasive procedure for diagnosing and treating diseases affecting the pleura. The pleura is a membrane that surrounds the lung. People with mesothelioma and some other diseases can develop fluid between the pleura and the lungs. The fluid is…

Decisions About Pleural Effusion in Mesothelioma: New Tool May Help
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Decisions About Pleural Effusion in Mesothelioma: New Tool May Help

ByAlex Strauss

Researchers in the UK have developed a new tool that may help patients with mesothelioma and other pleural cancers make decisions about pleural effusion.  Pleural effusion is the buildup of excess fluid in the space around the lungs. It is a common side effect in people with advanced lung or breast cancer or pleural mesothelioma.  It can be complicated and time-consuming to make decisions about pleural effusion treatment. There are many different ways to handle the problem.  The UK research team developed a web-based decision support tool with input from patients, clinicians, and caregivers. The tool uses videos and questions to help patients decide on the best course of treatment for their unique situation. Pleural Effusion and Treatment Options The pleura…

Pleural Effusion in Mesothelioma: Comparing Solutions
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Pleural Effusion in Mesothelioma: Comparing Solutions

ByAlex Strauss

A new study says, when it comes to pleural effusion in mesothelioma, the two main solutions are pretty equal – with one exception.  Pleural effusion is a buildup of fluid in the space around the lungs. Over time, this fluid restricts the lungs and makes it hard to breathe. The problem is common in several types of cancer, including malignant mesothelioma.  In a new report, Taiwanese and Hong Kong researchers compared the two primary ways of dealing with pleural effusion in mesothelioma. They conclude that the two methods work equally well. But one of them usually means a longer hospital stay. Understanding Pleural Effusion in Mesothelioma The pleura are layers of thin membranes that surround the lungs. Pleural mesothelioma tumors…