Most Mesothelioma victims’ first symptom, shortness of breath, is caused by fluid build-up found in the lungs. This is called pleural effusion. The current treatment inserts a tube between the lung and the membrane which surrounds the lungs to drain the fluid. Talc is then inserted in this space to prevent future fluid build-up.
The new procedure is a video assisted procedure that is less invasive and causes less damage to the surrounding healthy tissue. Clinical trials will try to determine which of the two procedures offers better control of symptoms, involves fewer complications, with a shorter hospital stay, and which offers a better quality of life. The study, overseen by Papworth Hospital in Cambridge, is another encouraging sign to Mesothelioma victims that serious steps are being taken to determine not only a cure for the disease but better and safer methods of treatment while a cure is being sought.
Richard J. Arsenault, 2011
