Doctors’ Answers to “Frequently Asked Questions” – Pleuradesis
These comments are made for the purpose of discussion and should NOT be used as
recommendations for or against therapies or other treatments. An individual patient is
always advised to consult their own physician.
Lung Cancer – Pleuradesis [posted
1/13/99]
Question: My grandmother had been diagnosed with lung cancer and the doctors want
to perform a procedure called pleuradesis. I’m looking for any information you might have
on this. The reason for this procedure is a building up of fluid in her lung. I need it
ASAP because the doctors want a decision. I want to know how effective this is and if this
would prohibit her from having any other type of cancer treatment, like chemotherapy or
radiation.
Answer: Pleuradesis is a procedure where the pleura (the lining of the lung) is
inflamed to cause scar tissue between the pleura and the chest wall. This is to minimize
or prevent fluid collection between the chest wall and the pleura. Preventing the fluid
will help the lung keep expanded and decrease the shortness of breath found in this
problem. This is a palliative procedure and will not cure the problem. There is no reason
that chemotherapy or radiation cannot proceed with the pleuradesis. However, the
pleuradesis is very painful and we usually don’t add on other things at the same time.
Pleuradesis [posted 8/11/98]
Question: My wife is pregnant and needs Pleuradesis. Tetracycline is out and talc
needs to be used. However, talc contains small amounts of serpentine (asbestos). You can
get pure talc, but I am told it is rare. Where would I be able to purchase 100% pure talc?
Answer: Can’t say I know, but I doubt it would ever be a big problem considering
the possible reasons she is getting pleuradesis.
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