The pleura is a double layered lining that surrounds the lungs and lines the inside chest wall, providing protection and enabling the organs to function more smoothly. The first layer of the pleura surrounds the lungs and lines the chest wall directly. The second layer surrounds the first, but has a space in between. This space is known as the pleural cavity, and here, a liquid known as pleural fluid is produced, which helps to provide lubrication for the smooth functioning of the organs.
Pleural mesothelioma is a type of cancer that results from high-level or long-term exposure to airborne asbestos dust and fibers, which are then swallowed or breathed into the body. The asbestos can result in a range of health problems, and pleural mesothelioma is one of the more serious ones. This is where the lining and cells are attacked, and there is currently no cure for malignant pleural mesothelioma.
There are a number of symptoms associated with pleural mesothelioma, and one of the symptoms that can result from this cancer is the excessive accumulation of pleural fluid in the pleural cavity. Although there are procedures available to drain this excess fluid to minimize on further problems and ease discomfort for the patient, repeated accumulation of excessive fluid can become a problem.
A procedure known as pleurodesis can be used in order to minimize this fluid production, and this is where a chemical agent is used to cause inflammation of the pleural membranes, which will then help to bridge the gap or the pleural cavity where the fluid can be found. This is known as a palliative treatment designed to ease the discomfort and minimize related problems, although it obviously does not cure the disease itself.
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