Thoracentesis is used to diagnose patients who have suspected pleural mesothelioma, and may also be used as a palliative surgical treatment for pleural mesothelioma patients who are suffering from the effects of a buildup of fluid in the lungs.
During a thoracentesis, a very long, hollow needle is inserted into the pleural spaces of the lungs and fluid is removed through the needle. This process is performed under a local anesthetic. If the procedure is used for diagnostic purposes, the doctor may order chest x-rays before the operation to determine the best location from which to extract samples. After the process, the fluid is sent to a laboratory for diagnostic testing.
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