Thoracentesis for Mesothelioma

What Is Mesothelioma Thoracentesis (Pleurocentesis)?

Thoracentesis for mesothelioma is a minimally invasive procedure used in the treatment of fluid buildup in the chest known as pleural effusions. This condition is commonly associated with pleural mesothelioma. Doctors insert a thin needle into the space between the lungs and the chest wall, called the pleural space, to drain the excess fluid. 

This procedure serves a dual purpose. It allows doctors to study the drained fluid for cancer cells, helping them diagnose mesothelioma. And it reduces fluid buildup that causes pain and breathing difficulty, providing symptom relief. 

Key Facts About Thoracentesis for Mesothelioma

1. Thoracentesis can remove a few liters of fluid in one go.
2. It’s a short, simple procedure done with local numbing medicine.
3. Thoracentesis for mesothelioma can help you breathe better and lessen chest pain.
4. The fluid taken out can be tested to find out if you have mesothelioma.

Mesothelioma expert and registered nurse, Sean Marchese, MS, RN, tells us, “Although thoracentesis may not cure mesothelioma cancer, it’s an important tool for managing symptoms and aiding in diagnosis. In palliative care, the procedure eases breathing and improves quality of life.”

What to Expect During Thoracentesis for Mesothelioma

On the day of your mesothelioma thoracentesis, you can expect your doctor or nurse to make sure you’ve followed your prep notes, like arranging a ride home. You’ll change into a hospital gown, take off any jewelry and get your blood pressure and oxygen checked. A scan like an X-ray or ultrasound may be used to check the fluid around your lungs. 

Your care team will clean the skin on your back and give you medicine to numb the area. You’ll sit with your arms resting on a table or lie on your side. Your doctor will use a needle or small tube to remove the fluid, then cover the spot with a bandage. The procedure takes about 30 minutes, but you’ll want to plan for 1 to 2 hours total for prep and recovery.

Mesothelioma Thoracentesis Process

1. Preparation: You may be asked to sit upright and lean slightly forward. Local anesthesia is used to numb the area.
2. Needle insertion: A doctor inserts a thin needle or catheter into your pleural space.
3. Fluid removal: The excess fluid is drained, often into a small collection bottle.
4. Observation: You’ll be monitored briefly for any side effects or breathing changes.
5. Follow-up: Your doctor may send fluid samples to a lab to check for cancer cells.

Recovery from thoracentesis is usually quick. Most people go home the same day and experience improved breathing within hours. You may receive diagnostic results after lab tests are complete, and at-home care is often minimal.

After having a thoracentesis, mesothelioma survivor Jim Madaris tells us he’s thankful for the improvements in his symptoms. He says, “I’ve lasted four times longer than my first doctor expected. I look at today, and that day’s outlook is always great.”

Palliative Thoracentesis Versus Other Mesothelioma Treatments

The goal of thoracentesis for mesothelioma is to relieve painful symptoms. It’s a type of care known as palliative therapy. While it doesn’t cure mesothelioma, it can help improve quality of life. 

Removing excess pleural fluid alleviates chest pain and shortness of breath. It reduces pressure on the chest and lungs and provides more space for the lungs to expand during respiration.

Some people with mesothelioma may benefit more from pleurodesis. This mesothelioma surgery drains excess fluid and then seals the pleural space to prevent fluid from building up there again. Another treatment option is for doctors to insert a catheter, such as an indwelling pleural catheter, or IPC, that continuously drains the pleura so the patient doesn’t have to undergo repeated thoracentesis procedures.

Those with early-stage mesothelioma who are in otherwise good health may be eligible for a more aggressive surgery to entirely remove the diseased part of the pleura. The Journal of Clinical Oncology in 2025 notes thoracentesis is tolerated well at all cancer stages and continues to be an effective mesothelioma procedure for alleviating pleural effusion.

Jim Madaris

Verified Asbestos.com Survivor

Survivor’s Fluid Buildup Drained With Thoracentesis

Jim Madaris underwent an extensive 14-hour abdominal surgery and HIPEC procedure for peritoneal mesothelioma when he was diagnosed in 2013. The second surgery followed repeated fluid buildup around his lungs after the tumor cells migrated into the thoracic cavity. Doctors performed a thoracentesis first to drain the fluid, and then a pleurodesis to eliminate the space between the lungs and the chest wall.

Jim Madaris

Verified Asbestos.com Survivor

Read Jim’s Story

Mesothelioma Thoracentesis Risks and Complications

Like any medical procedure, mesothelioma thoracentesis has some risks such as infection or bleeding. Serious problems are rare, and doctors try to prevent them. Most people recover well. Using ultrasound guidance makes the procedure safer. With proper care, patients on blood thinners can also have it done safely.

If you experience chest pain, fever or trouble breathing after the procedure, tell your care team. The most serious risk is a collapsed lung, called pneumothorax. This can happen if the lung is accidentally punctured or air leaks into the chest.

Possible Complications

• Bleeding: rare but possible, especially if blood vessels are punctured
• Collapsed lung : a pneumothorax may occur if air leaks into the pleural space
• Infection: low risk when sterile procedures are followed
• Laceration: injury to lung, diaphragm, spleen or liver
• Tumor seeding: invasion of cancer cells along the needle track
• Pain or Discomfort: usually mild and temporary

A 2024 study in the Journal of Clinical Medicine shows complications from thoracentesis have improved, but some people are still at higher risk. People who have had previous lung surgeries have a higher chance of complications. 

Common Questions About Thoracentesis for Mesothelioma

What is the difference between thoracentesis and pleurocentesis?

These are different names for the same procedure. Thoracentesis is more commonly used in the U.S., while pleurocentesis may appear in medical literature. Both terms describe the process of removing excess fluid from the space between the lungs and chest wall, known as the pleural space.

Does thoracentesis cure mesothelioma?

No, thoracentesis doesn’t cure mesothelioma. It’s used to relieve symptoms and gather diagnostic information. It helps make breathing more comfortable. It also provides fluid samples for testing that can then guide further treatment.

How often might I need thoracentesis?

Some people only need it once, while others may require repeated procedures if fluid buildup continues. The frequency depends on the severity of the fluid accumulation and their overall condition.

Who is eligible for thoracentesis?

Most people with mesothelioma who experience pleural effusions are candidates for thoracentesis. A doctor will review your imaging scans and medical history to decide your personal eligibility. Qualifying for thoracentesis for mesothelioma also depends on factors like overall health and the presence of any contraindications to the procedure.

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