Thoracoscopy: What You Need to Know

If you have been exposed to asbestos or experience mesothelioma symptoms, your doctor may order several tests before giving you an official diagnosis. One of the most accurate forms of mesothelioma testing is a thoracoscopy, a procedure during which your doctor uses a thoracoscope, a thin camera with a light on the end, to examine and take samples of your lung tissue. The doctor then looks closely at the sample under a microscope for mesothelioma cells. This is a minimally-invasive procedure with minimal recovery time, and it can help you and your doctor better understand your condition and how to treat it.

Seeking medical attention for mesothelioma symptoms and asbestos exposure is crucial, but it’s also important to contact an experienced lawyer to help you with the legal side of a mesothelioma diagnosis. At The Williams Law Firm, P.C., we have years of experience representing New York mesothelioma victims. We take a personalized and hands-on approach by developing a customized legal plan based on your unique needs and circumstances. Our compassionate team also takes the time to listen to your story and guide you through the entire process. This way, you can focus on treatment while we fight for your rights.

What Does a Thoracoscopy Do?

A thoracoscopy is the most accurate form of biopsy for diagnosing mesothelioma because it gives your doctor a lot of helpful information about your condition. This procedure often entails: 

• Getting information that a CT scan, chest X-ray, or ultrasound could not detect
• Removing a piece of your chest wall’s inner ling for further examination
• Removing damaged parts of the lungs
• Taking air pockets out of the lungs
• Removing cancerous parts of the lungs
• Draining excess fluid from the lungs 
• Using medicine to prevent liquid from building back up

The information your doctor gathers from a thoracoscopy can help determine where the cancer is, the stage it is in, and if it has spread to any other regions or organs. Before conducting the testing, your doctor will perform a physical exam and additional image testing to determine if a thoracoscopy is the right type of biopsy for you to receive.

What to Expect During a Thoracoscopy

We understand a thoracoscopy can be overwhelming, and you may not know what the procedure entails. A pulmonologist, a physician who specializes in the respiratory system, typically performs this minimally-invasive procedure, which involves the following steps:

• You receive anesthesia to put you to sleep through the thoracoscopy.
• The specialist inserts a tub into your throat to control your breathing.
• The pulmonologist makes two or three small incisions over your ribs.
• A thoracoscope gets inserted into the lung area.
• Other tools may be inserted into the other incisions if needed.
• The specialist examines the area and removes a sample of abnormal tissue.
• The tools get taken out of the incisions.
• The pulmonologist inserts a chest tube into your lung area to get air out.
• The incisions are stitched closed.
• You wake up from the anesthesia and breathe on your own.

After a thoracoscopy, you will most likely be able to resume working and other activities after two weeks, but full recovery can take four to six weeks. We are here to support you throughout this entire process and allow you to focus on healing while we fiercely advocate for the compensation you deserve.

Get in Touch With a Reputable New York Mesothelioma Lawyer at The Williams Law Firm, P.C.

If you experience chest pain, difficulty breathing, coughing, and other mesothelioma symptoms, your doctor may conduct several forms of testing to find the root cause of the issue. One of these tests may be a thoracoscopy. However, you may worry about the costs of these procedures, but with the help of a trusted lawyer at The Williams Law Firm, P.C., you may recover full compensation for your losses.

With 30 years of experience representing New York mesothelioma victims, Joseph P. Williams understands what it takes to successfully handle your claim. He meets with you personally and takes your case seriously, so you can rest assured your claim is in the right hands. We go above and beyond to fight for your rights and be the support you need while you go through treatment and recovery. We have won every single case. Additionally, we offer free consultations for you to tell your story and determine the best path to a fair settlement and justice. To schedule yours, call us at (866) 395-8141 or fill out our contact form.