talc

Talc is a mineral composed primarily of magnesium, silicon, and oxygen. In medicine, sterile pharmaceutical-grade talc is used as a sclerosing agent to prevent the recurrence of malignant pleural effusions in symptomatic patients. It is administered intrapleurally (into the chest cavity) during procedures such as thoracoscopy or open thoracotomy after fluid drainage to induce pleurodesis—the adhesion of the lung to the chest wall—thereby preventing further fluid accumulation. Talc acts by causing an inflammatory reaction that leads to fibrosis and obliteration of the pleural space. It is approved for this use in cancer patients with recurrent malignant pleural effusion[1][3][5][7]. Outside medicine, talc has widespread industrial and cosmetic applications. There have been concerns about potential health risks associated with non-medical uses of talcum powder[3][4]. The main approved indication is prevention of malignant pleural effusion recurrence; other uses are not established.

Brand names

Sclerosol IntrapleuralSteritalc

Other names

sterile talc powdertalcum powder