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Sterile Talc Powder

(STAYR-il ... POW-der)
A mist or powdered form of the mineral magnesium silicate that is used to prevent malignant pleural effusions from coming back. Malignant pleural effusion is a condition in which cancer causes an abnormal collection of fluid in the space between the lung and chest wall. When Sterile Talc Powder is given through a tube inserted into the pleural space, it causes the space to close up so fluid cannot collect there. Sterile Talc Powder is a type of sclerosing agent. Also called Sclerosol Intrapleural Aerosol, Steritalc, and talc.
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