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 Malignant Pleural Effusion

Pleural space refers to the space between the lungs and the chest cavity. Normally, this space is compressed against the chest wall by the expanded lung tissue. Certain cancers can spread to this space and cause irritation and fluid production. Accumulation of fluids in this space is called "Pleural Effusion."

Symptoms:

Symptoms of pleural effusion depend on the amount of the fluid in the space. The more fluid in the space, the more symptoms a patient will have. Following are the most common signs of this problem:

• Shortness of breath

• Chest pain

• Cough

Diagnosis:

Diagnosis can be established on physical examination of the chest, by chest x-ray or CT scan of the chest. At times, it may become necessary to sample this fluid for evaluation and laboratory study and this procedure is called "pleural tap."

Treatment:

Treatment of malignant pleural effusion should be started promptly and be very aggressive; otherwise, the lung tissue may be damaged. This can be achieved by:

• Treatment of the underlying cancer

• Drainage of fluid from the chest with a tube

Administration of medicines into the fluid, using Bleomycin or Talc powder.