![]() ![]() This can often be done with a minimally invasive surgical technique called video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS).Ĭhemotherapy. In some cases, surgery may be needed to look at the pleural space, get additional biopsies, and do a pleurodesis (see above). A doctor inserts the shunt during surgery. A shunt is used to bypass and divert excess fluid from one place to another. After time, if your body does not produce anymore pleural effusion fluid, the catheter can be removed. At home, you or your family member use the catheter to drain the fluid into a bottle as instructed by your doctor. This type of catheter can be left in for long periods of time for ongoing draining. A tunneled pleural catheter (TPC) can also be used. A catheter is a thin tube of plastic that is inserted into the pleural fluid. Sometimes, a catheter is used to drain fluid. This treatment, called pleurodesis, decreases the chance that the fluid will return.Ĭatheter. Then, a chemical is used to stick the edge of the lung to the chest wall. Typically, the chest tube stays in for a day or longer until enough of the fluid has drained. In this procedure, a doctor inserts a tube into your chest to drain the fluid. An ultrasound probe may be used before a thoracentesis to see if there is enough fluid to drain. During thoracentesis, a doctor inserts a needle to remove the fluid. It can also be used to diagnose a pleural effusion. This procedure removes the fluid from around the lungs. You and your health care team will discuss the best treatment options for you. There are several methods available to remove fluid. Treatment for a pleural effusion can be given in a hospital or an outpatient setting. Chemotherapy can also prevent the effusion from returning. The most common treatment is to drain the malignant pleural fluid. How is a malignant pleural effusion treated? A pathologist is a doctor who specializes in interpreting laboratory tests and evaluating cells, tissues, and organs to diagnose disease. Thoracentesis, a needle removes fluid from the pleural space for testingĪfter the fluid is removed for testing, a pathologist will confirm if the effusion is malignant or not, meaning if there are cancer cells present in the fluid or not. Your doctor may use the following tests to locate, diagnose, or plan treatment for a pleural effusion:Ĭhest x-ray, which is a picture of the inside of your body showing fluid buildup Pleural effusion that is caused by other conditions that are not cancer are considered "non-malignant pleural effusions." The treatment for this kind of pleural effusion may be different than what is described below. Poor nutrition, causing low protein levels These conditions include:īlood clots in the lungs, also called pulmonary embolism Pleural effusion can also be caused by other conditions that are not cancer. Pleural effusions may also occur after lung surgery. Radiation therapy, chemotherapy, abdominal surgery, and certain medications can cause pleural effusion. Pleural effusion can also be a sign that cancer has spread to the lymph nodes.Ĭancer treatments. For example, around 40% of people with lung cancer develop a pleural effusion at some point during the course of their cancer. Some types of cancer are more likely to cause a pleural effusion. Sometimes, a pleural effusion can occur as a result of inflammation, lung obstruction, trauma, or another medical condition that may not be due to cancer.Ĭertain types of cancer. This means that there are cancer cells in the pleural space causing fluid to build up. For people with cancer, pleural effusions are often malignant (see above). There are several different causes of pleural effusion. It can help people with any stage of cancer feel better. ![]() This is called palliative care or supportive care. Relieving side effects is an important part of cancer care and treatment. Tell your health care team if you experience any of the above symptoms. You may experience the following symptoms: What are symptoms of a pleural effusion?Ī pleural effusion can cause uncomfortable side effects. If cancer grows in the pleural space, it causes a "malignant pleural effusion." This condition is a sign that the cancer has spread, or metastasized, to other areas of the body. A pleural effusion can be serious and potentially life-threatening, but it is treatable. But cancer and other conditions can cause fluid to build up. It helps the lungs move in your chest as you breathe. ![]() A small amount of fluid in this area is normal. You have pleura surrounding your lungs and lining the inside of your chest. A build-up of fluid in the space between the lungs and the chest wall is called a "pleural effusion." This area of the body is called the pleural space. ![]()
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