Malignant Pleural Effusion: How Fluid Accumulates in the Lungs in Oncological Diseases

Malignant pleural effusion is a condition in which fluid accumulates in the pleural space – the area between the membranes surrounding the lung – as a result of an oncological disease.

To confirm the diagnosis and determine the appropriate treatment, doctors carry out a thorough assessment, which may include chest X-ray, thoracic ultrasound, or CT scan. Where necessary, additional investigations may also be recommended, such as PET-CT, MRI, pleural biopsy, or thoracoscopy.

These investigations allow doctors to determine the amount of fluid that has accumulated, identify any changes to the pleura and lungs, and establish the underlying disease that has caused the effusion.

Treatment is personalised, taking into account the volume of fluid, the patient's respiratory symptoms, the stage of the oncological disease, and their general state of health. Draining the fluid through thoracentesis can bring about a rapid improvement in breathing. In cases of recurrent malignant pleural effusion, doctors may recommend procedures aimed at reducing the risk of fluid reaccumulating, such as pleurodesis or the insertion of a permanent pleural catheter.

At the same time, treating the underlying oncological disease remains essential. The primary goals are controlling symptoms, preventing the recurrence of pleural fluid, and improving the patient's quality of life.

Information about malignant pleural effusion, its diagnosis, and treatment options was provided by Dr. Mihaela Codreși, primary care physician in thoracic surgery at Spitalul Clinic SANADOR.