Talha Mahmud.
Malignant pleural effusion.
Pak J Chest Med Jan ;20(1):26-33.

Cancer of the pleural space can be primary (mesothelioma) or secondary. Secondary malignancy is more common and is due to metastatic spread of a malignancy to the pleura1. Malignant disease of the pleura is the second leading cause of an exudative effusion after parapneumonic effusions in the western world but in endemic regions like Pakistan tuberculosis remains the most frequent cause2. Although malignant pleural disease may exist without a pleural effusion, effusions are found in 55% to 60% of cases. The most common and bothersome symptom associated with malignant pleural effusion (MPE) is dyspnea and the diagnosis of MPE is most commonly accomplished by demonstrating the presence of malignant cells in the pleural fluid cytology or by biopsy of the pleural tissue. Management options for MPE are limited and should be selected based upon patient symptoms, performance status, tumor type, response to systemic therapy, and the degree of lung re-expansion and symptom (mainly dyspnea) relief after therapeutic pleural aspiration. This review article highlights about the Diagnosis and management of malignant pleural effusion.

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