Key takeaways

  • Some cases of pleural effusion develop due to lung cancer. This may happen if cancer cells spread to the pleura. This is called malignant pleural effusion.
  • Symptoms of pleural effusion can include breathlessness, chest pain, and coughing. It may also cause fever, unexplained weight loss, and coughing up blood.
  • Treatment for pleural effusion typically involves draining the fluid. Depending on the method, this can be an outpatient or inpatient procedure. Indwelling pleural catheters (IPC) allow for draining fluid regularly at home.

Pleural effusion refers to a buildup of fluid around the lungs. It can happen due to a range of conditions, including some types of cancer.

This article explores the possible link between lung cancer and pleural effusion. It looks at causes and symptoms, how doctors diagnose pleural effusion, when to contact a doctor, and more.

Cancer is the third most common cause of pleural effusion after pneumonia and heart failure, according to Cancer Research UK. This includes lung cancer, as well as mesothelioma, breast cancer, and ovarian cancer.

Pleural effusion may develop if the cancer cells spread to the pleura, increasing pleural fluid production and decreasing fluid absorption.

Pleural fluid due to lung cancer is known as malignant pleural effusion.

Terms explained

Pleural effusion is the accumulation of fluid in the pleural space.

The pleural space is the thin gap between the pleura. The pleura is a thin membrane with two layers. The inner layer lines the lungs, and the outer layer lines the ribcage and diaphragm.

There is usually a small amount of fluid between the pleura layers. Excess fluid buildup can lead to pleural effusion.

Symptoms of pleural effusion can include:

A person should seek immediate medical help if they start coughing up blood.

To assist with reaching an accurate diagnosis, a doctor may begin by asking questions about symptoms and performing a physical examination.

They may order various tests, which can include:

They may also extract some of the fluid for laboratory analysis.

There are several treatments for malignant pleural effusion.

Thoracentesis involves fully draining the fluid from the pleural space. It is usually an outpatient procedure that involves using a catheter to drain the fluid.

Pleurodesis involves adding a chemical to the chest cavity after draining it to help the lung stick to the chest wall. This can help reduce the risk of pleural effusion returning. This is an inpatient procedure that usually requires a hospital stay for a few days.

It is also possible to drain pleural fluid at home. This involves inserting an indwelling pleural catheter (IPC). A medical professional places the IPC under the skin and into the pleural fluid so that the individual can drain it regularly at home. Removal of the IPC often happens within around 2 to 3 months.

It is possible for pleural effusion to return after treatment. According to Yale Medicine, the buildup of fluid is likely to return again in cases of lung cancer.

A person’s doctor can provide more information about whether pleural effusion is likely to return. They can help monitor for symptoms and advise on suitable treatments if it comes back.

A person should contact a doctor as soon as they have concerns about pleural effusion.

Symptoms are typically nonspecific, which means that they can occur due to a number of conditions, so tests are usually necessary to reach an accurate diagnosis.

It is also important to contact a doctor if a person has concerns about lung cancer, or if they have an existing lung cancer diagnosis and develop new or worsening symptoms.

Lung cancer is a possible cause of pleural effusion. If cancer cells spread to the pleura, they can cause an increase in the production of pleural fluid and a decrease in fluid absorption.

Pleural effusion can cause symptoms such as breathlessness, coughing, and chest pain. Tests such as X-rays, ultrasound, and CT scans can help diagnose pleural effusion. It may also be necessary to take a sample of the fluid for testing.

Treating pleural effusion involves draining the fluid. Procedures include thoracentesis, pleurodesis, and insertion of an indwelling pleural catheter (IPC).

Speak with a doctor as soon as there are concerns about pleural effusion. The doctor can order tests to confirm the diagnosis and advise on suitable treatments.