Pleural Effusion
Pleural effusion is an accumulation of fluid between the parietal
pleura (the lining covering the chest wall and diaphragm) and the
visceral pleura (the lining covering the lungs). It is one of the most common
symptoms of
pleural mesothelioma. Both of the pleural membranes are covered with mesothelial cells, which normally produce a small amount of fluid that acts as a lubricant between the chest wall and the lung. The fluid balance is maintained by the blood and lymph vessels in the area, which absorb the fluid. When too much fluid accumulates, the result is known as an effusion (1).
Call us at (888) 360-4215 to speak with a mesothelioma paralegal
There are two types of fluid that can result in pleural effusion: transudate and exudate fluids. A transudate fluid is a clear fluid that forms when the factors that influence the formation and absorption of the pleural fluid is altered. The most common cause of the over-accumulation of this fluid (transudative effusion) is congestive heart failure. An exudate fluid is the result of
disease of the pleura itself, and it is this type of fluid found in the pleural of meosthelioma patients. Exudate fluid is often cloudy and contains many cells and proteins (1, 2).
Diagnosis of pleural effusion is usually accomplished with a chest x-ray, although CT scans or ultrasound may also be used. If mesothelioma is suspected, it can be diagnosed through a tissue sample of the pleura, obtained either through a needle biopsy or via open surgical biopsy (1).
As the volume of fluid between the pleural membrane increases, the result is often shortness of breath, known as "dyspnea," which may be accompanied by chest pains (1). The symptoms of pleural effusion may be relieved through draining the fluids either through a needle placed into the chest, or-for a longer-term solution-through a process known as chemical pleurodesis. The procedure places a substance (often talc) between the pleural membranes via a large needle, or through a tube that enters the chest (thoracoscope). The substance irritates the pleural membranes, causing them to become inflamed and stick together. This removes the space between them (the pleural space) so that fluid cannot accumulate. This procedure does not treat the cancer itself (3, 4).