Pleural Fluid
Pleural fluid is the liquid which fills the area surrounding the lungs. Specifically, it fills the space between the lining of the chest cavity (
visceral pleura) and the lining of the lungs (parietal
pleura). This space is known as the pleural space. Pleural fluid lubricates the area to allow for the smooth movement of the lungs within the chest (1). In cases of
malignant pleural mesothelioma, the pleural fluid may accumulate in abnormally large amounts in a condition known as
pleural effusion (2).