Management of malignant pleural effusion: Sclerosis or chronic tube drainage

Abstract

Numerous benign, infectious, and malignant diseases lead to recurrent pleural effusions. Patients with cancer often develop current malignant pleural effusions secondary to their underlying disease. These malignant pleural effusions (MPE) frequently cause dyspnea and functional impairment. After other causes of dyspnea have been excluded, drainage of the MPE by simple thoracentesis can improve dyspnea and assist in improving ambulation and general activities. Malignant pleural effusion often recurs, challenging the physician, the patient, and the patient's family in balancing the benefits of symptomatic improvement with the risk and inconvenience of therapy. In addition, most patients with MPE will have a median life expectance of 90 days (range, 3-9 months) depending upon the histological subtype of the primary tumor. © 2007 Springer-Verlag London Limited.