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Pleural Effusion
Pleural effusion refers to an abnormal buildup of fluid around the lungs (contrast with abdominal ascites). Specifically, the fluid collects between the pleura (the thin layer of tissue lining the lung) and the wall of the chest cavity. It is a common symptom of pleural mesothelioma, along with chest pain, coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath, hoarseness, and less commonly, blood clots.
One way to prevent this condition is through the procedure of pleurodesis, where a small cut is made in the chest and a hollow tube is inserted to remove fluid and then inject chemicals or drugs that are used to cause inflammation and adhesion between the layers of the pleura. The resulting adhesion prevents the buildup of fluid.
Listen to Mary Hesdorffer, a nurse practitioner and Medical Liaison for the Mesothelioma Applied Research Foundation, talk about the symptoms of pleural mesothelioma, including pleural effusion.
