What Is Pleural Effusion?
Pleural effusion happens when extra fluid collects within the lining around the affected lung (the pleura). The pleura has two layers. In healthy people, the area between the layers (the pleural space) holds a small amount of fluid. This helps the layers slide smoothly when you breathe. Effusion occurs when fluid builds up beyond the normal amount.
Several conditions can trigger this buildup of excess pleural fluid, including mesothelioma. Common causes include heart failure, kidney disease and pneumonia. If enough fluid collects, it can press on the lung, making it difficult to breathe. Doctors may recommend draining the effusion to relieve this symptom.
What Is the Prognosis for Pleural Effusion?
Life expectancy with pleural effusion depends on its cause and patient factors. One-year survival rates for benign pleural effusions range from about 50% to 75%. For malignant pleural effusions, experts say patients live 1 – 2 years. But prognosis can vary depending on treatment choices and other factors.
Mesothelioma and Pleural Effusion
Pleural effusion is a common symptom of malignant pleural mesothelioma. Pleural mesothelioma develops in the lining around the lungs. It is caused by asbestos. The mineral fibers can irritate and inflame the area, causing cancer to develop over time.
Research suggests more than 95% of patients experience pleural effusion at some point. For many, it is the first noticeable sign of mesothelioma.
How Does Mesothelioma Cause Pleural Effusion?
Pleural mesothelioma triggers effusion by increasing pleural fluid production and slowing its drainage. Tumor cells draw extra liquid into the pleural space. Mesothelioma cells can also spread to and block flow in the lymph nodes. This slows lymphatic drainage, causing pleural fluid to collect.
Many other conditions can lead to pleural effusions. This means fluid buildup can be triggered in different ways depending on the root cause.
What Causes Pleural Effusion?
Heart failure, cancer and pneumonia are the most common causes of pleural effusions. These illnesses trigger effusion by increasing pleural fluid, decreasing its drainage or both. Other conditions can also cause pleural effusions.
What Is the Main Cause of Pleural Effusion?
Lung cancer is the most common cause of malignant pleural effusion. Congestive heart failure is the leading cause of benign pleural effusion. Together, these conditions account for a large share of diagnosed cases.
Types of Pleural Effusion
Pleural effusions are grouped in different ways. Doctors often describe them based on the cause (cancer vs. non-cancer) or by the type of fluid inside the pleura. These categories help guide diagnosis and treatment.
Malignant vs. Benign Effusions
Pleural effusions may be malignant or benign, depending on the cause. Malignant pleural effusions are caused by cancer, most commonly lung cancer. Benign pleural effusions are caused by illnesses that are not cancer, with congestive heart failure being the most common. Treatment options vary between the two effusion types.
Protein-Rich vs. Watery Effusions
Pleural effusions can also be categorized by the contents of the effusion fluid:
- Protein-rich: This type of effusion contains a lot of protein and may be called an exudative effusion. It may be caused by cancers or inflammatory conditions. Protein-rich effusions are common among mesothelioma patients.
- Watery: This type of effusion is considered protein-poor and may be called a transudative effusion. It may be caused by heart failure, cirrhosis or pulmonary embolisms.
Understanding the protein content of an effusion may help doctors pinpoint its cause. This information can also affect treatment options.
Asbestos-Related Pleural Effusion
Asbestos exposure may increase your risk of developing pleural effusion. Once inhaled, asbestos fibers can cause inflammation and illness, including effusions. In rare cases, exposure can cause benign asbestos pleural effusion (BAPE).
BAPE occurs when a patient has pleural effusion with no other cause except asbestos exposure. Patients with BAPE do not necessarily have mesothelioma but may develop it in the future.
Symptoms of Malignant Pleural Effusion
Pleural effusion commonly signals the presence of another condition. But the fluid buildup can cause its own symptoms. Pleural effusion symptoms include shortness of breath, chest pain, coughing and fatigue. Some patients may not have symptoms. In these cases, the effusion may be found incidentally.
Note: Malignant and benign pleural effusions may cause similar symptoms.
Symptoms can range from mild to severe based on the amount of fluid in the pleural space. The greater the amount of fluid, the more noticeable symptoms may become.
How Is Pleural Effusion Diagnosed?
Doctors use several tests to investigate cases of suspected pleural effusion. Tests can include imaging scans like chest X-rays, ultrasound or CT scans. Doctors can also perform a physical exam.
To find the cause of pleural effusion, physicians may prescribe additional tests. For example, patients may undergo a biopsy to retrieve a sample of the effusion fluid. Technicians can analyze this fluid to help narrow down the underlying cause of fluid buildup.
Tests that can provide information on the cause of an effusion include:
These procedures may help doctors diagnose the root cause of pleural effusion and recommend an appropriate treatment.
Early Detection of Pleural Effusion Can Help Mesothelioma Patients
Early detection of pleural effusion may also lead to an early mesothelioma diagnosis.
Some patients with benign pleural effusion and past asbestos exposure may later develop pleural mesothelioma. In these cases, doctors can continue to monitor the patient for signs of mesothelioma. This may help with early diagnosis.
Earlier diagnosis generally comes with a more favorable mesothelioma prognosis. But life expectancy also depends on a patient’s cell type, age, overall health and other factors.
How Is Pleural Effusion Treated?
Pleural effusion treatments target the root cause. Doctors may treat effusions from heart failure with diuretics. Antibiotics treat infection-related effusions. Malignant pleural effusions are often treated by draining the fluid. Some approaches also aim to prevent future effusions.
Doctors treat pleural effusions in mesothelioma patients with short- or long-term solutions. Short-term approaches entail one-time drainage of excess fluid. Long-term options allow for repeated fluid drainage or seek to prevent future buildup.
Patients can receive these treatments alongside others, like immunotherapy or palliative care.
Mesothelioma Pleural Effusion Treatment Options
Like all medical treatments, each option comes with its own risks and benefits. Patients should discuss these factors with a mesothelioma specialist. The doctor can explain which choices best fit an individual patient.
Can Medical Talc for Pleurodesis Cause Mesothelioma?
Pleurodesis procedures cause the two layers of the pleura to stick to each other. Doctors commonly apply talc within the pleura to achieve this. The talc triggers irritation and scarring, essentially gluing the inner and outer pleura to each other.
Why Some Patients Worry About Talc
Patients may worry about this procedure, as talc has been linked to mesothelioma. Experts say this link stems from asbestos contamination. Talc naturally occurs in the same areas as asbestos. Without rigorous processing, talcum powders may still contain asbestos.
Safety of Medical Talc
Medical talc is regulated as a drug and is subject to stringent quality controls. Only three talc products have approval for pleurodesis usage. Each is labeled as asbestos-free.
How to Confirm Your Talc Is Safe
You can ask your doctor to share the drug label for any talc that will be used in your procedure. Reading the label and confirming the talc is free of asbestos may help give you peace of mind.
Common Questions About Pleural Effusion
- Who is more likely to get pleural effusion?
People who smoke or drink alcohol may have a higher than average risk of developing pleural effusion. This is because smoking and drinking can cause heart, lung and liver problems, which can trigger effusion.
- What type of cancer causes fluid in the lungs?
Cancers such as mesothelioma, lung, breast, ovarian, kidney and lymphoma can cause pleural effusion. Other cancers may also lead to fluid buildup, though less often.
- Is pleural effusion curable?
Doctors can treat pleural effusions that don’t clear on their own. They may be able to cure some cases by treating the underlying cause. If the underlying cause cannot be treated, the effusion may require repeat treatment. Patients should discuss treatment options with their doctors to understand the likelihood of a cure.
- What is the best treatment for pleural effusion?
For malignant pleural effusions, data indicates talc pleurodesis is the most effective chemical-based treatment. The best treatment for pleural effusion depends on the cause and patient factors. Doctors can weigh these variables and advise the best approach.
