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Updated: Jul 14, 2026
03:22
Local Anesthetic Thoracoscopy for Undiagnosed Pleural Effusion
Published on: November 10, 2023
[Management of malignant pleural effusion].
Gérard Zalcman1, Emmanuèle Lechapt, Emmanuel Bergot
1Service de pneumologie & ER INSERM Cancers et Populations, service de pneumologie, CHU Côte de Nacre. zalcman-g@chu-caen.fr
La Revue Du Praticien
|June 23, 2007
Summary
Malignant pleural effusions, often from lung or breast cancer, are treatable with new chemotherapy. Thoracoscopy and talc sclerotherapy are key for diagnosis and palliative care of these effusions.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Pulmonology
- Pathology
Context:
- Malignant pleural effusions are a significant cause of morbidity in patients over 40.
- Lung and breast cancer metastases, along with malignant mesothelioma, are primary etiologies.
- Treatment has historically been palliative, but advancements in chemotherapy offer new therapeutic avenues.
Purpose:
- To review the diagnosis and management of malignant pleural effusions.
- To highlight the role of thoracoscopy, biopsies, and sclerotherapy.
- To discuss the impact of new chemotherapeutic agents and imaging on mesothelioma.
Summary:
- Malignant pleural effusions are frequently caused by metastatic adenocarcinomas (lung, breast) and malignant mesothelioma.
- Diagnostic tools include thoracoscopy for biopsies and immunohistochemical analysis.
- Malignant mesothelioma, often linked to asbestos exposure, benefits from cisplatin and pemetrexed chemotherapy, though cure remains rare.
Impact:
- Improved understanding of malignant pleural effusions management.
- Highlights advancements in chemotherapy and diagnostic imaging for mesothelioma.
- Provides insights into palliative care strategies for malignant pleural effusions.
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