Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 23, 2026

Thoracoscopic Extended Right Middle Plus Lower Sleeve Lobectomy for Non-Small-Cell Lung Cancer
Published on: February 27, 2026
Massive pleural effusion due to metastasis of prostate cancer
V M dos Santos1, M M da Silva Zembrzuski, I P Gouvea
1Catholic University and Internal Medicine Department of Armed Forces Hospital (HFA), Brasilia-DF, Brazil. vitorinomodesto@gmail.com
Abstract:
We describe the case of a 72-year old male with pleural effusion associated with prostate cancer. There was a previous history of tobacco smoking (pack/year: 47) and of total prostatectomy followed by external beam radiation therapy seven years previously for prostate cancer. Furthermore, he was submitted to orchiectomy plus non-steroidal anti-androgen blockage, in addition to docetaxel-based chemotherapy and prednisone. After the beginning of chemotherapy, a progressive elevation in prostate specific antigen (PSA) levels was observed. On admission, he presented with fever, weight loss, and respiratory symptoms due to a massive right pleural effusion. Fluid samples obtained by needle aspiration showed haemorrhagic exudates without malignant cells. Pleural metastasis were detected by thorax imaging studies, and biopsy samples revealed prostate adenocarcinoma as the origin of his pleural effusion. Pleural fluid was drained and talc pleurodesis was performed. This report aims to describe the occurrence of massive pleural effusion due to metastasis of prostate cancer and emphasizes the role of pleural biopsy with immunohistochemical studies to characterize this diagnosis.
Related Concept Videos
Pleural Effusion I: Introduction
There are two main types of pleural effusion: transudative and exudative. They are differentiated using Light's criteria,...
Pleural Effusion II: Symptoms and Management
A pleural effusion is the abnormal collection of fluid between the parietal and visceral pleura layers of tissue that form the lining of the lungs and chest cavity. It can occur independently or due to surrounding parenchymal diseases, such as infection, malignancy, or inflammatory conditions.
Clinical Manifestations:
Pneumothorax-II
Clinical Manifestations:
Pleura of the Lungs
Pleural Disorders: Types and Brief Description
Pneumothorax II: Pathophysiology
