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Updated: Mar 13, 2026

Local Anesthetic Thoracoscopy for Undiagnosed Pleural Effusion
Published on: November 10, 2023
Current best practice in the evaluation and management of malignant pleural effusions
Steven Walker1, Anna C Bibby1, Nick A Maskell2
1Academic Respiratory Unit, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK.
Abstract:
Malignant pleural effusions (MPEs) are an important cause of cancer-related mortality and morbidity. It is a heterogeneous group of conditions, which leads to debilitating symptoms and confers a poor prognosis. Recent well-designed randomized trials have provided a broader evidence base for an expanding range of treatment options. Together, with new prognostic scoring systems and a greater understanding of how different patient phenotypes respond to treatment, this allows greater personalization of management. This article will discuss the current evidence on evaluation and management of MPEs.
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