The management of malignant pleural and pericardial effusions

Malignant pleural and pericardial effusions are debilitating complications of metastatic malignancy. Improper management may lead to multiple hospital admissions and loss of quality of life for patients with a short life expectancy. The majority of malignant pleural effusions are diagnosed and controlled by thoracentesis and sclerosis. Those with pericardial malignancy are best diagnosed and treated with pericardiocentesis and pericardial window. Strategies for the management of more difficult cases are also discussed in this article.