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What Causes Pleural Effusion?

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Posted on Fri, 29 Jul 2016
Question: Dr heijebu. My grandfather is now admitted in an intensive care unit.He was resected for carcinoma stomach in 2014 and was on chemotherapy since then.Now he is admitted with chest infection and difficulty in breathing.His blood glucose is 333 mg%.Now doctor says there is fluid in the chest.What are the outcomes in my grandfathers case.What are the chances of fluid removal from his chest.

Please advise
doctor
Answered by Dr. Suresh Heijebu (23 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Pleural effusion possibly related to cancer recurrence.

Detailed Answer:
Hello Sir

I can certainly understand your concern.

I have worked through your query in detail.

The outcomes in your grandfather's case are marginal.

The accumulation of fluid in the chest is related to the dual effect of cancer related effusion as well as infection .

The most important treatment aspect in his case is an early Ultrasound guided therapeutic drainage of pleural effusion.

This procedure can effectively remove fluid from the chest and prevent further respiratory embarrassment.

In case the fluid still continues to accumulate in the chest in spite of clearing of chest infection, the possibility of cancer recurrence should be considered.

In such a case, the oncologist has to be immediately alerted and changes in oncological therapeutic protocol has to be considered.

In case of cancer related pleural effusion, the overall outcome is poor.

Post your further queries if any.
Thank you.





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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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Answered by
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Dr. Suresh Heijebu

Psychiatrist

Practicing since :2010

Answered : 3646 Questions

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What Causes Pleural Effusion?

Brief Answer: Pleural effusion possibly related to cancer recurrence. Detailed Answer: Hello Sir I can certainly understand your concern. I have worked through your query in detail. The outcomes in your grandfather's case are marginal. The accumulation of fluid in the chest is related to the dual effect of cancer related effusion as well as infection . The most important treatment aspect in his case is an early Ultrasound guided therapeutic drainage of pleural effusion. This procedure can effectively remove fluid from the chest and prevent further respiratory embarrassment. In case the fluid still continues to accumulate in the chest in spite of clearing of chest infection, the possibility of cancer recurrence should be considered. In such a case, the oncologist has to be immediately alerted and changes in oncological therapeutic protocol has to be considered. In case of cancer related pleural effusion, the overall outcome is poor. Post your further queries if any. Thank you.