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Metastatic pleural tumor Causes and Risks:
Cancer cells may be transported by the blood and lymph systems to other organs in the body. Almost any cancer can spread to the lungs, and metastases are found in 20 to 40% of patients dying of various cancers. Metastatic pleural tumors usually cause a pleural effusion (collection of fluid in the pleural space), which is often bloody. Risk factors are a previous medical history of cancer. The incidence is 5 out of 10,000 people.
Prevention:
Early detection and treatment of primary cancers may prevent metastatic pleural tumors in some individuals.
Symptoms:
Signs and Tests:
Treatment:
Pleural tumors usually cannot be surgically removed. The primary cancer should be treated. Chemotherapy and radiation therapy may be indicated depending upon the type of primary cancer.
The stress of illness can often be helped by joining a support group where members share common experiences and problems. See cancer - support group and lung disease - support group .
Prognosis:
The 5-year survival rate (number of people who live for more than 5 years after diagnosis) is less than 25% for people with metastatic pleural tumors.
Complications:
Call Your Healthcare Provider:
Call your health care provider if you experience symptoms of this disorder.
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